Gender Differences in Food Consumption Pattern and Nutrient Intake of Indian Pre-school Children (3–4 years) in Haryana State

Abstract

The consumption of different foodstuffs by Indian pre-school children (3 to 4 years) was recorded by using 24-hour recall method for three consecutive days. Adequacy of foods was ascertained by comparing the mean intake per day with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). The daily mean intake of all foodstuffs viz. cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables, fruits, fats and oils, milk and milk products and sugar and jaggery was lower than their respective RDAs among preschoolers except roots and tubers which were consumed in adequate amount by boys of the same age group. The intake of protein, fat, calcium, thiamine, folic acid and vitamin B₁₂ was equal or more than their adequate amount as recommended by Indian Council of Medical Research. On the other hand, intake of energy, β-carotene, riboflavin and niacin was marginally adequate as per their respective RDAs. The most limiting nutrients in their daily diets were iron and vitamin C.