Protein is among the three vital nutrients chiefly important in the diet of an individual. It is the building block derived from amino acids. Protein is required for health, replenishment and repair procedure of a body. The skin, muscles, hair and the connective tissues are made up of proteins.
There is no bar to protein intake in athletic world, whereas for a common man, the amount of protein depends upon the activity level and age of a person. An adult male should take an average 48-63 grams of protein per day whereas females should take 37-50 gram of protein per day.
The infants need 11-13 grams of protein per day to grow at a good pace and to have glowing skin and active body. Any deficiency of nutrients like protein can cause lifetime deficiency diseases in the infant.
Needs of adolescents are much higher that is 52-65 grams of protein every day, as it is the best growing stage of human and they require the best health. The physical activities are vigorous because the main concentration is on academics and games during this age, which needs physical as well as mental strength.
Pregnant women also require a good diet of protein as the fetus will be nourished from her body only. Her diet must include 47-60 gram of protein daily for the good health of mother as well as baby. If there is a lack of proteins in the diet, the baby could suffer from deficiency and it may affect the mother.
It is important to take sufficient amount of proteins for a healthy body. Deficiency of proteins can cause weakness, low blood pressure, anemia, or edema. The metabolism gets disturbed leading to further health problems. Kwashiorkor and Marasmus are the protein deficiency diseases that are observed in poor people of third world countries.
