Concept of Nutrition & Nutritional Status of India

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental nutrition concepts, India’s nutritional challenges, government interventions, and professional scope in nutrition and dietetics.

Nutrition

The process of ingesting, digesting, absorbing, and utilizing food nutrients for growth, energy, and disease prevention.

Macronutrients

Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—nutrients required in large amounts that supply energy and structural material.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals needed in small quantities to regulate metabolism, immunity, and overall health.

Undernutrition

Insufficient nutrient intake or absorption causing stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies.

Stunting

Low height-for-age in children, indicating chronic undernutrition.

Wasting

Low weight-for-height in children, reflecting acute undernutrition.

Micronutrient Deficiency

Lack of essential vitamins or minerals (e.g., iron, iodine, vitamin A) impairing growth and immunity.

Overnutrition

Excessive energy and nutrient intake leading to overweight, obesity, and related health problems.

Diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension linked to poor diet.

Double Burden of Malnutrition

Co-existence of undernutrition and overnutrition within the same population.

Factors Contributing to Malnutrition (India)

Ineffective policies, inadequate food systems, poverty, and limited nutritional awareness.

National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan)

Government program aimed at reducing malnutrition among women, children, and adolescents through improved services and behavior change.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme

School feeding initiative providing free lunches in government schools to improve child nutrition and attendance.

Public Distribution System (PDS)

Government mechanism supplying subsidized food grains to low-income households to ensure food security.

Nutrition and Health Education

Government-led campaigns promoting balanced diets, sanitation, and preventive healthcare.

Clinical Nutrition

Dietitians and nutritionists work in healthcare settings to assess, diagnose, and manage nutritional needs of individuals with various health conditions.

Public Health Nutrition

Population-level planning and programs to address community nutrition challenges.

Food and Nutrition Research

Scientific study of food, nutrients, and their impact on health to develop evidence-based guidelines.

Food Industry and Policy

Field focused on creating healthier food products, ensuring safety, and shaping nutrition-related regulations.

Sports Nutrition

Specialized nutrition practice aimed at optimizing athletic performance and recovery.

Community Nutrition

Application of nutrition principles to improve health outcomes of specific population groups through local programs.

Nutrition Education

Instruction that teaches individuals or communities about healthy eating habits and nutrient requirements.

Scope of Nutrition and Dietetics

Broad career field spanning clinical care, public health, research, industry, sports, and educational roles.

Current Nutritional Status of India

A mixed scenario of widespread undernutrition alongside rising obesity and NCD rates.