Does anyone know how many grams of protein are needed daily for a 85 year old?

Nurses General Nursing

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I was trying to figure it out. I know on most labels it lists the amounts of protein for a 2000 calorie diet.

Is the amount of protein a person needs daily based on

their weight?

The 85 year old I am thinking about only weighs about 100 pounds.

I thought I knew this information until I really started thinking about it.

Anyone recall the term used to describe those 80 years old and older? something like the "super old"..... :)

but not that obviously.

Geriatrics is an interesting field,

anyone know any good sites, off-hand?

Don't bother to look, I will do it when I have time.

It seems to me that a 100 # twenty year old would have different protein needs than a 100 pound 85 year old.

But maybe not. Any thoughts?

It would depend on his BUN/creat level, kidney function and medical history.

The RDA for protein for healthy adults is 0.8 g/kg/day.

If he had renal insufficiency as evidenced by a rise in his BUN/creat, it is recommended his protein requirement be 0.6-0.8 g/kg/day. This range is believed to be high enough to prevent malnutrition, but low enough so it does not increase the workload of the kidneys.

If he had a low albumin level which may indicate malnutrition and did not have renal insufficiency, liver disease, or any other contraindications to a higher protein level, he may require 1.0-1.4 g/kg/day of protein.

Hope this helps!

I would consult a registered dietician

Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

Here is a site that posts the different variables when coming up with the recommended amount.

http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic159.htm

Protein is toward the bottom. I found it very informative. Good luck!:)

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