Dietary diversity as a sustainable approach towards micronutrient deficiencies in India

Abstract

The silent epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) continues to be a major public health challenge in the developing world, including India. The prevalence of iron, iodine, zinc, vitamin A and folate deficiencies is alarmingly high worldwide. India is additionally facing a high prevalence of vitamin D and B12 deficiencies. To combat the hidden epidemic of MNDs, various governments around the world have mostly relied on supplementation or fortification-based interventions. India launched salt iodization programme in 1962 and vitamin A and iron-folate supplementation programmes in 1970. Yet, even after decades of these programmes, MNDs are still widespread in the country. Due to slow progress in alleviating the burden of most MNDs, the Government of India aims to scale up fortification-based intervention programmes. However, there are safety and effectiveness concerns with such approaches. Hence, overdependence on supplementation and fortification alone may be counterproductive. Instead, food based dietary diversification approach can be the way forward. In this article, we list the common MNDs in India, evaluate major policy interventions, discuss concerns pertaining to fortification and suggest the need for a concurrent food-based approach, in particular dietary diversification, as a long-term and sustainable strategy to address population-based MNDs.

Malnourished children? Child health disparities and its causes in Eastern India

“…According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, India was ranked 94th among 107 countries (Chatterjee, 2021). Chaudhary et al (2022) observed that malnutrition was the leading risk factor for health loss across all ages in India, accounting for a significant proportion of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In fact, malnutrition was identified as the predominant risk factor for deaths in children under 5 years of age across all Indian states in 2017, with considerable variation in malnutrition rates among different states, highlighting the urgent need for tailored regional strategies.…”

“…In fact, malnutrition was identified as the predominant risk factor for deaths in children under 5 years of age across all Indian states in 2017, with considerable variation in malnutrition rates among different states, highlighting the urgent need for tailored regional strategies. Anemia is particularly rampant in the country, affecting about 67.1% of children under five (Chaudhary et al, 2022).…”

Inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal anemia and low birth weight in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…On the other hand, evidence has shown that supplementation‐ and fortification‐based strategies are shortcuts to addressing the widely prevalent micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs). For example, a study in India highlighted food‐based approaches, such as dietary improvement and diversification as a long‐term and sustainable strategy to control MNDs and promote healthier lives (Chaudhary et al, 2022). However, in Africa, government efforts to promote dietary diversity have not been widely observed.…”

Effect of fermentation using different lactic acid bacteria strains on the nutrient components and mineral bioavailability of soybean yogurt alternative

“…Soybean milk is a primary source of mineral elements that play essential roles in sustaining life and supporting fundamental body functions (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). For example, calcium regulates the activity of intracellular enzymes and participates in neuronal conduction via ion channels.…”