Why are poultry products important for global health and the economy?

December 17, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), poultry production has a lower environmental impact compared to other livestock, requiring less land and water. This efficiency is a key factor in understanding why are poultry products important for addressing global food and nutritional needs.

Quick Summary

Poultry products like meat and eggs are vital for global nutrition due to their high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They are also an engine for economic growth, creating jobs and income opportunities, especially in developing nations. Their affordability and production efficiency make them a cornerstone of food security and public health.

Key Points

Rich Source of Protein: Poultry meat and eggs are exceptional sources of high-quality, easily digestible protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
Essential Micronutrient Provider: These products offer a wide range of vital vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and iron, supporting overall health and immunity.
Economic Engine: The poultry industry is a significant driver of economic growth, creating millions of jobs and providing a source of income and affordable food globally.
Promotes Food Security: Due to efficient production and quick turnover, poultry farming is a cornerstone of food security, providing a reliable and inexpensive protein source for a growing global population.
Healthier Protein Alternative: When prepared lean, poultry is lower in saturated fat than red meat, making it a heart-healthy dietary choice that can aid in weight management.
Sustainable Production: Modern poultry farming is more resource-efficient than other livestock production, with a smaller environmental footprint in terms of land and water use.
Versatile and Accessible: Poultry products are widely available, affordable, and culturally acceptable in most parts of the world, making them an accessible form of nutrition.

The Nutritional Powerhouse of Poultry

Poultry products are a globally recognized source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients. They are particularly important in developing countries where they provide an affordable source of protein to combat nutritional deficiencies. Both meat and eggs from poultry offer complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. In addition to protein, poultry products are packed with important vitamins and minerals.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

B-Vitamins: Poultry is a good source of B-vitamins vital for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
Selenium: An antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Zinc: Important for immune function and growth.
Iron: The iron in poultry helps prevent anemia.

The Role in Weight Management and Heart Health

Lean poultry is a valuable component of healthy diets, contributing to weight management and heart health. Its protein content promotes satiety, and lean cuts are lower in saturated fats than red meat. Poultry also contains beneficial unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. Studies suggest consuming white meat is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Eggs, when eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet, have shown neutral or positive effects on heart health.

The Economic and Social Impact of the Poultry Industry

Globally, the poultry industry significantly contributes to economic growth and provides employment. Its efficient production cycle and relatively low resource requirements make it accessible for both large and small-scale operations.

Economic Benefits

Employment: The industry supports numerous jobs.
Quick Returns: Poultry farming offers a faster turnover compared to other livestock.
Affordability: Poultry products are an economical source of animal protein, improving access to nutrition for low-income populations.
By-Products: The industry provides valuable by-products like fertilizer.

Comparison of Poultry and Red Meat


Feature	Poultry Meat (e.g., Chicken Breast)	Red Meat (e.g., Beef)
Saturated Fat	Lower	Higher
Cooking Time	Faster	Generally slower
Cost	Generally more affordable	Typically more expensive
Cholesterol	Lower per 100g compared to some cuts	Varies, but often higher
Environmental Impact	Lower resource intensity	Higher resource intensity

Global Food Security and Sustainability

Poultry is crucial for global food security, offering a stable food source for a growing population. Its production efficiency, requiring fewer resources than other livestock, makes it a key part of sustainable food systems. Small-scale poultry farming also significantly contributes to food security and income for rural families.

Conclusion

Poultry products are essential for human health, providing vital nutrients and protein. The industry's economic impact is substantial, creating jobs and affordable food globally. As an efficient and sustainable protein source, poultry remains critical for global food security. Its accessibility and nutritional value make it a fundamental part of diets worldwide.

For more information on the pivotal role of poultry in human nutrition, consult resources from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Poultry is considered a high-quality or 'complete' protein source because it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own.

Poultry contributes to a healthy diet by providing lean protein, essential vitamins like B6 and B12, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, which support energy, immunity, and overall body function.

Yes, poultry production is generally more sustainable than other livestock farming, requiring less land, water, and feed to produce a kilogram of meat, which makes it a more environmentally friendly protein source.

The poultry industry is economically important because it creates jobs in farming, processing, and distribution, provides a fast return on investment, and supplies a high-demand, affordable food product.

Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, providing high-quality protein, choline for brain health, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. They are also one of the few natural sources of Vitamin D.

Regular, moderate consumption of lean poultry is linked to benefits such as muscle building, weight management, improved heart health due to lower saturated fat, and enhanced immune function.

Poultry supports food security by providing an accessible and affordable source of protein. Its efficient production cycle and ability to be raised in large-scale operations or small backyard flocks make it a reliable food supply.