[Albumin requirements of the aged].

In German speaking countries the opinion that old people require more protein than younger adults is still widely held. However, in its latest bulletin (1975) even the German Society for Nutrition recommends the same amount of protein for all adults over 21 years of age; this corresponds to the International Allowances. The physiological data on which allowances are based is summarized, and epidemiological evidence is given to show that in western countries the protein intake of the elderly corresponds to the recommendations.