Study Highlights Protein and Fibre Intake Gap Among Urban Indians

Why in news 

• A recent study titled ‘The State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India’ has highlighted gaps in protein and dietary fibre intake among urban consumers, along with differences between nutritional awareness and actual dietary practices.
• The study was conducted by PepsiCo India in collaboration with Euromonitor International and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Millet Research (ICAR-IIMR). It surveyed 1,250 people aged 18–50 years across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi.

Study Highlights 

• According to the study, around 70% of respondents consumed less than 41 grams of protein per day. While 74% said they were aware of their daily protein requirement, around 56% could not correctly identify the amount required.
• A similar gap was reported for dietary fibre. About 59% of respondents claimed awareness of their daily fibre requirement, but 89% could not correctly identify the recommended quantity. Around 61% reported consuming less fibre than recommended.
• The study also identified economic and accessibility-related barriers. Around 60% of respondents cited the high cost of protein-rich foods as a challenge. About 57% reported a lack of convenient and credible protein options, while 69% pointed to inadequate availability of convenient and credible fibre-rich options.
• Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, muscle maintenance, enzyme and hormone production, and immune function. Dietary fibre supports digestive health, bowel function and overall dietary quality.
• The findings highlight the importance of dietary diversity and nutrition security, which go beyond adequate calorie intake to include sufficient proteins, fibre, micronutrients and access to affordable nutritious foods.
• However, the study's findings should be interpreted within its survey population and should not be treated as a nationally representative estimate of protein deficiency among all Indians.

MCQ English

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India’ study:

1. It surveyed people across five Indian cities.
2. It found a gap between awareness of protein requirements and actual knowledge of required intake.
3. Its findings represent a nationally representative estimate of protein deficiency among all Indians.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A