The place of processed protein foods in the treatment and prevention of protein malnutrition in children

It is evident from the foregoing account that besides cereals and pulses which form important sources of protein in the diet of the low income groups in tropical countries, oilseeds and oilseed meals represent an abundant and a most important source of proteins which have not been fully utilised so far for supplementing human diet30,32. The problem of providing low cost balanced protein supplements utilising oilseeds and oilseed meals for combating malnutrition in under-developed countries has been engaging the attention of scientists in several countries30,32. FAO and UNICEF are also aiding governments through their regular and technical assistance programme in the production of low cost food supplements utilising oilseeds and oilseed meals32,51. There is a great need for further investigations to discover new combinations and preparations of local food, which can be used for feeding infants and children. There is no doubt that increased production and consumption of processed protein food fortified adequately with synthetic vitamins, at a cost lower than natural protective foods, will play a very important role in improving the diet and nutritional status of the majority of the population in tropical countries