The latest dietary guideline for Indians regarding the protein supplements reads, ‘Obtain good quality proteins and essential amino acids (EAA) through appropriate combination of food and avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass.’ This has been interpreted as a death sentence for the protein supplements.
Here are my two cents on the matter;
- We are being asked to refrain from consuming the protein supplement ‘to build muscle mass.’ Rightly so because a protein supplement is otherwise taken to be a must have by those who wish to have a muscular appearance. Muscle dysmorphia is a real problem but seldom spoken about. Then, our obsession with a pseudo sense of fitness that solely relies on how we physically appear, is a testament enough of how myopic our take on health is. Protein supplements were never a blanket coverage product.
- Given the additives, the document also states ‘protein supplements are not advisable to be consumed on a regular basis.’ In light of recent debacles, this makes sense.
- Going overboard with protein is not a concern in the Indian scenario. We are well aware that the Indian diets are lacking in protein, they seldom meet the threshold of recommended dietary allowance. But is that a reason enough to propagate the use of protein supplements? If we can make room for a protein supplement, then why not for improving the nutritional quality of the diet to obtain the protein through natural foods? The document clearly highlights that even athletes need not consume the protein supplements as the requirement can be met through food alone, then why can’t the general population?
- Kidney damage and bone mineral loss is a well established consequence of going overboard with protein for long periods of time. Who knows how many must have already breached that stage given too much reliance on protein supplements to meet the requirements and in the quest to build the muscles? Most of us are nutritionally illiterate. Then, how can we forget the protein shakes replacing the meals? What about those who proudly flaunt the number of bottles of protein supplements they finish in a month? This is the hard hitting reality that the guideline has addressed.
The panic reactions highlight how protein supplements have been made to become a product of necessity while the fear of being reduced to total redundancy looms over them. What lies ahead for the protein supplements stuck in the quagmire, only time will tell.
Disclaimer: The information shared in the blog is aimed at increasing your awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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