The daily requirement for amino acids and protein measured across the population of Switzerland is guaranteed at a per capita consumption of 100g per day. In the course of an increasing incidence of eating disorders involving overweight people who regularly subject themselves to rigorous slimming and fasting regimes, that part of the population who are advanced in years and those suffering from serious illness, it can happen that related deficiency situations nevertheless arise. Protein and amino acid requirement, plus recommendations for an adequate fulfilment of needs are under discussion.