About 50 per cent urban children suffer from nutrient deficiency

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) An estimated 50 per cent urban children in India suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiency right from their school days despite eating a balanced diet, according to a latest study.

The children have subclinical deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamins B2, B6, folate, and vitamin C1 and are also vulnerable to common day-to-day infections, the study said.

''They are also prone to severe infections with prolonged convalescence,'' said the study "Effect of Micronutrient Supplement on Health and Nutritional Status of School Children".

The research was conducted by the Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and published in international journal 'Nutrition'.

The study was carried out among 869 middle-income students in grades 1 to 10 and aged 6-16 years in two residential schools that catered to children from a semi-urban population near Hyderabad.

It found out that the provision of eight key vitamins (Vitamin A, B1, Niacin, Riboflavin, B12, C, D, Pyridoxine) and five minerals (Iron, Folic acid, Iodine, Zinc, Calcium) are decisive in maintaining the biochemical status, growth and health, mental function and bone quality of a growing child.

The assessment of the dietary intake (uncooked food) for micronutrients showed that many children were not getting adequate amounts as per the recommended daily allowance (RDA) The improved status of micronutrients resulted in better immunity and shorter duration of illness and better haemoglobin levels in anaemic children.

They also make children grow taller, stronger and sharper, it said.

The composition of the health drink, used in the study (Placebo and Supplement), had base formulation containing wheat flour, malted barely, powdered skim milk, and sugar.

The supplement (54 g) provided 7.3 kg of protein, 2g of fat, 208 kcal of energy, and 176 mg of calcium given daily in two equal servings.

The supplement, in addition to base formulation, provided 100 per cent of codex RDA of iron, riboflavin (B2), pyrodoxin (B6), vitamin B12, folate and vitamin C; 50 per cent of the RDA for vitamins A, D and B1, niacin, calcium, and iodine; and 15 per cent of the RDA for Zinc. Horlicks, a popular fortified beverage was chosen as the standard sample due to availability of all ingredients in one place.

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