How Much Protein Do Men and Women Need Each Day?

The Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, stated the importance of animal and plant-based protein and iron intake. This need must even be met before birth to prevent stunting in infants.

Data from the 2022 Susenas (National Socioeconomic Survey), processed by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), shows that the average daily per capita protein consumption in Indonesia is 62.21 grams. This is above the national recommended daily allowance of 57 grams.

However, animal protein consumption remains quite low, including fish/shrimp/squid/shellfish at only 9.58 grams; meat at 4.79 grams; and eggs and milk at 3.37 grams.

This macronutrient plays a crucial role in the body's tissue formation. According to Siloam Hospitals, protein functions to repair damaged cells and tissues, maintain bone and muscle health, maintain cognitive brain function, optimize the immune system, and serve as a source of amino acids.

(Read also: [Meeting the Public's Protein Needs Remains Uneven](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2020/11/05/pemenuhan-protein-masyarakat-masih-timpang))

So, what are the daily protein requirements for men and women?

Based on the Minister of Health Regulation (Permenkes) Number 75/2013 concerning Recommended Dietary Allowances (AKG) for the Indonesian people, the protein needs for men and women over 10 years old differ.

The highest protein requirement is during adolescence (13-15 years). For males, it's 72 grams and for females, it's 69 grams.

Adults aged 19-29 years require 62 grams for males and 56 grams for females.

Those aged 30-49 years need 65 grams for males and 57 grams for females.

For the elderly (65-80 years), the requirement is 62 grams for males and 56 grams for females.

Note that the AKG for protein for infants and children (0-9 years) is measured equally for both males and females. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also have their own additional protein requirements.

Daily Protein Needs

Siloam Hospitals states that daily protein needs for each person in Indonesia can be met in the following ways:

* Consuming sufficient animal protein sources, such as meat (lean chicken breast and beef), seafood, eggs, and milk.
* Consuming plant-based protein sources, such as seeds, nuts (peanuts and almonds), wheat, tempeh, and tofu.
* Consuming dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, and kefir.

(Read also: [Jakarta Residents Have the Highest Protein Consumption](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2021/02/18/masyarakat-jakarta-paling-tinggi-mengonsumsi-protein))