Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow: India faces multiple problems of under-nutrition and obesity co-existing with deficiencies of micro-nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and several vitamins. This triple burden of malnutrition must be identified, understood, and addressed.
It is much more important especially in the case of children and adolescents as it is during these phases of life that we see rapid growth of the body and development of food habits. Childhood and adolescence are two conjoined periods of continuous growth and development – a seamless duration. For instance, between two and 10 years of age, children tend to grow at an average of 6-7cm in height and 1.5 kg to 3 kg in weight every year.
But, specifically, when the growth spurt happens at about 10-12 years in girls and two years later in boys during adolescence, their nutritional needs vastly increase. In the case of girls, their nutritional status impacts not only their health but that of generations to come. Malnutrition in any form can put children and adolescents at risk of compromised immune function, thus making them vulnerable to infections.
To understand and foster their immunity, one also needs to understand disruptive social environment factors that affect diet quality. In urban as well as among middle class and affluent communities, restricted movement, constrained socialisation and even dwindling physical contact have become the new normal. COVID-19 isolation and fatigue have led to generalised stress, adding to the immunity challenge for children.
These challenges coupled with a lack of diet diversity leading to imbalanced micro-nutrient intake or consumption of high carbohydrate and high sugar foods, endanger the child’s health by compromising their immunity and making them vulnerable to infections. Hence, the way we approach nutrition needs to change.
(Excerpts from Gavaravarapu, S., Hemalatha, R. Getting nutrition back on the school high table. The Hindu. November 1, 2021)
1) According to this passage, which of the following options constitute ‘malnutrition’? A) Restricted movement and dwindling physical contact B) Obesity, under-nutrition and deficiency of micronutrients C) High sugar food, iron deficiency and packaged food items D) High fat diets, high carbohydrate food and obesity
2) Which of the following options summarises the given passage? A) A vast majority of children are malnourished because of high carbohydrate intake. B) Our approach to nutrition depends upon availability of resources and time. C) Nutritional needs of children vary with age, stage of development they are at and their social environment. D) Exercise and nutrition both are crucial for developing healthy citizens.
Have a question? Please feel free to reach out by leaving a comment below
