The ICMR-NIN 2020 dietary guidelines revised RDA for protein for a sedentary adult Indian male (60 kg). Which correctly reflects this revision and its basis?
- A 0.8 g/kg/day based on nitrogen balance studies — unchanged from older recommendations
- B 0.66 g/kg/day (EAR) and 0.83 g/kg/day (RDA) based on India-specific studies and PDCAAS method ✓
- C 1.0 g/kg/day due to higher infectious disease burden in Indian population
- D 1.2 g/kg/day using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique
Correct answer: B. 0.66 g/kg/day (EAR) and 0.83 g/kg/day (RDA) based on India-specific studies and PDCAAS method
Explanation
ICMR-NIN 2020 recommendations set the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for protein at 0.66 g/kg/day and RDA at 0.83 g/kg/day for healthy sedentary Indian adults, using the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) method applied to India-specific data. This is slightly lower than the older ICMR 1990 values and comparable to WHO/FAO recommendations. The revision accounts for India-specific food patterns, lower bioavailability of plant proteins, and updated nitrogen balance methodology.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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