@article{MRA, author = {Prema Ramachandran and K Kalaivani}, title = { Divergence in time trends between nutrition and health status of Indian children: an enigma?}, journal = {Medical Research Archives}, volume = {11}, number = {12}, year = {2023}, keywords = {}, abstract = {India has been food secure and children had access to essential health and nutrition services for four decades but under-nutrition rates in children continue to be high. Despite the high prevalence of low birthweight (LBW) and under-nutrition, under-five mortality rates are relatively low: the ‘South Asian enigma’. Data from research studies and large-scale nutrition and health surveys were analysed and reviewed to assess: dimensions, determinants and time trends of under-nutrition in under-five children, functional decompensations associated with LBW and under-nutrition, factors responsible for ‘South Asian enigma’, and progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for child nutrition and health. Neonates born with low weight and length, follow a lower trajectory of growth throughout childhood; this was the major factor responsible for the high under-nutrition rates in children. Breast feeding was nearly universal; about 2/3rd of infants were solely breast-fed at 5 months; but both complementary feeds and adult food given to children were inadequate and lacked diversity. This resulted in a rise in under-nutrition rates between 12-23 months. In 24-59 months there was no further rise in under-nutrition rates. Moderate under-nutrition is not associated with increase in risk of infections; health care for infection was available and utilised; therefore, mortality rates were low. India will not be able to achieve the SDG targets for reduction in low birthweight or under-nutrition but is likely to achieve the targets for reduction in food insecurity and under-five mortality.}, issn = {2375-1924}, doi = {10.18103/mra.v11i12.4850}, url = {https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/4850} }