Nutritional status of affluent Indian school children: what and how much do we know?

OBJECTIVE: This paper reviews available literature on nutritional status of Indian school children 6-18 years from middle and high socio economic status (MHSES). METHODS: Literature search was conducted using Medline literature database search, followed by review of full length journal papers and unpublished materials such as research reports. RESULTS: Studies showed that anemia prevalence (hemoglobin concentration <120 g/L) ranged from 19 to 88% across five different cities in India. Other micronutrient deficiencies including, folate, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 were also present based on biochemical parameters in one study and clinical signs of deficiency in three other studies. Overweight and obesity were prevalent among 8.5-29.0% and 1.5-7.4% respectively among school children, as indicated by 11 studies. Predominant components in children's diet were cereals and pulses, followed by milk and milk products; the fruits and vegetables component was comparatively lower. CONCLUSION: Nutritional status of MHSES children in India needs attention especially with respect to the high prevalence of anemia, overweight and obesity. There are indications that micronutrient deficiencies exist, but sufficient data are lacking, in particular biochemical data. A current estimate, using well designed methodologies, of prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and information on the etiology of anemia among children of MHSES groups would be valuable to help understand the nutritional status and extent of micronutrient malnutrition.

Body fat topography in Indian and Tibetan males of low and normal body mass index.

Body fat topography was determined using anthropometric techniques in young, healthy, Indian and Tibetan adults. Indian subjects had significantly higher fat contents with greater abdominal obesity when compared with Tibetans matched for body mass index (BMI). This differential fat distribution may contribute, in part, to the greater cardiovascular risk of Indians. Using a cross sectional model, the data was also analysed to assess the probable changes in body fat topography with weight gain. This model suggests a preferential gain in abdominal subcutaneous fat as compared to other sites. This data may have implications while evaluating disease risks with weight gain.