Right To Protein, a nationwide public health awareness initiative, released the findings of a study that uncovers a paradox in India’s daily protein consumption habits. Leading research agency, Nielsen surveyed 2,142 mothers across 16 Indian cities revealing a worrying trend where due to a poor understanding of protein as a macronutrient, Indians consume inadequate levels of proteins. The study shows that although 95% of Indian mothers surveyed claim to know protein as a macronutrient, only 3% of the population really understand the prominent functions of protein or why one should consume it daily.

Across cities, 82% mothers residing in mini metros such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad were unable to correctly associate protein with its functions and attributed low importance to its consumption as a part of balanced meals. Therefore, while eight out of ten mothers believe protein as ‘important’, protein may not adequately be included in their daily diet. Majority of the mothers (91%) are not able to relate to protein with its crucial functions such as repair of tissues in the body, muscle health and long-term immunity.

“In our country, adequate protein consumption has been a rather under-debated issue when it comes to general discourse on food and nutrients. Very few studies have been published recently that provide insights about the consumption patterns about this ‘major building block’ of our lives. This study is, therefore, an insight in terms of highlighting our knowledge gaps and misconceptions that plague adequate protein consumption”, says Dr. Jagmeet Madan, National President, Indian Dietetic Association, Supporter of the Right To Protein Initiative (Eminent Nutrition Expert, Professor, Principal, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous) SNDTWU, Mumbai ).

Some of the key findings include:

1. Over 70% Indian mothers strongly believe in common myths such as ‘protein is difficult to digest’, ‘it leads to weight gain’, and ‘it is only for body-builders’.

2. On an average 85% mothers incorrectly believe that protein leads to ‘weight gain’ and mentioned that they would prioritise the consumption of vitamins and carbohydrates over protein for their families including for children. Most disturbingly, nearly 80% hold the view that lack of protein does not impact overall health!

3. Majority of the mothers do not know the most common sources of plant-or-animal-based protein and failed to correctly identify 8 of 11 protein-rich food items presented to them. Furthermore 81% of mothers incorrectly believe that just a regular Indian diet consisting of roti, dal, rice is enough for daily protein needs. As a result, only dairy and pulses are considered as the sources of protein in majority Indian households.

The above myths and beliefs coupled with an inability to identify the correct functions and sources of protein may lead to low protein consumption, despite 85% of Indian mothers believing that protein is very important for health. This underlying ‘protein paradox’ i.e. high importance vis-à-vis low understanding could ultimately become a major factor in the gradually declining rate of quality protein consumption. Mothers from India’s metros, mini-metros and urban towns are perceived to have differing food preferences, but their distorted understanding of protein emerged a shared attribute, impacting the quality and quantity of protein intake. The study reveals that their basic understanding of protein is heavily colored by myths.

Dr. Suresh Itapu, Nutraceutical Expert, and Director, NutriTech India said, “The Protein Paradox study, reiterates the importance of building a general protein understanding and awareness in India. Any individual or entity can benefit from these insights and take corrective measures to improve quality protein intake, course-correct and eventually reverse the decline in protein consumption, especially among kids.” The study hopes to set the ground for protein conversations, highlight areas for action such as mass education and initiatives around protein accessibility, that help lead the way to accelerate reduction in protein deficiency in India.

Visit www.righttoprotein.com  to learn more about the Protein Paradox study.

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Mumbai: Right To Protein, a national-level public health campaign has launched India’s first ‘Protein Day’ to draw public attention, raise awareness, and educate India on the health benefits of protein. Globally many countries recognize 27th February as the Protein Day and from this year India will also join this movement. A nationally celebrated Protein Day will encourage Indian citizens at large to learn and know more about different types of available sources of plant and animal protein and their importance in daily meals for better nutrition and health.

“Though India continues to make strides in the health sector, it is important for us to identify that one trigger of
transformation that can set us on a path of long-term behavioral change towards better health.We need a vibrant ecosystem of nutritionally aware citizens, and the first step of starting an India Protein Day that should set us on the right path of protein sufficiency” says Dr. Jagmeet Madan, Eminent Nutrition Expert, Professor, Principal, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Autonomous) SNDTWU, Mumbai and National President, Indian Dietetic Association.

The theme of Protein Day 2020 is set to act as a reminder for all Indians to daily ask themselves and others –#Protein Mein Kya Hai. The key objective through the day’s activities and beyond will be to spread more knowledge about protein and bring about a behavioral change by persuading Indians to eat adequate protein in every meal – at least a quarter of a plate. To relay this message to Indian households, the Right To Protein campaign has also launched a light hearted informational video which reinforces the need to include proteins in our every meal.

“We are glad to be part of the first India Protein Day, an initiative that aims to create awareness about protein and eating right in India. With this, we want to help create opportunities for championing the integration of protein sufficiency into national and local policies, programs and projects. The idea is to encourage Indians, both urban and rural, to pay more attention to consuming adequate amounts of protein in their everyday meals” says Ramesh Khatri, President of the Poultry Federation of India.

The Right To Protein initiative has produced several resources for people to become more protein conscious. By logging on to www.righttoprotein.com, one can easily access the Protein-O-Meter tool that calculates one’s daily protein requirement basis basic individual information such as body profile, type of lifestyle and meals consumed at different times during the day. Apart from information on one’s possible protein gap, the platform also provides information on protein-rich foods through the Protein Index guide, healthy habits, tips and busting myths about protein on Right To Protein’s Blogs.

For more information, on Right to protein declares February 27 as India’s first ‘protein day’ visit the www.righttoprotein.com or contact: contactus@righttoprotein.com

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