Desperate Measures for Protein Intake

In a shocking turn of events, dozens of bodybuilding athletes in Malang Regency, Indonesia, have reportedly been consuming tiren chicken (carcass chicken) as a primary source of protein. This drastic measure comes as a result of the Department of Youth and sports (Dispora) failing to disburse the athletes’ allocated budget.

The consumption of carcass chicken, typically sold at a significantly lower price than fresh poultry, is seen as a desperate attempt by these athletes to maintain their rigorous training regimens and performance levels despite severe financial constraints.However, experts warn of the serious health risks associated with this practice.

The Dangers of Carcass Chicken: Nutritional Void and Health Risks

Community nutrition expert Dr. Tan Shot Yen has strongly cautioned against the consumption of carcass chicken, emphasizing its lack of nutritional value and potential health hazards.According to Dr. Tan, the nutritional content of carcass chicken is virtually non-existent, replaced instead by harmful bacteria.

Rotten chickens are often contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter, and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
Dr. tan Shot Yen, Community Nutrition Expert

Dr. Tan further questioned the logic of consuming carcass chicken, stating, Why eat chicken if you look for a disease?

A Safer, More Affordable alternative: The Power of Eggs

Instead of resorting to perhaps perilous carcass chicken, Dr. Tan recommends that athletes prioritize eggs as a source of protein. Eggs are not only a more affordable option but also provide a complete profile of essential amino acids crucial for muscle development and overall health.

Currently, the average price of a dozen eggs in Indonesia is significantly lower than the price of fresh chicken, making it a more accessible and enduring source of protein for athletes facing budget limitations. Furthermore, eggs are a versatile food that can be prepared in numerous ways, ensuring variety and palatability.

Athletes are more recommended eggs as protein with complete amino acids. Eggs are much cheaper,containing more protein at the same price,compared to all types of other animal protein.
Dr. Tan Shot Yen, Community Nutrition expert

The Broader Implications: Athlete Welfare and Funding Transparency

This incident raises serious concerns about the welfare of athletes and the transparency of funding allocation within the Department of Youth and sports.It highlights the need for greater accountability and support systems to ensure that athletes have access to safe and nutritious food sources to fuel their training and performance.

Further investigation into the reasons behind the budget disbursement failure is warranted to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The health and well-being of athletes should be a top priority, and adequate funding must be allocated and managed effectively to support their nutritional needs.