Dear all

Sub: Suggestions for the revision of Dietary Guidelines – Reg.

Nutrition plays a very important role in the development of human resource.

Human resource is one of the strengths of any stronger nation. A healthy population
can lead the nation better in all the frontiers like education, economics, agriculture,
defence, medical and other sciences in the Country. Therefore, in all the countries
depending on the nutritional status of the population and the availability of foods,
dietary guidelines are formulated. These dietary guidelines are the steps enable the
population lead a healthy life. Against this backdrop, the National Institute of
Nutrition, one of the internationally reputed Institutes of the country working under
the aegis of Indian Council of Medical Research had constituted a committee in 1998
and after thorough deliberations 14 dietary guidelines were formulated. The institute
carried out a series of outreach activities including extension lectures, exhibitions
and distribution of IEC materials in local languages to the community in different
parts of the country. The updated guidelines also need to be circulated among
different stake-holder communities viz. policy makers, UN agencies, academia,
medical professionals, nutrition departments etc. The recent NFHS-3 survey showed
that there was no significant improvement in the nutritional status of the population
as compared to the findings of NFHS-2. Recent surveys carried out by the National
Nutrition Monitoring Beaureau provided more insight on the issues related to double
burden of malnutrition such undernutrition on one hand and over nutrition that leads
to obesity and other degenerative diseases on the other. In the recent meeting of the
2nd Annual Forum convened by the Solutions Exchange, The Food and Nutrition
Security (FNS) Community, a breakaway session was convened by Dr. Kamala
Krishnaswamy, Former Director, NIN and discussed about various strategies to use
IEC Interventions to Create Awareness on Dietary Guidelines for Indians
formulated by NIN.

Therefore, it is decided to revise the dietary guidelines and I request the

members of Solution Exchange, e-core group members, policy makers, academia,
medical professionals and nutritionists to give their valuable suggestions on line, so
that we can pool the data which would help us develop a practical and action-
oriented DGs for the community.

Dr.D.Raghunatha Rao
Assistant Director & Convener
Dietary Guidelines Revision Committee
Extension & Training Division
National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad
Email : et@ninindia.org
drr_rao@yahoo.com
Mobile: 9848755981
 DIETARY GUIDELINES

1. A nutritionally adequate diet should be consumed through a wise choice from

a variety of foods.

2. Additional food and extra care be required during pregnancy and lactation.

3. Exclusive breast-feeding should be practiced for upto 6 months. Breast-

feeding can be continued upto two years.

4. Food supplements should be introduced to infants after 6 months.

5. Adequate and appropriate diet should be taken by children and adolescents,

both in health and disease.

6. Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits should be used in plenty.

7. Cooking oils and animal foods should be used in moderation, and

vanaspati/ghee/butter should be used only sparingly.

8. Over-eating should be avoided to prevent over-weight and obesity. Proper

physical activity is essential to maintain desirable body weight.

9. Salt should be used in moderation.

10. Foods consumed should be safe and clean.

11. Healthy and positive food concepts and cooking practices should be adopted.

12. Water should be taken in adequate amounts and beverages should be

consumed in moderation.

13. Processed and ready-to-eat foods should be used judiciously. Sugar should
be used sparingly.

14. The elderly should eat a nutrient-rich diet to keep fit and active.