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Micronutrients Malnutrition in India

Last updated on September 4th, 2024 Posted on September 4, 2024 by NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team  419

Syllabus: GS2/Health

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. 
Micronutrients
– Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed by the body in very small amounts. 
– Vitamins are organic compounds that are often categorized into two groups:
1. Water-Soluble Vitamins: These include Vitamin C and the B vitamins (like B12, B6, folate). They dissolve in water and are typically not stored in the body, so regular intake through diet is necessary.
2. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: These include Vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are absorbed along with dietary fat and can be stored in the body’s fatty tissues and liver.
– Minerals are inorganic elements that are also classified into:
1. Major Minerals: Such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are needed in larger amounts.
2. Trace Minerals: Such as iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, which are needed in smaller amounts but are still vital for health.

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.

Source: TH

 
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