Dr. Anindita Ray
Protein is quite a popular nutrient in our country. Ask any individual in India about his choice of food, the answer, most often will be a dish containing meat or fish, for a non-vegetarian and paneer, for a vegetarian. From a very young age we are taught that proteins help us to grow big and strong. It helps us by providing the raw materials (amino acids) for the structural make-up and also plays a significant role in carrying out mechanical functions.In fact, from the hair on our head to the nails on our toe- everything is made up of protein molecule of different types. However, strangely, the Indian population does not scientifically analyse the exact requirement of Protein which is usually calculated based on several factors. The age of a person, sex, physical activities, physiological status of the body are only some of them.
Majority in the Indian population believe that the daily diet we eat provides the required protein. Unfortunately, it is a myth that most of us have grown up with. A large chunk of the population does not even know how much protein is required every day. National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), suggests an intake of about 0.8-1.0gm /kg ideal body weight of Protein for normal adults. With Indian diet being primarily vegetarian and cereal based it is heavier on carbohydrates and fats rather than proteins. Moreover due to the low purchasing power of the general people combined with the ignorance, protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is the most prevalent nutritional deprivation disease of this country.
A General Consumer Survey (PRODIGY) has brought to light striking observations regarding the protein intake in India. It indicates that 9 out of 10 people in India consumed inadequate amount of protein. Several other studies have also shown thatprotein deficiency is increasing due to the switch to ‘convenience’ foods that are high in carbohydrates and simple sugars and low in protein content, consequently causing an increase in lifestyle problems. By 2020, India is anticipated to be the leading country in metabolic syndrome and lifestyle problems because of this.
Thus, the disastrous picture of our country is that there is a prevalent protein deficiency among almost all sections- in the “deprived” because they do not get enough to eat and in the “have alls” who choose faulty convenience and fast foods. So it is time that we all pay the much needed attention to the protein intake and give this nutrient its due respect.
If one is not able to meet the requirement of Protein from daily diet, then one can consider a good Protein supplement as part of regular food.
Dr. Anindita Ray (Chakravarti) is an Assistant Professor & HOD, Dept. of Food & Nutrition, Maharani Kasiswari College, University of Calcutta