Growing Champions — Why Roti is Not Enough

Stunting isn't just about eating less — it's about eating wrong. The key missing nutrient? Lysine, an amino acid almost absent in wheat.

The Lysine Mystery

Wheat has a PDCAAS (protein quality score) of only 0.42 — mainly because it lacks lysine. A child eating mostly roti gets plenty of calories but not enough complete protein for growth.

The Champion's Plate

A balanced plate should be: 1/4 roti/rice, 1/4 protein (egg, meat, dal), 1/2 vegetables and fruit. Adding just one egg per day can significantly improve a child's growth trajectory.

The Chai Myth

Giving chai to young children is common in Pakistan but harmful. Tea blocks iron and zinc absorption — two critical nutrients for growth. Replace with milk or lassi.

Adding one egg per day to a child's diet can increase height gain by 0.63 cm over 6 months.