Protein Intake Guidelines for Healthy Children

Age-Specific Protein Requirements

For healthy children aged 3-12 years, the recommended daily protein intake is 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day, which supports growth and development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, 2, 3
Infants 0-6 months require 1.5 g/kg/day of protein 4
Infants 7-12 months require 1.2 g/kg/day of protein 4
Children 1-3 years require 1.05-1.5 g/kg/day of protein 4, 2
School-age children 4-13 years require 1.0-2.0 g/kg/day of protein (or 0.95 g/kg/day minimum) 1, 2, 3
Adolescents 14-18 years require 0.85-1.2 g/kg/day of protein 4, 2

Protein should comprise 10-30% of total daily energy intake for children aged 3 years and older, with intake at the low end considered more than adequate, according to the American Heart Association 1

Both animal and plant proteins meet children's protein needs when consumed in sufficient amounts, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 1
Protein requirements do not need to be increased for vegetarian or vegan diets 1, 2, 3
Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes provide adequate protein 2

Do not exceed 2.5 g/kg/day in stable, healthy children, as there is no rational benefit beyond this level, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, 3

Critically ill children require approximately 2.8 g/kg/day of protein to achieve positive nitrogen balance 1, 3
Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 3 require 0.95-1.35 g/kg/day of protein 4, 2, 3
Children with CKD Stages 4-5 require 0.95-1.15 g/kg/day of protein 4, 2, 3
Children on hemodialysis require an additional 0.1 g/kg/day of protein to compensate for dialytic losses 4
Children on peritoneal dialysis require an additional 0.15-0.3 g/kg/day of protein to compensate for peritoneal losses 4