This article presents findings from a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Attappadi, Kerala, India, aimed at assessing the prevalence of the triple burden of malnutrition among indigenous children aged 0–19 years. Historically, the indigenous population in Attappadi has faced significant developmental challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, infant mortality, and neonatal mortality. This study revealed alarming rates of undernutrition among children aged 0–59 months, with 40.9% experiencing stunting, 27.4% wasting, and 48.3% being underweight. Adolescent girls also suffered from undernutrition, with 21% classified as underweight and 43.3% experiencing stunting. Surprisingly, overweight or obesity was identified as a nutritional problem, affecting 1.4% of children aged 0–59 months, 4.2% of children aged 5–9 years, and 10.5% of adolescent girls. Additionally, a distressing proportion of young children aged 12–59 months (91.2%) were anaemic, with 50% diagnosed specifically with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Nearly all adolescent girls (96.6%) were reportedly suffering from anaemia. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin-A were prevalent among 35%, 20%, 16%, and 12% of children aged 12–59 months, respectively. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this triple burden of malnutrition. Recommendations include promoting culturally appropriate local food-based solutions, establishing participatory and community-led systems for health and nutrition information dissemination, and strengthening the nutrition surveillance system through village-level health and nutrition workers. By adopting a holistic approach, these interventions can help improve the nutritional status and well-being of the indigenous tribal children in Attappadi.

The dietary patterns and quality of diets of women of reproductive age (WRA) significantly affect their health and that of their children. The suboptimal diet among women can lead to issues such as intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, premature birth, and malnutrition. To examine the dietary patterns and nutrient intake of WRA in the indigenous communities of the Attappady tribal block in Kerala, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 20 randomly selected villages in 2022. The study involved 24 h dietary recall surveys, anthropometric measurements, and estimation of hemoglobin concentration to assess nutrient intake and nutritional status. A total of 446 women aged 15–49 from 423 households participated, with 92 households included in the diet survey. The findings indicated that the diet was primarily based on cereals and root-based starchy staples, with low consumption of dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. The estimated intakes of major nutrients, except for protein, were lower than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Nearly 50% of the WRA were malnourished. About 32% of non-pregnant and non-lactating (NPNL) women and 40% of lactating mothers suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²). Conversely, 13.4% of NPNL women and 15% of lactating mothers were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). A total of 12.5% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 were thin (BAZ < −2 SD), and 10.5% were overweight or obese (BAZ > +1 SD). Since the co-existence of micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition is rooted in the socio-cultural aspects of indigenous tribes, a culturally sensitive nutrition intervention model would be appropriate for the better health and wellbeing of women in the community.

Lifestyle and epidemiological transition have resulted in increasing burden of diet-related chronic diseases among the population, which are contributing to increasing morbidity and mortality. To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia and their associated risk factors among the adults. A Multistage random sampling procedure was adopted for this community-based cross-sectional study carried out in eight states in urban, urban slum, and rural adult (≥18 years) populations of India. Household socioeconomic and demographic particulars, anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, and blood collection were done from all the selected subjects. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.5% (CI=22.1-25) and 6.7% (CI= 5.8-7.6) respectively, and was higher among women (25.8%; CI= 23.7-27.9) and among urban (28.6%; CI= 26-31.3) adults. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 44% (CI= 42.3-45.7) and 21% (CI= 19.8-22.6) respectively; and was higher among the elderly (62% and 29.7%) and among urban (46.7% and 25%) population. Hypertriglyceridemia and high LDL was observed among 15% (M: 15.5%; F: 14.5%) and 43% (M: 40%; F: 46.8%) of subjects, and was higher in urban compared to rural areas. The odds of hypertension and diabetes were higher among men, among the elderly, among the overweight and obese individuals, with abdominal and truncal obesity, and among increased CRP levels. The burden of cardiometabolic risk factors is substantial among adults in the eight states evaluated. The risk factors are greater among men, the elderly and in urban areas.

Objective: To assess the safe limit of L. sativus (grass pea) consumption along with cereals and millets. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken in three districts (Bilaspur, Durg and Raipur) of Chhattisgarh state. A total of 1500 households (HHs) were surveyed. A total of 360 split grass pea (SGP) samples were collected from all three districts for ?-ODAP analysis. Clinical examination was carried out for symptoms of neurolathyrism. Diet survey was done on 5769 HHs by 24hr recall method. Mean intake of different foods and nutrients were calculated. Based on food frequency questionnaire, HHs were separated into daily consumers of SGP along with its quantity consumed and that never consumed SGP. Results: The study revealed that 30 daily consuming and 89 never consuming HHs, in all the three districts. Daily SGP was consumed at an average of 64 g/Cu/day along with millets, cereals and vegetables. Whereas among the never consumers of SGP, mean intake of vegetables was higher than recommended intakes in addition to pulses. The average ?-ODAP content in SGP was 0.630 g%. The nutritional status of children <5 years and the adults was not significantly different between the daily SGP consumers and never consumers. Households in all the three districts, who consumed the SGP recipes, followed the method of washing, boiling, draining the excess water and cooking the pulse. Discussion: There were no adverse effects observed among daily consumers of grass pea (64 g/CU/day) along with millets, cereals and vegetables.