A study of 1,800 children and adolescents from various parts of the country discovered that roughly 52% have poor dietary diversity scores. In the study, the scientists from the Pune-based Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute at Jehangir Hospital used the number of food groups ingested in 24 hours to calculate the dietary variety score.

The criteria set for the study showed that a score of less than 5 food groups ingested in 24 hours was regarded as inadequate dietary intake, whereas a score of 6.5 and above was regarded as adequate dietary intake. The study was conducted on children and adolescents in the north (Chandigarh), south (Tamil Nadu), west (Maharashtra and Gujarat), central (Chhattisgarh), and northeast (Assam) parts of India.

Dietary intake scores were based on 12 different food groups, namely cereals and millets, pulses and legumes, nuts, oilseeds, and dry fruits; milk and milk products; meat, poultry, and fish; eggs; vitamin-A-rich fruits and vegetables; vegetables rich in other vitamins; fruits rich in other vitamins other than vitamin-A; roots and tubers; simple carbohydrates and sugar; and visible fats and oils.

The findings of the study showed that children and adolescents from the southern and western regions of the country had a higher mean dietary diversity score in comparison to other regions. The lowest score for dietary intake was recorded in Gujarat.

The study also showed that children and adolescents from the southern region were significantly taller, heavier, and had a higher mean body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, children and adolescents from the northern region were found to be lighter and to have a lower mean BMI ratio. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/52-children-adolescents-assessed-show-poor-dietary-diversity-scores-study/100227839 )