Hyderabad: Micronutrient deficiency and adolescent malnutrition are the areas where there is evidence to show that interventions will help improve the situation according to the Global Nutrition Report of 2018.
Poor diets, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity are leading to nearly one in five deaths globally. To improve the eating habits it is very important to concentrate on the quality of foods and not the quantity. The understanding and diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency continues to be a challenge as there are 17 micronutrients. The deficiencies caused by insufficient intake of vitamin A and iodine are easily seen.
There is minimal data on the result of deficiency of other micronutrients like folic acid, zinc, vitamins C, D, B, K, BComplex and others. There is also controversy on zinc and vitamin C supplementation due to the interaction in the body.
Bioavailability of the food according to the geographical region and its ability to process in the body are some of the major concerns in micronutrients which require accurate data and studies to understand. There is a need to focus on them and improve the understanding with proper scientific evidence stressed experts.
Dr Hemalatha R., director at the National Institute of Nutrition, explained, “Earlier it was believed that improved economic status will result in better nutrition. But that is not so. Micronutrients deficiency is found in those who are undernourished and those who are overnourished. It is across all sections of society and it is very important to understand what are the right foods and why must it be consumed.”
The NIN dietary guidelines state that 450 grams of fruits and vegetables must be consumed every day. But in India it is found that it is only 200 grams per day, per person. The Global Nutrition Report finds that regardless of wealth, school going children, adolescents and adults are consuming too many refined grains, sugary foods and aerated drinks.
The major challenge which is being seen is in understanding how to develop good and lasting dietary habits during adolescence as it will affect the habits of the next generation.
Dr P. Janaki Srinath, national executive member of Indian Dietetic Association, said, “The first 1,000 days of life are being stressed upon as it is felt that the nutrition has to be focused during pregnancy and two years of life which will have a lasting effect. For this reason in India we are focusing as 1000 plus days of life.”
“The focus on having a healthy baby in the womb ensures that the weight of the child is normal and also the mental development in terms of the brain is appropriate. The focus on adolescent health is seeing a major shift as it is found that their intake of fruits and whole grains is not adequate. Due to this there is macro and micro nutrient deficiency leading to early advent of non-communicable diseases,” Dr Srinath said.
Estimates show that over 2 billion people worldwide suffer from chronic deficiency of micronutrients which is one of the major reasons for the condition known as ‘hidden hunger’.
