Revealing the truth about the death of a young man of Indian origin caused by drinking protein supplements in England has sparked a debate. Questions arise as to whether such supplements should be labeled with a warning label.
The case of August 15, 2020, concerns 16-year-old Rohan, whose health suddenly deteriorated and he died in hospital three days later.
After a three-and-a-half-year investigation, investigators have come to a conclusion - Rohan's death was caused by protein supplements given to him by his father to gain weight. According to investigators, Rohan had a congenital ammonia problem.
The investigator told the court - in his opinion, a warning should be printed on the label of protein supplements. "Drinking too much protein can be dangerous for people who have ammonia disease."
After this news, not only in the UK but all over the world, concerns are being expressed about protein supplements - because they are very popular with young people, especially those who go to the gym to lift weights.
Why is protein important?
Protein is an important nutrient. It plays an important role in building and repairing muscles. Protein keeps the heart, brain and skin healthy, as well as strengthening bones and immunity.
According to the Council of Medical Research – India, 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of human body weight per day is sufficient. And a quarter of your meal should be protein. That is the normal amount of protein needed by the body.
Everyone's protein needs are different based on age, health, physical activity and exercise level, but most people don't know the exact amount they need based on their health.
Eggs, milk, butter, fish, pulses, meat, soy etc. are high in protein and most people get enough protein from their meals.
Protein supplements are used to make up the missing protein in foods. Most protein supplements are available in powder form, which is used as a thick liquid. This protein powder is derived from plants such as potatoes, soy, rice, peas and eggs or milk.
What are the risks of protein supplements?
Dr. Sameer Jamwal, of the Department of Biochemistry at the Medical College of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh says, "If you weigh 50 kg, there is no problem if you consume 50 grams of protein a day."
According to him, the body converts excess ammonia produced after protein digestion into urea, which is excreted through urine. But most people lack the enzymes that convert ammonia to urea, meaning they have a urea cycle problem.
Dr. Sameer explains, the level of ammonia increases in the body, which is very dangerous for the brain. There are different types of these urea problems and for people who have this type of problem, consuming too much protein can be dangerous.
Protein supplementation among young people
It has been seen that the tendency to take supplements has increased significantly among young people, especially those who participate in bodybuilding and sports.
One of those youngsters is Uday, who is studying in a private institute in Noida. He had been very thin since childhood. But in college, he started feeling ashamed about his weight, after which he started using protein to gain weight. His weight increased but problems also started.
Manish Singh, a senior doctor from Delhi's Pushpanjali Medical Centre, says - he has come across many cases where young people started taking protein supplements without thinking and then fell ill.
"We avoid protein syrup because it sometimes affects cells and lowers the body's immunity," he explains.
Dr. Manish says, "I have seen many cases of young people with liver problems. Gets pneumonia. Then I find out that they use that protein for bodybuilding."
Dr. Manish explains, there are many people who start using supplements without knowing their benefits and side effects.
He says, "how do you build a body when you are not healthy. I have seen many people who go to the gym and have heart problems. A good body is not a measure of good health. The most important thing is to have good food."
Protein supplements market
The demand for protein and other nutrients is growing rapidly in India. According to IMRC, the market for such supplements in India was around Rs 436 billion - 2022, it will grow to around Rs 958 billion by 2028.
The artificial protein supplement business has also started to turn a profit.
Aman Chauhan, who runs a health food and supplements fair in West Delhi, says it is important to avoid fake and fake products.
He says, "supplements should only be purchased from authorized stores and authorized companies. Be sure to check the seal on the product package and the importer's label."
In the UK it has not yet been decided whether protein supplements should carry a warning on their label. But will the warning be enough?
Doctors say, people should take care of their diet and take good nutrition instead of using supplements. Having a warning written on the label may not be very effective.
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