Avoid protein supplements, reduce salt intake: ICMR issues new dietary guidelines for Indians

Over 56 percent of India’s total disease burden is owing to unhealthy diets, according to estimates cited by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 

However, eating healthy diets and ensuring adequate physical activity can reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease and hypertension cases, as well as prevent around 80 percent of type 2 diabetes cases.

It is to counter this growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and undernutrition, that ICMR has issued a set of 17 new dietary guidelines for Indians.

These ICMR guidelines for Indians, formulated after research, expert consultation and scientific review, provide recommendations for good health and prevention of malnutrition. 

Apart from basic recommendations such as consumption of a balanced diet laden with fresh fruits and vegetables, ICMR has advised people against the consumption of protein supplements to build muscle mass.

Over the past few years, dietary supplements have gained immense prominence.

People consume protein powders as healthy options to supplement lack of natural protein consumption. 

However, ICMR warns that protein powders, marketed as protein supplements, may contain added sugars, non-caloric sweeteners and additives, making them unviable for regular consumption.

The ICMR has urged people to obtain good quality proteins and essential amino acids through natural sources rather than investing in protein supplements to build muscle mass.

Prolonged intake of a large amount of protein powders is also associated with potential health dangers such as bone mineral loss and kidney damage.