University of Utah: protein intake guidance

University of Utah Health used a July 9 article to push back on the surge in protein-fortified foods and drinks, saying most people do not need to chase more protein across every meal and snack. The HealthFeed post said protein needs vary by age, activity level and training demands, rather than by social-media trends or food marketing. The article recommended matching intake to actual goals and leaning on whole-food sources instead of assuming more is always better. ### Why is Utah Health pushing back on the current protein boom? University of Utah Health framed the issue around the spread of protein-added products, from snacks to drinks, and asked whether consumers actually need more. The article’s answer was that many people already get enough protein and do not benefit from indiscriminately increasing intake. (healthcare.utah.edu) The HealthFeed post said the better question is not whether protein is “good,” but how much a specific person needs based on daily life, exercise and age. That guidance aligns with the article’s emphasis on balance over blanket high-protein advice. ### So who might need to think more carefully about protein intake? (healthcare.utah.edu) Older adults were one of the clearest groups singled out in the University of Utah Health guidance. The article said they may benefit from roughly 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, a range it said was supported by research reviews it cited. (healthcare.utah.edu) Training level also mattered in the article’s framework. University of Utah Health said people doing more demanding exercise or trying to support muscle recovery should match protein intake to those needs, rather than follow a one-size-fits-all target. ### Does the article say high-protein products are unnecessary? (healthcare.utah.edu) The July 9 post did not say protein is unimportant. University of Utah Health instead said protein remains essential, but warned against assuming fortified products are necessary for everyone. The article pointed readers toward food-first choices, saying whole-food protein sources should be the starting point. (healthcare.utah.edu) That approach put foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts and similar staples ahead of trend-driven packaged products. ### What does “match protein to training” mean in practice? (healthcare.utah.edu) University of Utah Health’s guidance tied protein intake to actual physical demands. The article said someone with modest activity levels may not need to increase intake much, while people doing structured strength or endurance training may need more deliberate planning. (healthcare.utah.edu) The HealthFeed post also pointed readers away from treating protein alone as the answer to performance or health. Its advice placed protein within broader eating patterns, not as a standalone fix. ### Where can readers find the full guidance? University of Utah Health published the article on its HealthFeed site on July 9, 2026, under the headline “Protein Foods Are Everywhere Right Now—Do You Actually Need More Protein?” The post says it draws on research reviews and practical dietitian guidance for readers trying to sort through high-protein marketing claims. (healthcare.utah.edu) HealthFeed is the University of Utah Health blog, which the organization describes as its outlet for health, medicine, nutrition and exercise information. The protein article is available on that site as of July 9. (healthcare.utah.edu 1) (healthcare.utah.edu 2)