An excellent article by Raw Food Explained.com provides the history of how AMA protein requirements were first determined (by observing dogs), then compares that excessively high estimate to cultures that live healthily on very little protein.
Here is the conclusion of their analysis: “Although Natural Hygiene and Life Science do not endorse gram-counting, calorie-counting or a preoccupation with minimal daily requirements, it seems that a reasonable estimate of the protein needs of an adult is probably in the 25 to 30 grams daily range — or about 1 gram per five pounds of body weight. If a person eats a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouts, he is assured that he will meet this protein requirement, along with all the other nutrient needs.”
