An epidemiological study of the dietary pattern and nutritional deficiencies in rural areas of Shimla district

Diet and nutrition are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health. Income, price, individual preference, cultural tradition, social and economic factors all interact in a complex manner to shape dietary consumption patterns. Health and nutritional status of an individual depend on the food consumed. A normal balanced diet must include daily food from the various food groups in sufficient amounts to meet the nutritional needs ofan individual. Selection of food from the different food groups also results in variety in the diet, which not only ensures nutritional adequacy but also increases food acceptability. Food habits are an important part of our diet which affect the amountand type of food consumed and thus the nutritional status of women in this study. The diet of women was mainly based on cereals and deficient in vegetable and fruit. The low intake of these protective foods resulted in nutritional disorders. The clinical signs of malnutrition, anaemia and vitamin B-complex deficiencies were observed. Promoting healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the burden of malnutrition and non communicable diseased requires a multi-sectorial approach.