New science-based recommendations say most people need significantly more protein than they’re currently consuming.
For many years, Living Fuel founder KC Craichy has emphasized a message that once sounded ahead of its time but is now being confirmed by modern nutrition science: most people need significantly more protein than they’re currently consuming. Recent shifts in dietary guidance—and growing consensus among researchers—are validating that long-held position.
Historically, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein has been set at 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day (0.36 grams per pound). That means a 150 pound person needed 54 grams of protein per day.
While this amount may prevent outright deficiency, it was never intended to support optimal health, lean muscle maintenance, metabolic efficiency, or healthy aging. In reality, the RDA reflects a minimum survival threshold, not a performance or longevity target.
Over the last decade, extensive research has driven a re-evaluation of protein needs. Many experts now recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (0.54-0.73 grams per pound), with even higher needs for older adults, athletes, and those under physical or metabolic stress. That means the same 150 pound person now needs between 81 and 110 grams per day depending on their age and activity level.
This shift is reflected in updated federal dietary guidance and the evolution of the USDA’s food recommendations, which increasingly emphasize protein adequacy and quality.
This change closely mirrors what KC Craichy and Living Fuel have proclaimed for years: protein is foundational to human health and the more the better.
Muscle Maintenance and Healthy Aging
Muscle loss begins earlier than most people realize and accelerates with age. Adequate protein intake provides the amino acids required to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, preserve lean mass, and maintain strength, balance, and mobility over time.
Metabolic Health and Body Composition
Protein has the highest thermic effect of any macronutrient, helping support calorie expenditure. It also promotes satiety, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces cravings—key factors for sustainable fat loss and metabolic health.
Immune Function, Repair, and Recovery
Proteins supply the raw materials for enzymes, hormones, immune cells, and tissue repair. Without sufficient intake, the body’s ability to recover from stress, exercise, or illness can be compromised.
While the focus if often on “protein,” the real biological objective of protein consumption is amino acids, particularly the essential amino acids (EAAs) that the body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are the true drivers of muscle repair, metabolic signaling, immune resilience, and cellular regeneration. They are the intended byproduct of protein consumption.
This is where Living Fuel products can play a strategic role.
LivingProtein® provides a clean, plant-based, complete protein source designed to help individuals conveniently increase daily protein intake while delivering a full spectrum of amino acids. It’s especially valuable for those who struggle to meet higher protein targets through whole foods alone. It's also loaded with fiber and digestive enzymes, as well as pre and probiotics for additional health benefits.
SuperEssentials® Aminos, while not technically a protein source, it delivers targeted essential amino acids—the very compounds the body is seeking when protein is consumed. By supplying EAAs directly, SuperEssentials Aminos helps support muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and metabolic function without additional calories or digestive burden.
The recent shift toward higher protein recommendations represents a long-overdue confirmation of what KC Craichy has championed for decades. Protein—and more specifically, essential amino acids—is not optional nutrition. It is a cornerstone of strength, resilience, metabolic health, and longevity.
As new science is now confirming, the message is clear: meeting higher-quality protein and amino acid needs is no longer a fringe idea—it’s foundational to optimal health.
