Experts advocate for balanced diet to combat child malnutrition in the country

Jigmi Wangdi

The National Health Survey (NHS) 2023 reveals pressing issues in child nutrition in Bhutan, with 5.1 percent of children under five classified as too thin for their height (wasting), 17.9 percent as too short for their age (stunting) and 8.8 percent as underweight.

To tackle these issues, medical experts are calling for a shift from traditional eating habits to more balanced diets.

Clinical dietician at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Dr Prem Kumar Neopanay, said that there is a need to adopt a nutrient-rich diet over mere calorie consumption.

“Many parents believe that feeding their children rice with minimal fat or salt is sufficient. However, this approach neglects essential micro and macronutrients crucial for growth and development,” Dr Prem said.

The NHS study highlights a significant gap in nutrient-rich food consumption. “Fruits, vegetables, and animal-sourced foods are often underrepresented in diets, leading to nutritional deficiencies,” he said.

One major misconception is the reliance on rice as the main source of nutrients and calories.

Dr. Prem said that diversifying cereals is essential to diversify the source of nutrients. “Alternatives like quinoa offer superior nutritional benefits, including higher protein and fibre content. Quinoa is a good choice for pregnant women and children,” he said.

A balanced diet, according to Dr. Prem, should include at least five basic food groups and incorporate animal-sourced proteins. “Our staples, such as cereals and grains, provide energy, but incorporating other options like millets, buckwheat, and oats can offer additional benefits,” he said.

Micronutrients, found in fruits and vegetables, are essential for proper nourishment. According to Dr. Prem, individuals must consume 350 to 500 grammes of vegetables and 150 to 250 grammes of fruits daily to meet vitamin, mineral, and fibre needs.

“We urge people to take more of these foods because the amount of micronutrients our body needs is not being fulfilled,” Dr Prem said. 

Protein is another crucial nutrient, vital for muscle development and immune support, particularly during pregnancy when the foetus develops in the mother’s womb or the first few months after birth.

“The micronutrient protein helps build baby’s muscles, develop and form organs and tissues. It also strengthens immunity. Thus, people must include protein in their balanced diet,” Dr Prem said.

He suggested including quality protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and local cheese. For vegans, pulses, legumes, Nutri soya chunks, and nuts are excellent alternatives.

Healthy fats, which provide more energy than carbohydrates, are also important, particularly for growing children. Dr. Prem recommends including higher calorie dense food like fresh butter, nuts, avocados, and healthy oils such as coconut and sesame in the diet.

“If we get four kilocalories of energy from one gramme of carbohydrate, one gramme of fat gives nine kilocalories of energy. Children in the growing age category need higher calorie-dense food.”