Daily intakes of protein and energy were estimated in a group of 417 apparently healthy elderly Chinese subjects aged 60 years and over, living independently in the community. The mean protein intake was 1.2 g/kg body weight, well above the WHO/FAO/UNU recommendation of 0.8 g/kg, and comparable to intakes of elderly Americans and Britons. Plasma total protein, albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein and transferrin concentrations were also measured. No age- or sex-related differences were found and the values were comparable to published values for elderly Caucasians. Plasma prealbumin and retinol binding protein concentrations correlated with protein intake and with arm muscle area. Protein nutritional status appears adequate for elderly Chinese living in the community.