Study reveals 77% children in India aged 6-23 months lacking minimum dietary diversity

Posted 25 Oct 2024

2 min read

According to WHO, Minimum dietary diversity(MDD) is present when a diet contains five or more of following 8 food groups i.e. breast milk; grains; legumes; dairy products; flesh foods ; eggs; fruits & Vegetables.

Food intake from less than five food groups is considered minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF).

Key finding of Study Related to MDD in India(For Year 2019-21):

Regional Disparities: Central region of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, has over 80% of children with MDDF.
Age Impact on MDDF: Children in younger age group, i.e. 6–11 months (87%) have highest prevalence of MDDF relative to higher age groups.
Vulnerable Sections: Children from Other Backward Classes (OBC) have highest MDDF (79%), followed by Scheduled Castes (77.2%) and Scheduled Tribes (76%).
Other findings: Children of illiterate, young and rural-residing mothers with no exposure to mass media were more likely to be diet deficient.

Issues in ensuring dietary diversity:

Nutritional Composition: Fruits, vegetables & animal products are consumed minimally.
Lack of Education: illiterate mothers have an MDDF of 81%, versus 75% for educated mothers.

Recommendations:

Targeted Outreach (Prioritize efforts aimed at pregnant women, especially those with high-risk pregnancies),
Engaging communities using local governance for nutrition activities.

Initiatives taken by India to arrest malnutrition:

POSHAN Abhiyan: Promotes nutrition awareness through Jan Andolans targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children.
Rashtriya Poshan Mah: Highlights collaboration among ministries to engage communities.
Integrated child development services (ICDS) Scheme: Benefits children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.