This is might be surprised you to know that India is at the top of the list of protein-deficient countries worldwide. More than 80% of our population cannot fulfill their daily protein requirements. The type of diets consumed by 73% of Indians is considered protein deficient. This issue is severe, with over 90% of our population not meeting their daily protein needs.
Globally, people consume higher amounts of protein, whereas India has one of the lowest average protein consumption rates. This is concerning as India is also behind regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America in terms of protein intake.
A survey called the General Consumer Survey Prodigy revealed that not even 10% of people in India consume adequate amounts of protein. More than 90% of pregnant and lactating women do not know their ideal protein requirements, leading to poor maternal health and impaired newborn health. Poor muscle mass is seen in 71% of Indians, causing muscle fatigue, impaired metabolism, and muscle function. Lower than average protein content is observed in 68% of Indians, resulting in poor muscle health in a large segment of our population between 30 to 55 years old.
For what reason is protein necessary for us?
Protein is the building block of the body. It is an essential micronutrient, made up of a long chain of 20 amino acids connected by peptide bonds. Nine of these amino acids are not made in our bodies and must be consumed through food. Proteins are crucial for building cells, organs, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. They provide muscle mass, stamina, strength, and support critical bodily functions like DNA replication, enzyme transport, hormonal balance, metabolic reactions, and structural support for cells. Protein is vital for the growth, development, and repair of basic body structures and plays a key role in lifelong muscle, skin, and bone repair.
Protein also helps build molecules like haemoglobin and immunoglobulins, essential for immunity. High protein intake improves insulin response, aiding in diabetes control. It also serves as an energy source, with 1 gram of protein providing 4 kcal of energy, helping to maintain muscle mass as we age. For every kilogram of body weight, we need approximately 0.75 grams of protein. Protein can be sourced from plant-based foods like peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, dry fruits, seeds, or soy, and animal-based foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy.
If our body is lacking in protein, what will happen?
Protein deficiency has severe side effects, including inhibiting collagen formation and slowing the injury recovery process. It can cause sluggishness, slow healing, anaemia, brain fog, and if untreated, it can lead to serious health issues and even death. Low-quality protein intake reduces skeletal muscle mass and strength. Poor dietary intake of protein leads to poor absorption and excessive loss, causing hypoproteinaemia, a life-threatening condition. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a common health issue in India, contributing significantly to malnutrition and mortality in children under five, permanently hampering their physical and mental growth.
According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an average Indian adult should consume 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight. However, the average intake in India is around 0.6 grams per kg of body weight. The ICMR recommends 48 grams of protein daily in rural areas and 50 grams in urban areas, much less than the global average. Despite producing the most pulses in the world, contributing 25% of the world’s pulse production, India still faces protein deficiency due to unpredictable weather and low yield, leading to significant pulse imports to meet demand.
The Green Revolution and distorted Minimum Support Price (MSP) policies have led to monoculture crops like wheat and rice, affecting soil and water tables and reducing the productivity of protein-rich pulses. Indian diets are predominantly cereal-based, contributing to poor protein intake. According to the National Institute of Nutrition’s report, cereals and millets contribute 51% of energy in urban areas and 65% in rural areas, whereas pulses, legumes, meat, poultry, and fish contribute only 11% of energy, much less than the recommended 17%.
Cereals, which show poor digestibility and quality, are less complete protein sources and fail to meet our protein needs. The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey shows that Indians spend less on staples like rice and wheat and more on easy, cheap carbs and processed foods, leading to poor nutrition and obesity. This dual burden affects all age groups and socio-economic strata.
The lack of affordability and accessibility of protein-rich foods in lower segments of society exacerbates the issue. Despite sufficient production of pulses, legumes, soybeans, nuts, milk, eggs, poultry, meat, and fish, these are not easily available or affordable for all. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’s 2020 report states that a healthy diet costs $0.07 a day, twice the international poverty line, making it unaffordable for many. A healthy diet includes a balanced intake of cereals, pulses, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruits, and oil, but this is out of reach for many Indians.
India is the largest vegetarian society globally, with many preferring plant-based food. The rise of vegetarianism and veganism brings concerns of protein deficiency. According to the Indian Diet Association (IDA) 2018 report, 84% of vegetarian diets and 65% of non-vegetarian diets in India are protein deficient. Religious and cultural factors also contribute to dietary choices, with many avoiding specific meats or non-veg foods on certain days.
There is also a significant lack of awareness about protein requirements. The Indian Market Research Bureau (IMR) 2017 survey revealed that 73% of urban rich Indians are protein deficient, and 93% are unaware of their daily protein requirements. Protein deficiency is not taken as seriously as calcium or iron deficiency, despite its critical impact on health.
To address this, the government needs to spread mass awareness about the importance of protein, its sources, requirements, and health implications. Dieticians can bridge this gap through workshops and seminars. The Paradox study identifies protein poverty, stress, and protein pinch as the main reasons for poor dietary protein awareness. Even in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian households, there is low awareness regarding the variety and quantity of protein-rich foods required daily.
Most Indian mothers believe that protein is difficult to digest and causes weight gain or is only necessary for bodybuilders. This misinformation impacts the health of entire families. Protein positivity and awareness need to be promoted to correct these myths and ensure adequate protein intake.
To bridge the protein gap, the government must focus on improving the quality of calories, not just quantity. The Public Distribution System (PDS) provides subsidized food grains but focuses mainly on rice, wheat, and millets. Protein supplementation is available at 7.2 grams per day in rural areas and 3.8 grams per day in urban areas, but this is insufficient. The National Food Security Act and programs like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Midday Meal Scheme (MDM) provide some protein, but India’s undernourished population remains high.
The government needs to increase the production and efficiency of pulses and ensure their availability across the country. Urban lifestyles and dependence on processed foods require a focus on fortifying protein-rich foods. Plant-based proteins offer variety, accessibility, and affordability, but they are not complete sources alone. A balanced combination of plant-based foods can meet protein needs, as seen in traditional Indian dietary practices.
Technological breakthroughs, such as genetic modification, seed replacement, and intercropping, can increase pulse yields. The government must incentivize pulses production in regions like Punjab and ensure a remunerative price for farmers. By making plant and animal-based proteins more affordable and accessible and boosting awareness, India can address its protein deficiency crisis and improve overall health and nutrition.
