Bird flu aggravate protein deficiency among children?
Bird flu — so, no chicken and no eggs in food item, which are the two major source of protein in our diet. More than 70 percent of children under 5 years of age in our country have been suffering from some sorts of malnutrition. Now the question is — in this situation, whether the absence of animal protein source will aggravate malnutrition status of our children. Probably the answer is yes . So we have to find out other cheaper protein sources for our children to combat the situation, at least for the time being. We know major sources of protein are chicken, eggs, beef, mutton, fish, pulses, milk and dairy products. In our country chicken were cheaper then beef and mutton. Now as the chickens are seems to be unsafe , the prices of beef and mutton have gone up. There are plenty fishes in the market but as their demand is very high, proportionately price has gone high also and may not be affordable to all. In this critical situation, to maintain the protein requirement we should provide our children more sea fishes, beans, pulses, and vegetables. Sea foods may be a good alternative source of protein, more over it contains low fat and omega 3 fatty acid, which is heart friendly. Prior cooking mixture of different types of pulses increases the test, protein content and quality, so that can be added in food item regularly. Half cup of beans contains protein equivalent to 90 grams of chicken. So is a very good source of protein. Fresh fruits are always welcome in food item of children. By this time we know that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe enough to consume but if we do prefer avoiding chicken for children for the time being, we can add sea foods, pulses, beans, vegetables, fresh fruits in our children's food item to combat the present situation, since protein is the most important component food. The writers is an Associate Professor of Dept. of Pediatrics of Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments