Hyderabad, Sep 16 (Agency) ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIM) Scientist DR G M Subba Rao has said that the nutrition during the first 1000 days accelerates mental development and good physical growth of a baby. Delivering his keynote address at a Webinar on “Balancing the diet to balance nutrition”, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Regional Outreach Bureau (ROB) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, here on Wednesday, he said that the first 270 days in the life of a baby while in the womb and the next two years after birth are very crucial in the life of a baby. During this period, mother and child need to be given a very balanced and nutritious diet as this ensures immunity.
About 30 to 40 percent women who conceive often suffer from deficiencies of micronutrients such as B12, Iron, Folic acid and hence it is essential to take diversified food during pre and post pregnancy. He said every one kilogram increase in the weight of a pregnant woman will increase the birth weight of the baby by 52 grams. Ensuring that the new-born baby is fed with breast milk within the first hour after birth as it gives the essential nutrients to build up strong immunity, he said. Further breastfeeding for the first six months promotes cognitive and sensitive development and renders maximum protection to babies against infectious diseases. Explaining about the nutritious food that needs to be taken for a healthy life, Dr Subba Rao said that quality, quantity and frequency of meals are very important.
A healthy diet should include fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and healthy fats. He said everybody should take 350 grams of vegetables and 150 grams of fruits daily and salt intake should be restricted to below five grams and sugar to two or three tea spoons. Food items should be stored in a fridge at less than five degrees Celsius temperature. Clearing various misconceptions on food, the ICMR-NIM Scientist said too much rinsing rice in water before cooking will lead to loss of nutrients in the rice. Dr Rao recommended two –three varieties of edible oils for cooking.