Iran faces low dairy consumption due to economic and cultural factors

Dr. Ahmad Esmailzadeh, Director General of the Office for Community Nutrition Improvement at the Ministry of Health, has warned that dairy consumption in Iran has fallen significantly below recommended levels. While most age groups require 2 to 3 units daily, and seniors require 3 to 4, the current average in Iran is approximately one unit per day.

Several factors contribute to this decline. Economic constraints are a primary driver, as rising food inflation and high prices limit household access to essential nutrients. Additionally, unscientific beliefs—such as claims that dairy products possess a 'cold' nature—have led some individuals to avoid them, a trend the Ministry of Health warns is unsupported by academic medicine.

The health consequences of insufficient dairy intake include reduced calcium levels, which can lead to impaired bone development and stunted growth in children, as well as osteoporosis in the elderly. To address these nutritional gaps, a proposal has been submitted to the Iranian Parliament to allocate 1% of food factory taxes toward providing essential micronutrients and supporting the nutritional needs of low-income populations.