Nutrient Intake and Adequacy Among Children 12–18 Months of Age in the Urban Slums of Mumbai, India (P11-093-19)

Abstract

Objectivesa) To examine the mean nutrient intake among young children 12–18 months of age in urban slums of Mumbai, b) to determine the adequacy of micronutrient intake in their diet as per the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommendations for optimum growth and development, and c) to determine if there is a difference in the nutrient intake of those randomized vs not randomized to the trial involving feeding of iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet complementary foods. MethodsA total of 407 children were screened of which dietary data was available for 359 children. Of the total randomized (n = 223), dietary data was available for 216 children who were randomized to one of the two study arms (Arm 1: n = 107, Arm 2: n = 109). A 24-hour dietary recall was performed, and nutrient intake was calculated using CS dietary software using the NIN food composition tables. ResultsThe average age of children was 14.81 months; 51% were males and 49% females. Majority of the children (81.64%) breastfed the previous day. The mean intake per day of calories, protein, iron, and zinc from complementary foods was found to be 598 kcal, 19.9 g, 3.25 mg, and 1.85 mg, respectively. On average, complementary feeding contributed to 89.6% of RDA for energy, 82.4% of calcium, 57.9% of iron, 58.8% of zinc, 51.9% vitamin A, 7.2% of vitamin B12, and 83.3% of dietary folate. All children had adequate caloric and protein intake. However, > 90% of children consumed inadequate iron, zinc, and folate according to the nutrient density of the complementary food, and > 50% of children consumed inadequate vitamin A and calcium. Overall, children randomized to the intervention were found to have a significantly higher intake of calories, protein, folate, and zinc. ConclusionsMajority of children living in the urban slums of Mumbai consumed diet inadequate for most micronutrients. Our findings confirm the suitability of this population for interventions aiming to improve micronutrient intake Funding SourcesHarvestPlus.