The graphs illustrate how much protein and energy are taken in by people in four different areas of the world, namely India, East Africa, Latin America, and North America.

Overall, animal sources fulfill the majority of the protein needs in all regions except India. In addition, North Americans, with the most protein-rich and high-calorie diets among the groups, are the only population to exceed ideal levels of protein and calories.

Regarding dietary protein, the ideal amount is 68. In North America, 62 out of a total of 80 protein units come from animals, which is almost double the corresponding figure for Latin America, with 32 units derived from animal sources, and other proteins coming to 13 units. Meanwhile, East Africa and India have similar animal protein intakes, at 16 and 13 units respectively, and both places have the exact same consumption of vegan protein, at 15 units each.

In terms of gross energy intake, people from India consume the lowest amount, at 2000 calories, nearly 1000 short of the ideal level, and 300 less than their East African counterparts. The caloric intake of the typical Latin American is the second highest, at approximately 2800 calories, compared to North America’s figure of 3500, which exceeds the recommended quota by over 500.