Protein requirements are based on age and weight, with the requirement
decreasing with age relative to weight but the total requirement increases
with age. Additional factors, such as growth rate and state of health
or illness, impact upon protein needs. It is important to recognize that
recommended protein intakes assume high-quality protein providing
amino acids essential to humans, such as eggs, milk, meat, poultry,
and fish. If protein is primarily derived from lower-quality plant
protein sources, the total requirement is increased. North American childhood
diets generally contain more than adequate amounts of protein, but
certain groups, including vegetarians, children with severe food
allergies, those with limited access to foods, and children with
severe food selectivity, are at risk for inadequate protein intake.