#Malnutrition

Protein has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of good health, but new research and expert advice are casting a spotlight on widespread under-recognition of protein deficiency—a concern with serious implications for Thais in every age group. A recent report published by Parade and AOL highlights seven telltale signs of inadequate protein, including muscle loss, puffy face, weak gums and teeth, dry mouth, increased hunger, brittle nails, and trouble concentrating. With social media buzz on protein intake growing, Thai health leaders stress that these warning signs should prompt a careful look at one’s daily diet, as protein is essential not just for athletes, but for overall physical and cognitive wellbeing.

Protein is essential for health, but recent expert guidance suggests many Thais may not be getting enough. A new piece circulating in health circles highlights seven signs of inadequate protein, including muscle weakness, facial puffiness, gum and dental issues, dry mouth, increased hunger, brittle nails, and concentration problems. With growing conversations on social media about protein, Thai health leaders urge readers to evaluate daily diets, since protein supports not only physical strength but also cognitive function.

Global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are facing a dangerous setback as disruptions in US government funding threaten the distribution of Plumpy’Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) that has transformed survival rates for severely malnourished children. Experts warn that millions could be left without this critical lifeline, triggering renewed concern across regions already suffering humanitarian emergencies.

For families like those in northeastern Nigeria, the stakes are heartbreakingly clear. After losing her husband to violence and fleeing her village, one mother found her two-year-old son failing to thrive on inadequate rations in a displaced persons camp. It was only after receiving Plumpy’Nut—an energy-dense peanut paste fortified with vitamins and minerals—that her son rapidly recovered from acute malnutrition, illustrating the product’s vital role on the frontlines of humanitarian care (source: NPR).

A global effort to combat childhood malnutrition faces a dangerous disruption as U.S. funding shifts threaten the distribution of Plumpy’Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food that has dramatically improved survival for severely malnourished children. Experts warn that millions could lose access to this critical lifeline, intensifying humanitarian strain in regions already under pressure.

In northeastern Nigeria, a mother who fled violence with her two-year-old son recalls the turning point. Her child, once stunted by inadequate rations in a displacement camp, rapidly recovered after receiving Plumpy’Nut, a nutrient-dense peanut paste fortified with vitamins and minerals. This example underscores the program’s frontline importance in emergency settings.

A new study led by a researcher at East Tennessee State University aims to tackle vitamin deficiencies that affect millions. With a $450,000 grant from a foundation focused on food and agriculture, the team uses machine learning and rapid robotic screening to boost the vitamin content of staple seeds, starting with soybeans. This work offers a practical path to healthier diets worldwide, including in Thailand.

For Thai audiences, the relevance is clear. Thailand has reduced severe malnutrition over the years, but micronutrient gaps—iron, vitamin A, and folate—persist among vulnerable groups such as rural children, pregnant women, and urban poor. These hidden deficiencies can stunt growth and lower productivity. Data from UNICEF Thailand underscores the priority of improving micronutrient intake in Southeast Asia, where rice-based diets often lack diversity.

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Tianhu Sun of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) aims to tackle one of the world’s most pervasive but invisible health issues: vitamin deficiencies. Armed with a $450,000 grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, Dr. Sun and his team are harnessing advanced genetic tools — including machine learning and high-throughput robotic screening — to enhance the vitamin content of staple crop seeds, starting with soybeans. This innovative approach promises realistic, sustainable solutions for improving the nutrient profile of everyday foods worldwide, a change that could echo meaningfully in Thailand and beyond (SciTechDaily).