The Indian Council of Medical Research has issued a set of 17 dietary guidelines aimed at curbing the consumption of salt, discouraging the use of protein supplements for muscle building, and advocating for reduced intake of sugar and highly processed foods. These guidelines are intended to ensure adequate nutrient intake and to mitigate the risk of non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
The Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under the apex health research body on Wednesday released revised 'Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs)' to meet the requirements of essential nutrients and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
It's estimated that unhealthy dietary habits contribute to 56.4% of India's overall disease burden. According to the National Institute of Nutrition, adopting healthier eating patterns and engaging in regular physical activity could significantly reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, potentially preventing up to 80% of cases.
"A significant proportion of premature deaths can be averted by following a healthy lifestyle," it said, adding that the upsurge in the consumption of highly processed foods laden with sugars and fats, coupled with reduced physical activity and limited access to diverse foods, exacerbate micronutrient deficiencies and overweight issues.
The DGIs have been drafted by a multi-disciplinary committee of experts led by Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN and have undergone several scientific reviews. In the DGIs, the NIN stated that prolonged intake of large amounts of protein powders or consumption of high protein concentrate has been associated with potential dangers such as bone mineral loss and kidney damage.
It also stated that sugar should be less than 5 per cent of total energy intake and a balanced diet should provide not more than 45 per cent calories from cereals, and millets and up to 15 per cent of calories from pulses, beans and meat. Total fat intake should be less than or equal to 30 per cent energy as per guidelines.
"Through the DGIs, we emphasise that the most logical, sustainable, and long-term solution to all forms of malnutrition is ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutrient-rich foods while promoting consumption of diverse foods. The guidelines contain in them scientific evidence-based information that would facilitate the attainment of goals stated in the National Nutrition Policy," Hemlatha said.
The dietary habits of Indians have undergone significant changes over the past few decades, leading to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases while some of the problems of undernutrition continue to persist, said Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR.
"I am pleased that these guidelines have been made very relevant to the changing food scenario in India with the addition of practicable messages and suggestions on handling food safety choosing minimally processed foods, the importance of food labels and physical activity.
I am sure these will complement the government's efforts to promote holistic nutrition and health of our people," Bahl said.
Referring to non-communicable diseases, the NIN said that 34 per cent of children between 5-9 years of age suffer from high triglycerides.
Here are the 17 ICMR guidelines for Indians:
- Eat a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet
- Ensure provision of extra food and healthcare during pregnancy and lactation
- Ensure exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continue breastfeeding till two years and beyond
- Start feeding homemade semi-solid complementary foods to the infant soon after six months of age
- Ensure adequate and appropriate diets for children and adolescents both in health and sickness
- Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes
- Use oils/fats in moderation; choose a variety of oil seeds, nuts, Nutri cereals and legumes to meet daily needs of fats and essential fatty acids (EFA)
- Obtain good quality proteins and essential amino acids (EAA) through appropriate combination of foods and avoid protein supplements to build muscle mass
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity
- Be physically active and exercise regularly to maintain good health
- Restrict salt intake
- Consume safe and clean foods
- Adopt appropriate pre-cooking and cooking methods
- Drink an adequate quantity of water
- Minimise the consumption of high fat, sugar, salt (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
- Include nutrient-rich foods in the diets of the elderly for health and wellness
- Read information on food labels to make informed and healthy food choice
(with PTI inputs)
