Indian Dietary Guidelines Updated for Healthier Living
The Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) is embarking on a significant update of the country’s dietary guidelines. These guidelines, last revised in 2011, are being revamped to promote healthier diets and lifestyles among Indians.
A Focus on Food Labels
One of the key changes in the updated guidelines is the inclusion of a 16th guideline, which emphasizes using food label information to make informed choices about food consumption. This addition reflects the importance of understanding the nutritional content of pre-packaged foods and making healthier choices.
Updated Data and Nutrient Requirements
The revision is prompted by recent updates in food composition data for commonly consumed foods across India and revised nutrient requirements for Indians. This ensures that the guidelines are based on the latest scientific research and the unique nutritional needs of the population.
A Shift to a Food-Based Approach
The previous guidelines were more nutrient-focused, specifying the amounts of nutrients needed for a healthy life. The new version adopts a food-based approach, providing clear information on different food groups that should be part of daily diets, tailored to different age groups, genders, and activity levels.
“My Plate For The Day” Format
To make the guidelines more user-friendly, they will be presented in an easily understandable “My Plate For The Day” format. This format simplifies dietary recommendations, making it easier for individuals and families to plan balanced meals.
Comprehensive Coverage
The revised guidelines will cover various aspects of nutrition, including infant and young child feeding practices, nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, adolescent nutrition, safe cooking practices, and healthy consumption of fat, salt, and sugar.
Coming Soon
The updated guidelines are expected to be released in the next three to four months. Once the draft guidelines are ready and approved by an expert committee, they will be shared with the public for feedback. After finalization, they will be widely disseminated through various channels to promote healthier living among Indians.
