Nutritional research in India and challenges for the new millennium
Krishnaswamy, K.; Bhaskaram, P.
Nutrition Research 21(1-2): 441-452
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0271-5317 Document Number: 249902
Nutritional research in India has made several advances over the years and contributed significantly to the improvement in the nutritional status of the Indian population and also has made a niche in the global nutritional research scenario. Nutritional research in India has been mainly public health oriented and thus is immediately relevant to the national needs. Several solutions on laboratory based research have led to strategies and national programs for prevention and control of malnutrition. Several policies and programs have been evolved to control nutritional deficiencies and their consequences in the vulnerable groups. Formulation of National program for prevention of blindness, National anemia prophylaxis program for pregnant women, policy of immunizing undernourished children, development of fortification of salt with iron and iron & iodine, lipid research helping import and export policies for edible oils are some of the outstanding achievements made in India. "Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)" which is a comprehensive, multipronged scheme for reducing the burden of malnutrition is one of its kind in the world. Integration of various programs with primary health care system along with continuous surveillance and update of dietary intakes and nutritional status of the population are major activities and are unique to this country. Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.