Assessment of dietary intake and nutritional deficiecy among primary school children of deodar taluka of Banaskantha district

The school-age period is a critical phase for developing essential life skills, including independent eating habits and the formation of food preferences. Establishing healthy dietary practices during this stage lays the groundwork for long-term well-being and adult health. Despite the importance of nutrition during childhood, there remains a significant gap in research focused on the dietary habits and nutritional status of school-going children, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to evaluate the dietary patterns and identify nutritional deficiencies among primary school children residing in rural areas of Deodar taluka in Banaskantha district. A cross-sectional approach was adopted, involving a sample of 300 children aged between 6 and 12 years. Data on food intake were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall along with a food frequency questionnaire. Clinical assessments were also performed to detect visible signs of nutritional deficiencies. The findings revealed that several nutrient deficiencies were present among the children surveyed. The typical diet of the participants showed low intake of pulses, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and animal-based foods such as meat. These suboptimal dietary habits may stem from unequal food distribution within households and personal food preferences among children. Therefore, dietary practices needs to be improved to avoid nutritional deficiencies that lead to a decrease in the growth spurt, for both physical and mental health.