Dietary assessment of protein intake in adults of village Behkri, Chakwal, Pakistan

Abstract

Optimal protein intake is essential for supporting muscle strength, mass, and general health. The differences in intake are primarily impacted by gender, age, occupation, and body composition. The low intake of proteins in Pakistan, especially in rural areas, is due to cultural and economic factors. The present study aims to assess the dietary protein intake in adults of Village Behkri, Chakwal, and evaluate it with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). A cross-sectional study was performed among 100 adults (≥20 years), enrolled randomly according to set criteria. The participants provided data related to anthropometrics (height, weight, BMI), demographics (age, occupation, etc.), and 3-day dietary records. The protein intake was measured employing the Pakistan Food Composition Table (2001) and supplemented with the USDA Food Composition Database. Data were grouped and analyzed by age, gender, occupation, and BMI, comparing them with the RDA of 0.8g/kg/BW. The males’ protein intake was found to be consistently more than that of females across all age groups included in the study. The highest protein intake was found in the adults aged ≥56 years (54 g/day), followed by those aged 20–35 years (53 g/day), while the lowest intake was in the 36–55 years’ group (49 g/day). Protein intake was found to be positively linked with BMI, as underweight adults consumed 55 g/day as compared to obese adults with 45 g/day. Protein intake differed notably by age, BMI, and gender, with males overall consuming more than females. However, older and younger adults exceeded or approached their RDAs, while overweight or obese and middle-aged adults fell below the recommendations. The results call for the need for specific dietary interventions among the rural populations of Pakistan.

Keywords: BMI, RDAs, USDA, Anthropometrics, Demographics, Food Composition Table.