Question

What are the common nutritional problems facing India?

Answer 1

1. Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM):
   • It occurs due to inadequate intake of protein and energy in the diet.
   • It mainly affects infants and young children.
2. Nutritional Anaemia:
   • It occurs due to deficiency of iron in the diet.
   • It is common among children, adolescent girls and women.
3. Vitamin A Deficiency:
   Deficiency of vitamin A causes eye problems, especially night blindness.
4. Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD):
   Lack of iodine leads to disorders such as goitre and affects physical and mental development.
5. Low Birth Weight:
   • Babies weighing less than 2.5 kg at birth are considered low-birth-weight babies.
   • It is mainly linked with poor maternal nutrition.