Food Consumption Pattern and Nutrient Intake in Selected Blocks of Palampur Tehsil of Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

<p>Economic growth is typically accompanied by improvements in a country’s food supply, both quantitative and qualitative, and a gradual reduction in nutritional deficiencies. It also brings about changes in the production, processing, distribution and marketing of food. Diets evolve over time and are influenced by factors such as income, prices, individual preferences and beliefs, cultural traditions, as well as geographical, environmental, social and economic factors. The economic growth in a country eventually leads to a shift in food preferences and consumption pattern and affects nutritional status of the people. This study aims to gather knowledge about food consumption pattern and nutrient intake of respondents of selected blocks of Palampur Tehsil. Palampur Tehsil was selected purposely as it represents the cosmopolitan population. The food consumed by the subject was determined by using 24 hr recall method. The actual intake of food was calculated by using standard nutritive values and RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) of NIN (National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad). The results were presented in tabular form using average, percentage and NAR (Nutrient Adequacy Ratio) value. Results show that maximum number of respondents were non-vegetarian. The per capita intake for cereal was higher in Baijnath (436.00±9.08 g/day), followed by Bhawarna (430.33±2.11 g/day) and Panchrukhi (426.43±15.81 g/day) respectively as compared to RDA (400 g/day). The per capita intake of pulses (g/day) was less as compared to RDA in Baijnath (65.30±2.21g/day) and Bhawarna (69.49±2.13 g/day). A slightly higher consumption of pulses was observed in Panchrukhi (81.69±2.54 g/day). The higher number of non vegetarian were from Panchrukhi (90%) followed by Baijnath (73.33%) and Bhawarna (60%) blocks respectively. Per capita consumption of vegetables was significantly less in Panchrukhi (198.77±8.69 g/day), Baijnath (277.69±10.62g/day) and Bhawarna (301.00±14.20g/day it is at par with RDA (300 g/day). The consumption of ‘milk and milk products’ was highest in Bhawarna (375.56±22.95 g/day), followed by Baijnath (344.62± 14.99 g/day) and Panchrukhi (212.81±20.82 g/day). Consumption of ‘fats and oils’ by the respondents in all blocks were higher as compared to RDA (30 g/day).</p>