MINIMUM DIETARY DIVERSITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN.

This study aims to assess the Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) and its association with micronutrient deficiencies in children aged 9 to 60 months presenting with acute illnesses at the Pediatric Emergency or OPD of Lok Nayak Hospital. Eligible children will be enrolled after obtaining informed consent from their caregivers.

A detailed history—including socio-demographic data, presenting complaints, past medical history, drug intake, allergy, and feeding patterns—will be recorded using a predefined proforma. Nutritional history will focus on the average dietary intake over three consecutive days (including weekdays and weekends) to estimate dietary diversity and calculate the Minimum Dietary Diversity Score based on WHO questionnaires adapted for different age groups.

Clinical examination will assess general health and identify signs of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Anthropometric measurements will be taken and interpreted using WHO growth charts for children aged 0–5 years.

A 3 mL venous blood sample will be collected to analyze hemogram, serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate levels. Diagnoses of anemia, rickets, and vitamin B deficiencies will be made according to National Health Mission guidelines.

This comprehensive approach will help establish the link between dietary diversity and micronutrient deficiencies among under-five children in the study population.