Staff Correspondent:

Bangladesh is set to celebrate Protein Day on Thursday (February 27) to raise awareness about the importance of protein and ensure the right to adequate protein intake for all.

The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) are jointly observing the day under the theme “Fueling South Asia: The Right Protein, The Right Way.”

To mark the occasion, BPICC organized a discussion session at its Bashundhara office on Wednesday.

BPICC President Shamsul Arefin Khaled highlighted that South Asia is home to approximately 2.04 billion people, making it the most populous and densely populated geographical region in the world.

He emphasized the region’s ongoing struggle for food and nutrition security, noting that a significant percentage of South Asians suffer from protein deficiency.

This lack of protein can lead to severe health issues, including stunted growth in children, weakened immune systems, and muscle loss, he added.

Dr Khaleda Islam, professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, said that there is a general lack of awareness about the importance of protein and its sources in South Asia.

She added that this knowledge gap contributes to inadequate protein intake, which is essential for tissue repair, immune function, and maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Dr Khaleda Islam also pointed out that poverty, limited access to diverse food sources, and cultural dietary habits exacerbate protein deficiency in the region.

“Action is needed to promote sustainable food systems,” she said.

During an online discussion, Deeba Giannoulis, regional head of corporate affairs SAASSA, US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), encouraged everyone to engage in dialogues, events, and activities that promote awareness of the many protein-rich food sources available in South Asian countries.

She stressed that individuals must be aware of their protein requirements and the wide variety of accessible protein sources.

She also underscored the importance of incorporating sustainable protein options into diets to work collectively toward nutrition security for all.

Dr Md Shawkat Ali, professor at the Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, emphasized that raising protein awareness in South Asia is crucial to combating protein deficiency and improving public health.

This can be achieved through educational campaigns, promoting protein-rich food sources, and encouraging balanced diets, he added.

Shamsunnahar Nahid Mohua, chief nutritionist at BIRDEM Hospital, stressed that both physical and mental development depend on protein intake.

She warned that vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of protein deficiency and emphasized that protein boosts immunity.

“A lack of protein can lead to muscle weakness, pregnancy-related complications, anemia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s,” she said.

She also discussed different protein sources, explaining that animal-based proteins such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy are considered complete proteins.

Meanwhile, plant-based options include soy, quinoa, lentils, tofu, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and nuts, she added

Mohua further highlighted that eggs are a low-cost, high-quality protein source, containing choline, which is essential for brain development, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Additionally, she pointed out that soy protein is highly nutritious and affordable, and as it contains natural estrogen hormones, it is particularly beneficial for women.