KOCHI: A recent report published by NITI Aayog as part of launching the National Nutrition Strategy indicates that the rate of nutritional deficiency among women in seven states including Kerala is on the rise, despite the high living standards. Unhealthy and unbalanced eating habits are a major reason for this, according to health experts. Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are the other states where the rate of malnutrition among women is increasing.
“The number of women with malnutrition is on the rise and most of them come to hospital only when other associated complications appear. A majority of women have carbohydrate rich food with very less intake of protein, vitamins and minerals. Regular consumption of junk food also is a problem,” said Dr. Susan Itty, chief clinical nutritionist at Aster Medcity, Kochi. Improper absorption due to gastric problems has become common. “Even though many women take iron supplements, it will not be properly absorbed if intake of Vitamin C is less. Even pregnant women often compromise in eating a healthy diet in the name of taking supplements,” she added.
The state also lags behind in providing pregnancy care with a declining breastfeeding rate. “Though severe nutritional deficiency cases are rarely reported in our hospital, women with other complications like hormonal imbalance, renal problems or absorption issues need nutritional supplementation. In such cases food alone can’t serve the purpose. Pregnant women with high bleeding or a short interval between pregnancies also have nutritional deficiency which needs to be corrected,” said Nydin Poulin, senior dietician at Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi.
