How Much Protein You Need and Whether Plant Sources Can Meet It
Dietitian Ng Poh Mun explains daily protein requirements by age and shows how plant foods can satisfy them, highlighting a new plant-based supplement.
Senior dietitian Ng Poh Mun of Kinohimitsu outlines how protein needs shift with age and activity, recommending roughly 0.8 g per kilogram for adults under 50 and 1.2 g per kilogram for those older. She stresses that overall nutrition—energy, carbs, fats, fibre and micronutrients—is as important as meeting protein targets. While animal foods offer complete amino acids, a diverse mix of plant sources like soy, quinoa, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds can meet needs when combined across meals.
An example menu for a 65 kg adult under 50 provides 53-59 g protein from plant foods. The piece promotes Kinohimitsu’s WellSure plant-based powder, delivering 10.7 g protein, dietary fibre, 28 vitamins/minerals and calcium HMB to support muscle maintenance. Ng advises busy individuals to gradually replace some animal protein with tofu, beans or similar options, noting the product is sold at FairPrice, Guardian, Watsons and online platforms.
