Diet and nutrient intakes in urban women of Rajasthan State, Northern India

Dietary and nutrient intakes of adult women have not been studied extensively which may contribute in increasing burden of morbidity and mortality in women. Present study assessed the diet and nutrient intake of women in the age group of 35 -70 years. Door to door personal contact was done with women in identified locations and background was elicited using a questionnaire. Average intake of different foods and nutrients were recorded using semi quantitative FFQ and compared with Indian standards. Results revealed that average cereal, pulse, fruits, and vegetable intakes were below recommendations. Both energy and protein intakes were inadequate among subjects. Total fat, SAFA, and TFA intakes were higher and PUFA, MUFA, fibre, dietary iron, and folic acid intakes were lower than the recommendations. It was concluded that high fat intake and low fibre, PUFA, MUFA, iron, and folic acid intake may prone this community to diet-related chronic diseases.