The phenomenon of Sanskritization in a forest‐dwelling tribe of Gujarat, India. nutrient intake and practices in the special groups

Abstract

“Sanskritization,” a social‐cultural phenomenon attempting to improve caste or tribal status, was studied for differences in nutrient intake and food practices in the infant, toddler, preschooler, pregnant and lactating woman of the Sanskritized and non‐Sanskritized segments of the Rathwakoli, Gujarat. The retinol intakes in all groups of both segments was alarmingly low. The non‐Sanskritized special groups, however, showed notably higher dietary intakes of retinol, ascorbic acid, iron and animal protein than Sanskritized counterparts, while the latter showed better intake of calcium and B‐complex vitamins. Food beliefs and practices were similar in both segments except that the non‐Sanskritized segment partook of flesh and liquor. Good nutritional practices included breast feeding to two years of age, feeding of colostrum, never bottle feeding, feeding soft digestible foods, during illness. Some bad practices were a counter‐productive nutrient and food culture of “hot” and “cold” foods, withholding water...