European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the dietary intake of children (7-9 years), belonging to lower middle socio-economic strata of Mawana, Uttar Pradesh. Total of one hundred subjects (56 boys and 46 girls) participated in the study. In terms of religion 46% were Muslims and 64% were Hindus (39% General category and 25% schedule castes). Dietary intake patterns revealed a cereal pulse based diet with low consumption of milk, eggs, meat, green leafy vegetables and fruits. Mean intake of all nutrients except protein was found to be lower than RDAs. Sixty two percent of the subjects were consuming adequate amount of proteins while 38% were consuming marginally adequate amount of proteins. In terms of iron and Vitamin A, 96% and 85% subjects respectively, had inadequate intakes. Forty nine subjects had inadequate intake of calcium. There were no significant differences in mean intake of nutrients between boys and girls which implies that there was no gender discrimination in terms of giving food in families of subjects. Total dietary NAR score of four nutrients (protein, calcium, iron and vitamin A) was poor in 52% of the subjects. Total dietary NAR was found to be significantly associated with total income of the family, category of child (general/ scheduled caste), and number of siblings (<2/2 or more). Children belonging to poorer families, being from schedule caste families and having two or more siblings were at a disadvantage.