Final answer:
The adult Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, essential for building body tissue and serving as a fuel source.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This is the amount of protein that is considered sufficient to meet the nutrient needs of nearly all (97-98%) healthy adults. To calculate your protein needs, you would take your weight in kilograms and multiply it by 0.8. For example, a person weighing 70 kg would require 56 grams of protein per day (70 kg x 0.8 g/kg).
Aside from being an essential nutrient for building body tissue, proteins can also serve as a fuel source. Each gram of protein provides as much energy density as carbohydrates, which is 4 kcal (17 kJ) per gram. It is important to include protein in your diet because of its role in growth and maintenance, as well as its biological value, which is important for maintaining an adult in nitrogen balance.