Author(s): Shikha Bhai, Amrinder Caur and Priya Singla

Abstract:
The present study assessed the adequacy of food and nutrient intake among urban school-going children aged (10-12) years in Ludhiana district. A total of 400 children were surveyed, comprising 57.5% boys and 42.5% girls with reference to the Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI/RDA). Results revealed marked inadequacies in the consumption of several food groups. While 42.0% of children met or exceeded the RDI for cereals, the intake of pulses, fruits, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, and fats and oils was considerably lower, with a substantial proportion consuming less than 50.0% of the RDI. Milk and milk products were also inadequately consumed, with 40.0% of respondents reporting intakes below 50.0% of the RDI. Gender-wise nutrient intake analysis indicated that both boys and girls had mean daily intakes of energy, protein, fat, calcium, iron, β-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 significantly (p≤0.01) below the RDA. The overall adequacy pattern showed that only a small proportion of children achieved 100.0% or more of the RDA for most nutrients. For instance, 36.0% and 32.0% of children consumed energy in the ranges of 50.0-74.9% and 75.0-99.9% of the RDA, respectively, while just 13.0% met or exceeded requirements. Protein, calcium, iron, and β-carotene deficiencies were particularly evident, with the majority of children falling below 75.0% of the RDA.