India's Protein Illusion: Cereal-Heavy Diets Mask Quality Deficit, CEEW Study

• A CEEW study reveals nearly half of protein consumed by Indians comes from cereals, creating a "silent crisis" of poor protein quality despite adequate quantity.
• Cereals contribute ~50% of protein intake, significantly exceeding the ICMR-NIN's recommended 32%, leading to low bioavailability and essential amino acid deficiencies.
• Pulses, a traditional protein source, now account for only 11% of intake, falling short of the recommended 19%.
• Socio-economic inequality drives this imbalance, with poorer groups relying more on subsidised cereals and consuming less high-quality protein.
• The report recommends systemic reforms in public food programs to promote nutrient-dense foods like coarse grains, pulses, and milk over cereals.

Why It Matters: India's diet relies on low-quality cereal protein, causing a hidden health crisis.