Vol. 6, Issue 11 (2017)

Author(s):
Dr. K Uma Maheswari, K Rajeswari and G Anitha

Abstract:
The mean intake of all the foods and percent adequacy met by home diet was found to be inadequate in comparison with ICMR RDA among the preschool children of both A.P.F.M and L.F.M centers. However, the supplementary food supplied at Anganwadi centre bridged the deficit gap with regard to calories and more than 50% of proteins in the preschool children of both food models when compared with home diet. Except anemia and skin infections, significantly lower (p<0.05) prevalence of all symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and morbidities were observed in A.P.F.M children as compared to L.F.M children. The A.P Foods had better impact on the nutritional status of the preschool children as evinced by better acceptability, significantly higher anthropometric indices (as measured by height, weight and mid upper arm circumference), better food and nutrient intake and adequacies in comparison with RDA, lower incidence of nutritional deficiency symptoms and morbidities when compared with local food model. Nevertheless, there is a need for improvement of diet in terms of foods and nutrients to meet 1/3 rd requirement of RDA. The attentiveness to be given in meeting the vitamins and minerals requirements for preventing the deficiency problems and to promote health in the children.