Food intake and nutrient adequacy of rural population of Andhra Pradesh, India.

The study reported here was undertaken to investigate the food intake and nutrient adequacy of rural population in Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 280 families represented by 1435 members were covered. A 3-dietary survey was conducted by a weighed method for estimating the food intake. Nutritional value of the food consumed was calculated. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry. Results were analysed by five age groups-preschool age, school age, adolescents, adults and people above 50 yr. The intake of green leafy vegetables, milk, animal protein foods and oils was very low in all age groups. The adequacy of energy ranged from 60 to 91 per cent, protein from 73 to 91 per cent, niacin from 52 to 84 per cent. The intake of vitamin A and ascorbic acid was grossly inadequate in every group. The nutritional status of school children and adolescents was less than the values reported for higher income group in the same region.