National Protein Day is annually observed across the globe on 27 February to raise awareness about the health benefits of protein in our diets.
- The Day also emphasises the importance of protein in our diets for development and promotes the diverse options available to meet protein needs.
The theme of World Protein Day 2024 is “Solve With Protein“.
- 27 February 2024 marks the observance of the 5th National Protein Day in India.
Significance:
i.27th February 2024 marks the 2nd observance of National Protein Day in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
ii.The theme aimed at making protein-rich foods widely accessible across South Asia.
iii.The campaign serves as a call to action for businesses and industry leaders, to tackle the increasing demand for protein-rich foods.
Background:
i.National Protein Day was initiated in 2020 by the Right to Protein (RTP), a nationwide awareness campaign.
- The initiative of the campaign is to educate people about the importance of adequate protein consumption for better nutrition, health, and well-being.
ii.The first National Protein Day was observed on 27 February 2020.
Protein:
i.Protein is one of 3 essential macronutrients essential for the healthy functioning of the body and is made up of chemical ‘building blocks’ called amino acids.
ii.There are about 20 different amino acids, with 11 produced by the human body.
iii.The other 9 “essential amino acids” must be acquired through daily protein intake.
iv.The human body uses amino acids to make new proteins, such as muscle and bone, and other compounds such as enzymes and hormones.
Right To Protein (RTP) Campaign:
i.The United States of America Soybean Export Council (USSEC) takes the lead in driving this protein-centric initiative, underlining the global importance of protein awareness.
ii.The campaign has garnered support from various entities — organisations, institutions, academicians, professionals, and individuals alike.
iii.It aims to build knowledge among people of different types of protein sources, especially plant protein, to meet larger nutritional goals.
iv.As a protein awareness campaign, RTP emphasises the role of protein in supporting good health, reducing malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development.
v.It also creates awareness about the global burden of protein deficiency, especially in developing nations, addressing it as a significant public health concern.
Protein Recommendation:
As per the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) given by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for Indians:
- Average Indian adults need 0.8 grams (gm) to 1 gm per kilogram (kg) of ideal body weight of protein.
