Abstract

AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL THREAT OF CHRONIC ENERGY DEFICIENCY IN URBAN FAMILY OF METROPOLITAN CHANDANNAGORE CITY OF HOOGHLY DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

Rabindranath Dome, Sanjib Hazra, Chandona Saha, Debosree Ghosh, Kuntal Gupta, Suvendu Ghosh*

ABSTRACT

A dual burden of under nutrition and over nutrition exists in South Asian countries including India. Further these countries are undergoing both demographic and socioeconomic transition which might be reflected in the nutritional status, heath and morbidity of the population. The objective of this survey was to witness the clinical nutrition status, pattern of food intake, nutrient consumption and energy utilization by a Bengali family was although at per with Indian standard recommended norms. The report presents some key findings related to the dietary pattern, nutrient intake and energy consumption trends prevalent in an educated and socioeconomically sound family of urban municipal area in Hooghly, West Bengal. A cross sectional study was carried out on a family in Chandannagore District of West Bengal. A well co-operative family consisting of four members were surveyed. The obtained data portrays that family is suffering from chronic energy deficiency (CED) with inadequacy of micronutient and macronutrient intake except for vitamin C which is consumed at an excess level. The food groups and their average intake values per day sustains the above observations showing all food groups except for fruits and nuts food groups was insufficiently consumed than recommended values. It may be assumed that CED may be associated with poor dietary consumption of essential food groups. Further excess ascorbate consumption from is rich sources like fruits and nuts may also add up to the thinness in the individuals of the family members. Poor supply of vegetables in local market at reasonable prices, high price of fish and meat, and expenditure for meeting urban high class living standards like education, dress, recreation, Government taxes etc. may cut off the per-capita expenditure for foods which may account for the persistent under nutrition and energy deficiency in the family.

Keywords: Clinical nutrition, chronic energy deficiency, micronutrient, macronutrient, vitamin C, food.