A study on 1,800 children and adolescents across different regions in the country has found that nearly 52% of them have poor dietary diversity scores.
The dietary diversity score is defined as the number of food groups consumed over a 24-hour period. A score of less than five food groups is generally considered poor dietary intake.
The study, conducted by Pune-based Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute at Jehangir Hospital, found that children and adolescents from the southern and western (Maharashtra) part of the country had a higher mean dietary diversity score (6.5) because of the higher number of food groups consumed by them, compared to those from other regions, while the lowest scores were observed among children and adolescents in Gujarat. The Savitribai Phule Pune University also contributed to the study.
Dietary intakes obtained from the 24-hour diet recall were segregated into 12 different food groups: 1) and Millets, 2) pulses and legumes, 3) nuts, oilseeds, and dry fruits, 4) milk and milk products, 5) meat, Poultry, and fish, 6) egg, 7) vitamin-A rich fruits and vegetables, 8) vegetables other than vitamin A rich ones, 9) fruits other than vitamin-A rich ones, 10) roots and tubers, 11) simple Carbohydrates and sugar, and 12) visible fats and oils. Dr Khadilkar said that thus, a score of 6.5 by southern region and Maharashtra indicated that the children were consuming at least six food groups, which translated into a higher score.
The study was conducted on children and adolescents in the north (Chandigarh), south (Tamil Nadu), west (Maharashtra and Gujarat), central (Chhattisgarh) and northeast (Assam). ResearchersSmruti Vispute, Rubina Mandlik, Neha Sanwalka andKetan Gondhalekaralso participated in the study.