For children aged 1-3 years, the recommended protein needs are:

For children aged 1-3 years, the recommended protein needs are indeed in the range of 1.5-2 g/kg. During this stage of development, toddlers experience rapid growth and development, requiring higher amounts of protein to support bodily functions, tissue growth, and overall health.

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. Given the active growth and increased metabolic demands of young children, their dietary needs reflect the necessity for adequate protein intake to ensure their growth is not compromised.

While lower intake levels may be sufficient for older children or adults who are not growing at the same rate, toddlers are at a critical point in their development. Therefore, the recommended intake effectively addresses the needs of this age group to promote healthy growth patterns and prevent deficiencies. The other choices reflect protein needs that either underestimate or overestimate the requirements for this specific age group.