Dietary Protein Requirements on Unbalanced Diets

Following the protein leverage hypothesis, energy intake may be a derivative of protein intake. Therefore, in response to an unbalanced menu relative to the usual daily intake target, protein intake should be prioritized. Individuals may over-consume carbohydrate and fat of a menu containing a lower ratio of protein to carbohydrate and fat until the daily intake target amount of protein is ingested, and not the target of total energy intake because of a deficit of protein intake. In contrast, individuals may under-consume energy when the menu has an increased protein to carbohydrate and fat ratio. The protein leverage hypothesis requires evidence for why protein intake is more important than carbohydrate or fat in relation to food intake regulation.