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The diets of Indian infants aged 6–23 months are poor and lack variety. According to the World Health Organization, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) should be maintained for children aged 6–23 months. Children should consume at least five of the eight recommended food groups including breast milk, grains, roots and tubers, legumes and nuts, dairy products, meat foods, eggs, vitamin-rich fruits or vegetables, and other fruits and vegetables. Are included.
According to a recent study, “About 35% of global child deaths and 11% of total disease are caused by inadequate nutrition. Whereas in India, 1 in 3 children is underweight and stunted, and 1 in 5 is wasted.”
Gaurav Gunnal of the International Institute for Population Sciences, Deonar and one of the authors of the study shared in an interview with The Times of India that the minimum dietary diversity failures from the National Family Health Survey – 3 improved when 87% of the age group achieved dietary diversity. Failed to meet standards.
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Indian States and their MDDF:
According to the study, eight states had a high MDDF of more than 80%. Uttar Pradesh demonstrated MDDF of 86.1%, while Rajasthan saw MDDF of 85.1%. Gujarat’s MDDF was 84%, while Maharashtra’s MDDF was 81.9%. Madhya Pradesh demonstrated 81.60% MDDF. 11 states showed 70%–80% prevalence of MDDF. Fourteen states and union territories showed MDDF prevalence of 50%–70%. Only Sikkim and Meghalaya had MDDF below 50%.
Gaurav Gunnal of the Indian Institute of Public Health in Gandhinagar and co-author Dhruvi Bagaria noted that dietary failure was mostly seen in female children who were born to underage mothers and did not receive food from Anganwadi centres.
Also read: Adding variety to our plate: Ways to deal with anemia
Role of dietary diversity in child development:
Dietary standards need to be met to ensure that infants receive adequate amounts of micronutrients, especially in the early years. Micronutrients play an important role in growth and development. Poor nutrition can stunt growth and development, leading to delayed motor and cognitive skills, poor metabolism, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to diseases and infections.
Also read: What is missing from our plate? Problem of nutrient deficiency in India
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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