Methodology & Scientific References
How Platika calculates nutrition goals.
Last updated: June 2026
Our Approach
At Platika, we believe nutrition tracking should be transparent.
The calorie and protein targets shown in the app are estimates based on established scientific equations and nutrition guidelines. They are designed to help you better understand your eating habits and support your nutrition goals.
Platika is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Protein Target Calculation
Protein requirements vary depending on age, body weight, activity level, and personal goals.
Platika estimates your daily protein target using:
- Age
- Sex
- Height
- Weight
- Activity level
- Selected nutrition goal
Different nutrition goals require different protein intake ranges. For example, individuals aiming to build muscle or lose weight may benefit from higher protein intake than those simply maintaining their weight.
Our recommendations are based on evidence from internationally recognized organizations and peer-reviewed research.
Scientific References
International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)
Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al.
International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Protein and Exercise.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017.
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Dietary Reference Values.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/dietary-reference-valuesUSDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025
https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov
Daily Calorie Estimation
Platika estimates daily calorie needs using the Mifflin–St Jeor equation, one of the most widely accepted predictive equations for resting energy expenditure in healthy adults.
Estimated resting energy expenditure is then adjusted using Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) based on the user's selected activity level.
Depending on the selected goal, Platika estimates calorie targets for:
- Maintaining weight
- Moderate weight loss
- Building muscle
- Increasing protein intake while maintaining energy balance
To help avoid unrealistically low calorie recommendations, Platika applies a minimum calorie threshold when appropriate. This safeguard is intended to support practical nutrition planning and should not replace individualized medical or dietary advice.
Scientific References
Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO.
A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
1990;51(2):241–247.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/51.2.241Frankenfield D, Roth-Yousey L, Compher C.
Comparison of predictive equations for resting metabolic rate in healthy non-obese and obese adults: A systematic review.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
2005;105(5):775–789.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jada.2005.02.005
AI Food Analysis
Platika uses artificial intelligence to estimate the nutritional content of meals from food photographs.
Nutrition estimates are generated using image recognition together with publicly available food composition data.
Estimated values may vary depending on:
- Portion size
- Preparation method
- Hidden ingredients
- Food presentation
- Image quality
- Lighting conditions
For this reason, all nutrition values shown in Platika should be considered estimates rather than exact laboratory measurements.
Medical Disclaimer
Platika is not a medical device.
The app does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Nutrition estimates, calorie targets, protein recommendations, and AI-generated insights are intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.
If you have a medical condition, diabetes, kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, follow a prescribed diet, or require individualized nutrition advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes.
Continuous Improvement
Nutrition science continues to evolve.
Platika regularly reviews scientific literature and nutrition guidelines and may update its calculation methods as new high-quality evidence becomes available.