NEWS – The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has issued new nutrition guidelines targeting vulnerable groups and aiming to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)

HIGHLIGHTS

Unhealthy Diets and Disease Burden

• 56.4% of India’s total disease burden is attributed to unhealthy diets.
• The guidelines emphasize reducing salt and highly processed foods consumption.

Focus on Vulnerable Groups

• Optimal nutrition from conception to age 2 is crucial for proper growth and development.
• The guidelines address issues like undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity among children and adolescents.

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Overnutrition

• The guidelines tackle both undernutrition and overnutrition diseases.
• They address micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, iron, vitamins) and diseases linked to overnutrition.

Dietary Principles

• Recommends getting nutrients from eight food groups, including vegetables, dairy, nuts, and oils.
• Advocates restricting cereals to 45% of total energy and increasing protein intake to 14%.
• Encourages consumption of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and B12-rich foods.

Group-Specific Recommendations

1. Pregnant Women
   • Small, frequent meals for those experiencing nausea.
   • Consumption of fruits and vegetables high in iron and folate.
2. Infants and Children
   • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
   • Introduction of complementary foods after six months.
3. Elderly
   • Emphasis on protein, calcium, micronutrients, and fiber-rich foods.
   • Inclusion of whole grains, nuts, oilseeds, and adequate fruit and vegetable intake.
   • Importance of exercise for maintaining bone density and muscle mass.