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Challenges of Protein Provision in Iranian Households' Food Basket: The Need for a Comprehensive Policy Package to Prevent Malnutrition and Reduce Long-Term Health System Burden
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A Ghorbani *   |
| Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology |
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Abstract: (11 Views) |
Food inflation and decreased household purchasing power due to high cost of living have significantly decreased protein consumption among low-income Iranian households over recent years. Reports show that meat consumption among low-income deciles is at less than one kilogram per year per person and a majority of households are unable to meet daily protein needs. Unless measures are taken, the trend might result in high levels of malnutrition, child malnutrition, anemia, poor immune functions, and other non-communicable diseases, all of which will be associated with costly medical interventions.
This policy brief has been produced in order to identify factors causing insufficient protein consumption and propose policy recommendations to counteract the issue. It has been produced based on systematic reviews of the international literature, analysis of national household expenditure surveys, stakeholder mapping, and analysis of policy documents and strategies. Findings suggest that key obstacles to proper protein consumption include increased cost of foods, decreased purchasing power, uncertainty of the livestock food supply chain, and the lack of nutrition support policies.
Key policy recommendations considered include: (1) providing protein vouchers targeting specific populations at risk of food insecurity, (2) ensuring reliable livestock food supply chain and stabilization of prices for essential proteins, and (3) promoting alternative protein sources, for example, legumes and eggs. The analysis shows that immediate actions in combination with long-term changes in nutrition policies are the best ways to combat food insecurity.
Recommendations for immediate actions include: introducing protein vouchers for pregnant women, children under five years old, and poor households; stimulating local production of proteins foods and increasing nutrition education efforts. Policy recommendations can have a great impact on the overall situation and nutritional status of Iranians. |
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| Keywords: Protein, Household Purchasing Power |
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Full-Text [PDF 219 kb]
(12 Downloads)
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Article type: Brief Policy |
Subject:
nutrition
Received: 2026/05/26 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/06/1
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