The estimated average requirement for protein is an amount experts believe will meet the needs of half the population. That number is increased by around 20% to determine the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) which is currently 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that value might be too low.

Researchers analyzed the protein intakes of 6 older men on 7 separate occasions using diets where daily protein intake ranged from 0.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. After analysis, they determined that a good RDA for those and younger subjects would be in the range of 0.94 and 1.24 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. That’s about 30% more than current estimates.