IDA Mumbai chapter announces The Protein Week 2018

It is a running initiative aimed at building awareness around muscle health with the relevance of protein

Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Mumbai Chapter announced the annual Protein initiative, The Protein Week 2018 (July 24 to 30), supported by Protein Foods Nutrition Development Association of India (PFNDAI). This is a running initiative since 2017 to educate consumers about the importance of protein, a nutrient which is integral to our general health and well-being; impacting every life stage. The Protein Week is a platform that focuses on the importance of Protein and its impact on our daily lives.

In 2017, a study conducted by IMRB had thrown up some alarming data on the protein intake and awareness among Indians. According to the study, 93 per cent of Indians are unaware of their ideal protein requirement and Indian vegetarian diets are worst affected with 84 per cent being deficient in protein while 65 per cent of Indian non-vegetarian diets too deficient in protein.

Commenting on the initiative, Naaznin Husein, President, Indian Dietetic Association (IDA), Mumbai Chapter & Director, ‘FREEDOM’- Lifestyle Management Centre said, “Last year IDA Delhi chapter and PFNDAI launched The Protein Week as an initiative to spread awareness about the importance of protein. A recent study conducted by Inbody has revealed that over 70 per cent of Indian adults have poor muscle health characterised by lower muscle mass and body protein content. Low intake of protein and sedentary lifestyle are some of the reasons for this. This is alarming, as poor muscle health could lead to impaired muscle function, fatigue and poor metabolic health. Adequate protein intake and exercise would help maintain good muscle health.”

“The need is to have clear understanding about the importance and requirement of protein in terms of quality as well as quantity in daily diet (ICMR recommended dietary allowance for Indians 2010 is 1 gram per kg of body weight),”adds Husein.

Commenting on the support, Dr Pai, Executive Director, PFNDAI said, “We are delighted to support this initiative again with IDA. The idea is to generate dialogue around protein so that a lot of misconceptions surrounding it are cleared, paving way for better life choices for people”.