How much protein does an adult require?

Adult men need approximately 56 grams of protein per day, and adult women need approximately 46 grams of protein per day, notes WebMD. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need about 71 grams of protein daily.

Protein supports the growth, development, maintenance and repair of the body's cells, explains Healthline. It's available in a variety of foods, including meats, nuts, beans and green vegetables. Since many vegetable are good sources of protein, eating meat is not required to meet daily protein requirements. At least 10 percent, but no more than 35 percent, of a person's daily calories should be from protein, according to WebMD.