Which group should typically not require a protein prescription, except under certain conditions?

Healthy adults typically do not require a specific protein prescription in their daily diet because the average adult can meet their protein needs through a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. Most healthy adults can obtain sufficient protein from dietary sources like meat, dairy, legumes, and grains without needing additional supplementation or a calculated protein prescription.

However, while they may not need a prescription, certain conditions such as illness, injury, or increased physical activity might alter their protein requirements temporarily. In these situations, a tailored protein intake may be beneficial, but under normal circumstances, the standard dietary recommendations are adequate.

On the other hand, athletes usually have higher protein needs due to their increased physical activity and muscle repair requirements. Elderly individuals may also benefit from higher protein intake to preserve muscle mass and strength as they age, and children are in a growth phase where adequate protein is essential for proper development. Thus, their protein needs often necessitate more consideration than those of healthy adults.