Nutritional deficiencies in India

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the impact of poor nutrition on health issues like anemia in India. It covers government efforts to improve nutrition through programs and food fortification, the shift in dietary patterns, and the importance of awareness and education to tackle these challenges.

What is nutritional deficiencies?

Nutritional deficiency occurs when a body lacks essential nutrients due to insufficient nutrient-rich food intake (primary deficiency) or medical conditions hindering nutrient absorption (secondary deficiency). It can lead to various health issues but is preventable or resolvable through a balanced diet or targeted nutrient consumption.

What are the factors contributing to nutritional deficiencies in India?

• Poor Dietary Choices: Shift from traditional diverse diets to processed, sugar-rich foods.
• Economic Constraints:As per FAO, 46% of South Asia’s population, including India, can’t afford a balanced diet. Around 74% of Indians can’t afford a healthy diet, and 39% lack a nutrient-adequate diet (State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2023).
• Health Conditions: Diseases like celiac and infections lead to nutrient absorption issues.
• Lack of Awareness: Misunderstandings about fortified foods hinder acceptance.
• Implementation Challenges: Government programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat face operational difficulties.

What are the impacts of nutritional deficiencies?

• Health-Related Concerns:Nutritional deficiencies cause conditions like iron deficiency anemia, impair the immune system, and lead to digestive issues. These are especially prevalent in children and women.
• Intergenerational Effects: Anemic mothers often give birth to anemic babies, creating a cycle of malnutrition across generations.

What government initiatives are in place to address nutritional deficiencies?

• Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): Focuses on administering iron and folic acid tablets, especially targeting children and women, to tackle iron deficiency anaemia.
• Mid-day Meal Scheme: Aimed at school children, this scheme provides nutritious meals during school hours to improve their overall nutrition.
• Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF): Involves fortifying staple foods like wheat flour, rice, and edible oils with essential micronutrients. This is a relatively new approach in India to combat widespread nutritional deficiencies.
• National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme:Introduced in 1992, it significantly reduced goitre rates through the adoption of iodised salt. This program is an example of successful nutrient fortification in India.
• Enhance Awareness: Implement intensive IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaigns to educate about fortified foods and nutrition.

Way forward:

• Promote Balanced Diets:Encourage traditional diets rich in cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, moving away from processed foods.
• Strengthen Government Programs:Improve execution of Anaemia Mukt Bharat and the Mid-day Meal Scheme for better effectiveness.
• Expand Food Fortification:Broaden LSFF (Large-Scale Food Fortification) to include more staples, learning from the success of the iodised salt program.