Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)

Chair(s)

• 

  Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN (she/her/hers)

  Active Eating Advice

  Disclosure(s): Protein PACT: Consultant (Ongoing)

Speaker(s)

• 

  David Church, PhD

  Assistant Professor
  University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

  Disclosure(s): Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Consultant (Ongoing)
  Dairy Management, Inc.: Grant/Research Support (Ongoing)
  National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: Consultant (Terminated, October 1, 2024); Grant/Research Support (Terminated, October 1, 2024)
  National Pork Board: Advisory Committee/Board Member (Ongoing); Grant/Research Support (Ongoing); Independent Contractor (including contracted research) (Ongoing)
  Soy Connection: Consultant (Ongoing)
  Vitality Blueprint: Consultant (Terminated, December 31, 2024)
• WC

  Wayne Campbell, PhD

  Professor
  Department of Nutrition Science
  Purdue University
  West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

  Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
• 

  Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN (she/her/hers)

  Active Eating Advice

  Disclosure(s): Protein PACT: Consultant (Ongoing)

Dietary protein guidance has traditionally centered on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8 g/kg/day to prevent deficiency. However, long standing evidence-based observations suggest that protein intakes above the minimum may better support muscle health, metabolic function, satiety, and healthy aging. At the same time, national intake data reveal important gaps in total protein consumption, distribution across meals, and access to protein-rich foods.

This session will examine the scientific foundation of protein recommendations within the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), including how the RDA is established and how protein quality and essential amino acid composition influence physiological outcomes. Speakers will distinguish between adequacy and optimal intake and explore how current intake patterns align, or fail to align, with DGA recommendations.

Moving from evidence to application, the session will illustrate what common protein targets look like in everyday eating patterns and discuss practical strategies to support consistent, nutrient-dense protein intake across the lifespan. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the evolving science underpinning protein guidance and actionable insights for translating recommendations for including into real-world dietary patterns.

Presentations:

• 12:30 PM - 12:35 PM ET

  Welcome and Introductions - Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)
  

  Chair: Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN (she/her/hers) – Active Eating Advice
• 12:35 PM - 12:55 PM ET

  Contextual Consideration of Dietary Protein and Metabolism - Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)
  

  Speaker: David D. Church, PhD – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• 12:55 PM - 1:15 PM ET

  Debating Potential Benefits and Harms of Evolving Dietary Protein Recommendations for Health - Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)
  

  Speaker: Wayne W. Campbell, PhD – Purdue University
• 1:15 PM - 1:35 PM ET

  Protein Considerations for Practical Implementation - Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)
  

  Speaker: Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN (she/her/hers) – Active Eating Advice
• 1:35 PM - 2:00 PM ET

  Panel Discussion / Questions and Answers - Deciphering Optimal Protein Intake: Exploring the Evidence and Strategies of Protein in Healthy Diets (Sponsored Satellite Program)
  

  Chair: Leslie J. Bonci, MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN (she/her/hers) – Active Eating Advice

  Speaker: Wayne W. Campbell, PhD – Purdue University

  Speaker: David D. Church, PhD – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences