By Dr. Sk Sabir Rahaman, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology), DFM(Family Medicine), FCFM, CCEBDM, CCLSD
1. Introduction to Nutrition and Its Importance
Nutrition is the cornerstone of health and well-being. It refers to the intake of food in relation to the body’s dietary needs and the science behind how nutrients affect physical and mental functions.
Poor nutrition can lead to weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and lower productivity.
🌿 2. Macronutrients and Micronutrients: The Building Blocks
Macronutrients
Carbohydrates: Primary energy source
Proteins: Growth, repair, enzyme and hormone function
Fats: Energy storage, hormone synthesis, cell structure
Water: Vital for digestion, temperature regulation, waste removal
Micronutrients
Vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, E, K): Essential for metabolism, immunity
Minerals (Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Zinc, Magnesium): Crucial for bone health, blood, nerve function
📊 3. Nutritional Assessment and Indicators
Anthropometric: Height, weight, BMI, MUAC
Biochemical: Hemoglobin, serum albumin, vitamin levels
Clinical: Signs of deficiencies (e.g., pale conjunctiva, edema)
Dietary: 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaire
💼 4. Balanced Diet: The Ideal Plate
50-60% carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables)
10-15% proteins (pulses, eggs, dairy, lean meats)
20-30% fats (vegetable oils, nuts, seeds)
Adequate fiber and hydration
Limit processed food, salt, sugar, and trans fats
Tools:
MyPlate (USA)
Food Pyramid (India)
National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)
🧬 5. Nutritional Disorders: Dual Burden in India
Undernutrition:
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM): Kwashiorkor, Marasmus
Micronutrient Deficiencies: Anemia, goiter, night blindness
Overnutrition:
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease
India faces the double burden of malnutrition—coexistence of undernutrition in children and overnutrition in adults.
💼 6. Nutrition Across the Life Cycle
| Stage | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Folic acid, iron, calcium, balanced calories |
| Infancy | Exclusive breastfeeding (0-6 months), weaning |
| Childhood | Growth monitoring, school nutrition programs |
| Adolescence | Iron, calcium, awareness about body image |
| Adulthood | Prevent lifestyle diseases, balanced intake |
| Old Age | Easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense, low-sodium |
🤾 7. Diet and Disease: Therapeutic Nutrition
| Disease | Nutritional Approach |
| Diabetes | Low glycemic index, high fiber, portion control |
| Hypertension | DASH diet, reduce sodium, increase potassium |
| Cardiovascular | Low-fat, low-cholesterol, omega-3 rich diet |
| Kidney Disease | Low protein, sodium, phosphorus; fluid limits |
| Anemia | Iron-rich food + Vitamin C |
| Osteoporosis | Calcium, Vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise |
🏥 8. National Nutritional Programs in India
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS)
POSHAN Abhiyaan
Anemia Mukt Bharat
Vitamin A Supplementation Program
These aim to reduce malnutrition, improve maternal-child health, and promote behavioral change.
🌐 9. Special Conditions and Nutrient Absorption
Malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac disease, IBD)
Surgery or burns → increased metabolic demands
Chronic illness → tailored nutrition plans
Site of Absorption:
Stomach: Alcohol
Duodenum: Iron, calcium, magnesium
Ileum: Vitamin B12, bile salts
Colon: Water, electrolytes
🔄 10. Emerging Trends and the Future of Nutrition
Personalized Nutrition: Based on genetics, microbiome, lifestyle
Digital Tools: Nutrition tracking apps, wearable health monitors
Sustainable Diets: Plant-based, low-carbon footprint meals
Functional Foods: Probiotics, omega-3 enriched, fortified products
Nutrition Beyond Body Weight: Mental health, gut-brain axis
Key Definitions:
RDA: Recommended Dietary Allowance
EAR: Estimated Average Requirement
AI: Adequate Intake
UL: Tolerable Upper Intake Level
🖊️ 11. Conclusion: A Call to Nourish the Nation
Nutrition plays a pivotal role not just in treating disease but also in prevention, mental health, productivity, and national development.
Investing in nutrition is investing in human capital.
A well-nourished India is a stronger, smarter, and more resilient India.
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