Families in Pakistan are still being misguided by nutrition myths in a nation where undernutrition, obesity, and food insecurity are high. The same report by the National Nutrition Survey (2023) reveals that 40.2 percent of children below the age of five years are stunted, whereas 28.9 percent are underweight.
Three common myths still influence unhealthy eating habits among families across the country: the myths about fats, supplements, and broiler chicken. These beliefs are not only false, but scientific proofs also reveal that they are possibly causing malnutrition and multiple diseases.
Fats are also necessary to stay healthy, especially in thedevelopment and growth of a child’s brain and in the regulation of hormones in an adult. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), fats, especially unsaturated fats, which are present in nuts, seeds, fish, and vegetable oils, must constitute a balanced diet.
A complete removal of fats may cause fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, E, and K) deficiencies, prohibited child brain development, and hormonal disproportions. WHO encourages adults to limit total fat to not more than 30 percent of total energy intake (less than 10 percent of total energy intake of saturated fats and practically no trans fats).
In Pakistan, several families either fear or reject ghee, butter, or oils entirely because of the threat of gaining weight or getting heart disease, without knowing that it is the type and quantity of fat that is important.
Ms. Hajra Saleem, 36, a dietitian at Evercare Hospital, Lahore, said: “All fats are not bad. Some people do not use oil, ghee, etc., not knowing that all fats are not bad but the excess of them is.”
Supplements are deemed as actual alternatives to meals. Nevertheless, as it is stated in UNICEF Maternal and Child Nutrition Report (2024), the multivitamins and nutritional supplements must not be utilized as a substitute to whole food varieties and densities of nutrients contained in fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, and grains should instead be used to treat only specific deficiencies.
Excessive use of supplements, particularly in children, may result in an unbalanced diet and even toxicity in the fat-solublevitamins unless under medical supervision. Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society (PNDS, 2024) warns that the greatest benefit of supplements is seen when they are used together with nutrient-rich diets and not as substitutes.
Ms. Hajra Saleem, 36, a dietitian at Evercare Hospital, Lahore, said: “Supplements should only be used in case of deficiency; otherwise, try to fulfill body requirements through a normal diet.”
The other myth is that broiler chickens have toxic chemicals or hormones. The PNDS and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), however, explain that growth hormones in poultry are prohibited in Pakistan and that broiler chicken is one of the cheapest and most readily available sources of animal protein in the country.
Broiler chicken is nutritionally composed of high-quality protein, iron, and vitamin B12; thus, it has been of especial worth in diets where other protein sources like beef, fish, or eggs are unavailable. The issue regarding food safety must never be an issue with the bird, but rather on the proper storage, cleanliness, and cooking.
Ms. Hajra Saleem, 36, a dietitian at Evercare Hospital, Lahore, said: “Broiler chicken is a source of protein and can be used.”
The nutritional crisis is aggravated by misinformation coupled with geographic restrictions in accessing health services. Also, according to the National Nutrition Survey (2023):
Wasting in children (acute malnutrition) 17.7%
Underweight among women of reproductive age is 9.5 percent
18.9 percent of children are obese and overweight
These paradoxes demonstrate that poor nutrition is not only amatter of food intake but quality and correctness of beliefs held by people. A modification of cultural beliefs with the scientific guideline can enhance the dietary results of the upcoming generation.
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