RFK Jr. Claims Americans Require More Protein, But His Grok-Powered Food Site Thinks Otherwise

A 30-second Super Bowl advertisement featuring boxing icon Mike Tyson, sponsored by the nonprofit MAHA Center, urges viewers to steer clear of processed foods and check out Realfood.gov. This government site, promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., offers resources based on the new dietary guidelines unveiled in January, and suggests utilizing Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok to “get real answers about real food.”

I wanted to explore how Grok’s suggestions align with the administration’s nutritional advice, specifically concerning protein intake. The updated guidelines recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily—an increase from previous suggestions—with the new inverted food pyramid highlighting steak and other animal products.

“We are ending the war on protein,” Realfood.gov asserts, mirroring similar statements from Kennedy.

Many Americans already meet their protein needs—and Grok concurs. The administration’s own “Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” accessible via Realfood.gov, indicates that U.S. adults average about one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, or approximately 15 percent of total energy intake—the midpoint of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)—”suggesting that deficiency is rare.”

Following the website’s suggestion to consult AI for guidance, I first asked Grok how much protein I should consume based on my age, height, and weight. (It’s worth noting that Grok often does not respond to prompts promptly, citing high demand and encouraging users to register for an account.) It suggested 0.8 grams per kilogram per day—the longstanding recommended daily allowance (RDA) from the National Institute of Medicine. When I clarified my question, indicating I engage in 30 minutes of strength training four days a week, Grok’s answer aligned more closely with the new guidelines.

The recommendation of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram per day represents the minimum needed to avert deficiency for a sedentary lifestyle, which characterizes a significant portion of the U.S. population. Nutritionists I consulted agree that the updated recommendations better suit those who exercise regularly.

“What I believe the administration is aiming for is to reach the metabolically unhealthy individuals who may require slightly more protein to feel full and build muscle. However, that nuance gets lost in their simplified messaging,” explains Lindsay Malone, a clinical dietitian at Case Western Reserve University. “Then, you turn to this AI tool, and it provides almost overwhelming information for the average user.”

While increased protein intake can help you feel satiated and reduce snacking, she notes that merely consuming more protein won’t build muscle, which primarily requires resistance or strength training.

Michelle King Rimer, a clinical assistant professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Zilber College of Public Health, points out that overconsumption of any macronutrient—whether protein, fats, or carbohydrates—can contribute to weight gain. “Excess protein can still be converted into fat, leading to weight gain,” she observes.

The administration’s messaging also emphasizes the need to “prioritize protein at every meal” with a blend of animal and plant protein sources. Recently, Kennedy discussed the “importance of meat protein” at the country’s largest cattle trade show, declaring that “beef is back on the menu,” according to an HHS statement.

When I inquired with Grok about the healthiest protein sources, it recommended plant-based proteins, fish and seafood, lean poultry, and eggs, while advising to limit or reduce red and processed meats. This aligns with recommendations from major health organizations like the American Heart Association and growing evidence that diets rich in plant-based proteins and fish tend to yield better health outcomes than those high in red meat.