ANALYSIS OF PROTEIN INTAKE AMONG VEGETARIAN AND NON-VEGETARIAN POPULATION

CLINICAL NUTRITION AND NUTRACEUTICALS

BACKGROUD: The study of protein intake among vegetarian and non-vegetarian populations has garnered increasing attention due to the rising prevalence of plant-based diets and growing concerns about nutrition and health. Proteins are vital macronutrients necessary for various bodily functions, including muscle repair, enzyme production, and immune responses. Traditional perspectives often suggest that non-vegetarian diets, rich in animal proteins, provide more complete amino acid profiles compared to vegetarian diets, which rely on plant-based sources. However, recent research indicates that a well-planned vegetarian diet can meet or exceed protein requirements through diverse sources such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy or fortified products. This research aims to analyze and compare the protein intake and nutritional quality among vegetarian and non-vegetarian individuals, considering factors such as dietary patterns, protein sources, and overall health outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing dietary guidelines and interventions that promote optimal health regardless of dietary preference. OBJECTIVE: To study the protein intake among vegetarian and non-vegetarian population by using structured questionnaire. The study also focuses on to identify the dietary sources of protein within the studied population, to assess differences in the amount of protein consumption across different gender and to assess differences in the amount of protein consumption across different age group. METHODOLOGY: The study conducted was an observational study that included 100 participants from D.Y. Patil University Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The Participants were selected from simple random sampling and according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of participant was collected after the consent of the participants, through personal interviews of the subject with the help of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details of the participants, such as Name, Age, Gender, Socio-economic status, Dietary information like Food preference, Consumption of protein in every meal, Food frequency Table which includes Consumption of Food and Food groups, Their Amount, Whether the foods are consumed on daily, weekly, monthly, Rarely, often basis or they are never consumed. It also includes Total Amount of Protein Consumed by the participants. RESULT: The study analyzed the dietary patterns and protein consumption of 100 individuals, revealing a young, balanced-gender, middle-class cohort with ages ranging from 18 to 58 years. A mean age of 33 years and moderate variability were noted. The dietary preferences were evenly split between vegetarians and non-vegetarians, with non-vegetarians consuming significantly more protein. Cereals and pulses were daily staples, while other protein sources like milk and cheese showed varied consumption rates. Age and gender did not significantly impact protein intake, suggesting other factors might influence dietary habits. The key finding highlighted the significant difference in protein intake between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study conducted at DY Patil University in Navi Mumbai provides valuable insights into the daily calcium intake habits of a diverse group of individuals. Despite efforts to include balanced representation across genders and age groups, findings reveal that participants consumed an average of 598.46 mg of calcium per day, falling below recommended levels. This deficiency spans across demographics, indicating a widespread issue that necessitates broad-based interventions. While certain dietary habits were identified, they alone were insufficient to meet calcium requirements, emphasizing the importance of a varied diet. The study underscores the role of socioeconomic status in influencing dietary habits and highlights opportunities for health interventions, particularly addressing prevalent conditions like hypertension and diabetes alongside efforts to improve dietary habits. Overall, the research underscores the importance of promoting better dietary habits and enhancing calcium intake across all segments of society to improve overall health outcomes.

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