Decrease in Protein Consumption in Iran; Experts Express Concern for Iranians' Health

With unprecedented price increases and a severe decline in protein consumption in Iran, nutrition experts say that protein deficiency poses risks of various diseases for current and future generations of Iranians. Maryam Dadkhah, a nutritionist from Washington, stated in an interview with VOA that the reduction in the consumption of protein sources such as fish, chicken, and red meat will gradually lead to malnutrition in children and various diseases in adults. She emphasized that proteins are the main factor in producing many hormones and enzymes in the body and are fundamental for building vital cells. She added that a deficiency in this essential substance hinders proper growth in height and weight in children and adolescents, delaying their development and handing over a weak generation with numerous physical problems to the country's future. The head of the Union of Chicken and Fish Sellers in Iran recently reported a significant decrease in the purchase and sale of seafood, stating that people can no longer afford fish and have removed this protein source from their tables. Masoud Rasouli, the secretary of the Meat and Protein Industry Association, also reported on May 30 that the per capita consumption of red meat has decreased due to severe price increases. Experts say the global average per capita meat consumption is 30 kilograms per year, while in Iran, this figure is only 5 kilograms, and the continuation of this trend could lead to widespread malnutrition. Ahmad Ismailzadeh, the director of the Community Nutrition Improvement Office at the Ministry of Health, also warned in February 2023 about the severe decrease in dairy consumption in Iran, highlighting the risk of osteoporosis, especially among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. An economic newspaper noted that the real inflation is higher than official statistics, and the market regulation for the New Year and Ramadan is in a coma, with rising prices. Eggs are the only protein product on workers' tables, while the government is seeking a slight increase in wages. A news agency pointed out that with a livelihood basket of 28 million tomans, lower-income groups are surviving on eggs. Food inflation at 38% is higher than the annual inflation rate. The poor living conditions of the people were highlighted, with a newspaper stating that there is little distance from receiving 'loans for buying bananas, flour, and milk.'