Growth Profile and its Correlation with Nutrient Intake among Children (3-6 years)

Dietary habits in early children serve as foundation for future preference and intake. A proper well- balanced diet, good eating habits combined with some amount of nutrition awareness goes long way in improving their nutritional status and help in combating with other nutritional deficiencies. Aim: The aim of present study was to assess the correlation of micronutrient intake and physical status among children. Methodology: present study recruited 100 subjects of 3-6 years age from Faridabad according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and anthropometric data (z-scores) were collected using standard protocol. Micronutrient intake was assessed by using 3 day dietary recall and Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR). Results: The average age of study subjects were 4.64 yrs. Majority of subjects (87%) were having normal Z-score. The average nutrient intake of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium and Iron were deficient in comparison with RDA and NAR of vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D were inadequate in almost all subjects. Correlation of dietary nutrient with Z- score showed that vitamin A (r=0.23, p=0.02), calcium (r=0.24, p=0.02) and zinc (r=0.22, p=0.03) was positively correlated to Z-scores. Conclusion: The Nutrient adequacy ratio showed Vitamin C, Zinc and Vitamin D were inadequate in almost all subjects.