The amount of protein that is required for your child will depend on their body weight. As age increases, the rate of growth decreases and the amount of protein needed per unit of weight will also decrease. However, as your child is getting bigger and taller, overall total calorie and total protein intake will be higher. This is important not only for fuelling growth but also for providing other hormones and components critical for child and teen development.
Every child will have different needs. Included in the table below are the acceptable ranges for protein intake as a percentage of total calories for one year and older.
For instance, for children aged one to three years of age, protein can account for up to twenty percent of total calories.
Age
|
Protein (g/kg)
|
% Calories from Protein (Acceptable Range)
|
0 to 6 months
|
1.52
|
NA
|
7 to 12 months
|
1.2
|
NA
|
1 to 3 years
|
1.05
|
5-20%
|
4 to 8 years
|
0.95
|
10-30%
|
9 to 13 years
|
0.95
|
10-30 %
|
14 to 18 years
|
0.85
|
10-30 %
|