Nutrients consumption in India: Dynamics and determinants

This study examines the dynamics of the intake of calories, proteins and fats over the years and across states. It also analyses the inequality in nutrients consumption and its determinants and regional prioritization. Despite India's success in implementing economic reforms and achieving high growth rates, poverty, malnutrition and nutritional security are serious and persisting concerns, and nutrient consumption is low by any norm for most states. Regression analysis indicates that the nutrient intake is positively influenced by per capita expenditure on food items, household size and literacy rate and negatively influenced by poverty rate. The study suggests that spending more on food items and boosting the per capita consumption of cereals and pulses can raise intake and reduce inequality and variation.