Advisory on protein supplements, health foods to prevent organ damage

livemint.com:

New Delhi: Gym-goers and fitness freaks chasing protein pills may need to tread with care, with their potential for serious organ damage prompting the Centre to caution the public about them. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the health ministry will shortly issue an advisory on protein supplements after multiple instances of kidney and cardiac problems in many people who consume them to build a muscular body, an official aware of the matter said. “Youngsters and gym trainers are consuming these protein supplements without any guidance.

This may lead to many health complications such as kidney ailments," the official cited above said on the condition of anonymity. “Basically, people are not aware how to use these products. So, this general advisory urging them to avoid using protein supplements is very important in view of their misuse," the official added.

Protein supplements come under the nutraceuticals regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which also sets specifications for such foods meant for sportspersons. India's protein supplement market was at around $1.4 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $1.88 billion by 2029, according to Modor Intelligence, a market intelligence and advisory firm. Queries sent to a health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered.