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Protein

Protein is a building block made of amino acids that your body needs for muscles, bones, hormones and repair. As you age you need relatively more protein to preserve muscle mass.

Protein at a glance

WorksYes, for preserving muscleStrong
How much1.2 to 1.6 g per kg in older adults
SafeYes, also for healthy kidneysStrong
SourceMeat, dairy, legumes, fish
99 studies13 answersupdated Nov 2026
Evidence per claim
Enough protein helps preserve muscle mass, especially in older adults
View evidence →
Strong
Too little protein raises the risk of fractures
View evidence →
Moderate
Does not harm healthy kidneys
View evidence →
Strong
May support immunity later in life
View evidence →
Preliminary
Practical use

For whom

Older adults, people who train, and those recovering from illness or surgery.

Not for whom

With advanced kidney disease only after consulting a doctor.

Usual dose

For older adults about 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilo per day, spread across meals.

Key caveats

Works best together with strength training. Combine animal and plant sources.

What we know, and don't

Known

Enough protein plus training preserves muscle mass
Spread intake across the day
Safe with healthy kidneys

Not yet

The exact optimum per person
Whether very high intake adds more
The animal versus plant difference long term
Common misconceptions
"Protein harms your kidneys."
Not shown. Not in healthy kidneys at normal amounts.Strong evidence
"More protein automatically means more muscle."
Incomplete. Only together with strength training.Moderate evidence
"Protein is mainly for bodybuilders."
False. Older adults actually need relatively more.Moderate evidence
Latest news on protein
7 eating habits that make a real difference after 403 NovRebuilding muscle after 60: what works and what doesn't1 SepEating less protein for longevity: experts push back21 Aug
Heard on podcasts

What popular health podcasts claimed about protein, checked against the research.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon · Dr. David ChurchPartly
“People who eat 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day lose more fat mass than those who eat 0.8 grams per kilogram.”
What the research says →
Dr. Eric BergPartly
“Consuming unfermented dairy and whey protein powder raises IGF-1 and insulin hormone levels.”
What the research says →
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon · Michael J. OrmsbeePartly
“A high-protein shake thirty minutes before going to sleep raises resting metabolism in the morning.”
What the research says →
Protein: what's new, and what holds up

We follow the latest research on protein and listen to leading health podcasts, and we check what they claim. You'll get one email on Thursdays with what matters, and only when there's something new.

You can add more topics later, such as exercise or sleep.

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