NEED AND AVAILABILITY OF NUTRIENTS FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Abstract

A total of 152 adolescent girls were studied using a standard questionnaire to find out their nutritional needs and availability. Average age of the subjects was 15.05±1.13 yrs. Mean age at menarche was 12.33±1.11 years. Protein rich food such as fish, meat, egg, pulse, groundnut, soybean, and different seeds were scantly in their daily diet. Vitamins and minerals containing foods such as vegetables, egg, milk and fruits were not consumed for last 24 hours by 40.48%, 69.48% and 70.0% of adolescent girls respectively. Carbohydrate containing foods were chosen by 32% of girls. About 52% of girls liked to consume protein-containing foods. Mineral and vitamin containing foods were chosen by 42% of girls. Colocasia leaves, Amaranths leaves (red) and pumpkin were liked to consume by 13%, 11.48% and 19.74% of adolescent girls. Amalaki, sour fruit and pine Apple were disliked by only 4.61%, 3.95% and 3.29% of girls. The average total food intake was 704.26 g. Which is less by 29% of the RDA (991 g). Average cereals intake has declined by about 4% of RDA. Consumption of pulses has seriously declined by about 44% of RDA. Consumption of vegetables was glaring deficit. It dropped by about 53% compared to RDA (112 g.). Fish and fruits were increased. Intake of milk decreased 77.14% when compared to RDA (250 Ml.). Average energy intake was 1697.68 Kcal. making 71.07% of the requirement but according South East Asia criteria of all girls to have normal BMI needs to study for its validity of large scale.