Factors such as food security and socio-economic status impede access to adequate nutrition in India, and gender discrimination exacerbates disparities. Data from the National Family Health Survey 5 revealed higher rates of child mortality and malnutrition among girls compared to boys. Despite government initiatives such as food fortification and nutrition education, India continues to struggle with some of the world’s most serious problems of anemia and deficiencies of micronutrients such as zinc, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamins A and D.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown alarming levels of deficiency across different age groups in India. Iron deficiency is most common in pregnant women, and vitamin B12 deficiency is especially prevalent in children under 18 years of age. Additionally, vitamin A deficiency is particularly serious in children under 5 years of age. Iodine deficiency, although less common, remains a concern.
Women are disproportionately affected by nutritional deficiencies due to factors such as reproductive biology, low social status, poverty, and limited education. Sociocultural norms and disparities in household labor also contribute to malnutrition among women. Globally, 50% of pregnant women are anemic and there are at least 120 million underweight women in developing countries. Underweight women face decreased productivity, increased morbidity, and increased mortality.
Additionally, many women with low birth weight are stunted, increasing their risk of obstetric complications and reduced work capacity. Adolescent girls are growing rapidly and need protein, iron, and other nutrients, especially during menstruation. Pregnant adolescents are at increased risk of complications during birth, especially if they are underweight or stunted, leading to competition for nutrients between mother and baby, increasing the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality. There is evidence to suggest that.
Understanding the complex relationship between the common nutritional deficiencies and double burdens faced by girls is essential to developing effective strategies to ensure their optimal growth and development.
Common nutritional deficiencies in young girls
1. Iron deficiency anemia: Insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, malabsorption, and blood loss during menstruation contribute to this deficiency, which affects cognitive function and physical growth.
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2. Vitamin D Deficiency: Limited exposure to sunlight or inadequate dietary sources impair bone health and weaken the immune system.
3. Calcium deficiency: Inadequate intake increases the risk of skeletal abnormalities and osteoporosis in the future.
4. Iodine Deficiency: Despite efforts to iodine salt, ensuring universal access to properly iodised salt remains a challenge, leading to goiter and impaired cognitive development. .
5. Vitamin A Deficiency: Inadequate intake of vitamin A-rich foods can lead to vision problems, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to infections.
6. Protein and energy malnutrition (PEM): Insufficient protein and calorie intake leads to stunted growth, decreased immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections.
The double burden of malnutrition among girlsYoung girls in India face both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition manifests as stunted growth, micronutrient deficiencies, and underweight, while overnutrition leads to overweight, obesity, and diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Navigate the NexusAddressing the double burden of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition common among young girls requires a multifaceted approach. Food fortification, which addresses multiple deficiencies by fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour, rice, and double-fortified salt, has emerged as a promising intervention. However, excessive fortification can pose health risks, so you need to be aware of the optimal intake. In addition to strengthening, which includes holistic interventions, promoting dietary diversity, nutritional education, supplementation programs, improving access to health services, strengthening health systems, addressing socio-economic determinants, and maintaining hygiene. This is an important strategy and requires multi-sectoral cooperation. By empowering young girls and collectively addressing these challenges, India can ensure a healthier future for future generations.
(Author: Charu Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad)
