The federal government told Americans in January to build every meal around protein and raised the daily target well above the long-standing national allowance. A scientific review published two weeks ago argues that for one large group of Americans—people who are not physically active—that advice may not deliver what it promises.
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, instruct Americans to prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense protein foods and set a protein serving goal of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, adjusted to individual calorie needs. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults, reflected in the federal Dietary Reference Intakes, is 0.8 grams per kilogram.
