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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"