Comprehensive Dietary Guidelines

• 10 May 2024

On 9th May 2024, the National Institute of Nutrition, in collaboration with the ICMR, issued comprehensive dietary guidelines for Indians, focusing on individual body types and accessible resources.

Key Points

• Foundational Nutrition Importance: Emphasizing the significance of early nutrition, the guidelines underscore the impact of proper nutrition from conception to early childhood on future health outcomes.
• Role of Nutrition in Disease Prevention: With over 56% of non-communicable diseases linked to diet, the guidelines stress the preventive potential of a healthy diet in reducing risks of diabetes, heart diseases, and hypertension.
• Dietary Recommendations for Pregnant Women: Tailored dietary advice for pregnant women includes ideal calorie intake and food groups to support maternal health and fetal development.
• Infant Nutrition Guidelines: Emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, the guidelines provide practical advice on complementary feeding and homemade baby foods.
• Adolescent and Elderly Nutrition: Addressing the unique nutritional needs of adolescents and the elderly, the guidelines advocate for balanced diets rich in essential nutrients.
• Protein Sources and Dietary Fats: Recommendations on protein sources for vegetarians and the dangers of excessive protein intake highlight the importance of balanced nutrition for overall health.