Email Bluesky Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Whatsapp X You have full access to this article via your institution. How much protein do you really need? What the science says Boosting protein intake may seem like sensible health advice, but while it is a key nutrient, according to the science we may not need as much as is often thought. Protein-fortified foods are a common sight nowadays. You can even find water with added protein. Many fitness influencers also promote diets with more than double the typical recommendations. But how much protein humans need has been a puzzle for centuries. So, what does the science actually say?Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. doi: https:doi.org10.1038d41586-026-00151-5 Related Articles Why is autism really on the rise? What the science says These contact lenses let humans see invisible infrared light This fish-inspired suction cup can stick to your organs Why quantum physicists are still arguing after 100 years Radiation for dummies: the female mannequins testing space-travel safety Subjects Health care Nutrition Latest on: Health care Nutrition Trump one year on: How six US researchers plan to protect science amid chaos and cuts Comment 20 JAN 26 HPV vaccine could help to protect the unvaccinated against cervical cancer Research Highlight 16 JAN 26 Making progress on global health will need high-quality evidence Editorial 15 JAN 26 A foundation model