Dietitians say it’s time to be more conscious about protein consumption

According to the survey*, protein intake is one of the most frequently raised topics in dietetic advice: more than 80% of professionals regularly or occasionally receive questions from patients. People are most often interested in the protein content of individual foods, the needs related to different diets, and protein intake related to sports.

Dietitians primarily recommend a varied protein intake based on both animal and plant sources, but according to their experience, patients tend to base their diet on animal proteins – meat, dairy products, eggs – while the consumption of plant sources is relegated to the background. According to experts, optimal protein intake should be given particular attention, among others, after surgery, when following a vegetarian and vegan diet, in the elderly, in patients living with multiple diseases, and in cases of digestive problems.

87% of dietitians highlighted the maintenance of muscle mass as the most important physiological benefit of protein, but many also emphasized the support of the immune system (68%) and its role in body weight maintenance (65%). At the same time, they were divided on whether the population consumes too little or too much protein: 40% experience underconsumption, 43% overconsumption in their practice.