Micronutrients Malnutrition in India

General Studies Paper-2

Context: A recent article in The Lancet has estimated that the Indian population’s consumption of 15 dietary micronutrients is inadequate.

Major Highlights

• Over 5 billion people worldwide, which is 68% of the global population, do not consume enough iodine; 67% do not consume enough vitamin E; and 66%, calcium.
• More than 4 billion people (65% of the population) do not consume enough iron; 55%, riboflavin; 54%, folate; and 53%, vitamin C.
• Within the same country and age groups, estimated inadequate intakes were higher for women than men for iodine, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium; and higher for men than women for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, and niacin.
• Calcium intake inadequacy is reported to be highest in countries in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and east Asia and the Pacific.
• Also, Intake inadequacy was high across all age–sex groups in these countries, but highest among people aged 10–30 years.

 Significance of Micronutrients

• They perform a range of functions, including enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances needed for normal growth and development.
• They support metabolic processes, bone development and maintenance, several micronutrients influence brain health and cognitive function.
• Iron, vitamin B12, and folate are vital for the production of red blood cells and the prevention of anemia.
• Vitamins C and A, as well as zinc, play roles in tissue repair and wound healing.
• Adequate intake of certain micronutrients can help prevent chronic diseases.
• Micronutrient deficiencies can cause visible and dangerous health conditions, but they can also lead to less clinically notable reductions in energy level, mental clarity and overall capacity.
• This can lead to reduced educational outcomes, reduced work productivity and increased risk from other diseases and health conditions.
• Many of these deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education and consumption of a healthy diet containing diverse foods, as well as food fortification and supplementation, where needed.
• Government of India Initiatives targeting Micronutrients Malnutrition
• National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyan): Launched in 2018, it aims to reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight by improving the nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): It provides comprehensive services for children under six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It aims to improve the nutritional status and health of these groups.
• National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI): It was launched to combat iron deficiency anemia, especially in children and women. Initiative includes providing iron and folic acid supplements.
• Food Fortification Programs: Fortification programs focus on adding iodine to salt (iodized salt), iron and folic acid to wheat flour, and Vitamin A to edible oils.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees the implementation of these fortification standards.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS): The scheme provides free lunches that are fortified with essential nutrients to schoolchildren, aiming to enhance their nutritional intake and promote regular school attendance.
• Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): The program includes regular iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, and efforts to enhance dietary intake of iron-rich foods.
• It also emphasizes the need for community-based interventions and awareness campaigns.