New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) According to a recent study, the intake of essential nutrients in northern states of India is either lower or higher than recommended levels, leading to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases. The study by researchers at The George Institute for Global Health India and PGIMER highlights the importance of monitoring nutrient consumption to prevent health challenges.
The study, published in Frontiers in Nutrition, highlighted higher-than-recommended intake of salt and phosphorus, along with lower consumption of protein and potassium. Lead author Prof. Vivekanand Jha emphasized the impact of poor nutrition on non-communicable diseases and stressed the need for targeted interventions to address dietary imbalances.
Based on data from 400 adults, the study revealed that men have higher nutrient intake compared to women. The researchers utilized 24-hour urinary excretion analysis to assess nutrient intake levels and identified the need for personalized dietary changes to reduce the risks of common NCDs.
The findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness about nutrient intake and making informed food choices. The researchers suggested implementing measures such as providing better information on food labels, reducing salt in processed foods, and promoting consumption of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables to combat the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
