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Protein
A macronutrient built from amino acids that repairs and builds tissue.
Macronutrients
Definition
Protein is one of the three macronutrients, made of chains of amino acids. The body uses it to build and repair muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones. It supplies about 4 kilocalories per gram. Common guidance for healthy adults is roughly 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight a day, with active people and older adults often benefiting from more, around 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. Animal foods, legumes, dairy, eggs and soy are concentrated sources.
Related terms
Macronutrient
The three nutrients the body needs in large amounts: protein, carbohydrate and fat.
Carbohydrate
The body's main quick energy source, from sugars, starches and fibre.
Calorie
A unit of food energy; the "calorie" on labels is really a kilocalorie.
Source: Standard nutrition references on protein and dietary requirements. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
What is protein?
Protein is one of the three macronutrients, made of chains of amino acids. The body uses it to build and repair muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones. It supplies about 4 kilocalories per gram. Common guidance for healthy adults is roughly 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight a day, with active people and older adults often benefiting from more, around 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. Animal foods, legumes, dairy, eggs and soy are concentrated sources.
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