48.3% kids stunted, 64% women anaemic in state: Survey

Patna: As the world observes World Protein Day on Thursday, the spotlight has turned on protein deficiency. In Bihar, alarming statistics from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) highlight the consequences of inadequate protein intake, with 48.3per cent of children stunted and 64per cent of women anemic. Experts warn that insufficient protein in daily meals is not just affecting physical growth but also weakening immunity, impairing cognitive development, and increasing vulnerability to diseases.

Former superintendent of Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, stressed the importance of protein for the growth of children. Dr Prasad said deficiency of protein was a major reason for children being stunted. He further said even a large number of women in the state fail to take a proper diet, with adequate protein in their daily meals. "The majority of them are anaemic, which means they lack haemoglobin," said Dr Prasad.

He said a new trend of dieting has emerged, in which people, especially youngsters, without understanding the importance of a wholesome diet, were skipping important food from their meals, including protein-rich food. "They want to look thin and in the process are harming themselves by avoiding important food. In fact, our traditional food of ‘dal-chawal' is the best," said Dr Prasad.

Another city-based noted dietician, Dr Sukriti Kumar, also stressed the consumption of protein on a daily basis. Dr Sukriti said while an average vegetarian takes around 30g of protein per day, a non-vegetarian consumes 50g a day, and these were less than the requirement. She said, "Our body requires one gram of protein per one kg of weight."

She stressed the need to consume a proper diet with high biological value protein and pointed out that egg was best for it. "Rice and dal taken together form the best combination, or dal and roti, but together," she said, adding that though non-veg food like meat, chicken, and fish contain protein, the process of preparation often makes them unhealthy.

Apart from health experts, even data suggest the need to increase protein intake. One of the studies stated that 73per cent of Indians suffer from protein deficiency. Poultry India, the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), stressed affordable high-quality protein sources to be taken like chicken and eggs. One medium egg contains 6g of protein, making it an ideal, nutrient-rich food for daily consumption. Chicken is another lean, high-quality protein source, packed with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

"Many Indians prioritise carbohydrates over protein, mistakenly equating a full stomach with good health," said Uday Sing Bayas, president of Poultry India/IPEMA. "However, protein is essential for tissue repair, enzyme and hormone production, and overall immunity," he added.