Impact of Nutritional Practices and Food Taboos on Pregnant Women in India: A Comprehensive Review

Year : 2024 | Volume :13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 15-22
By

Muskan Naga,

Neelesh Kumar Maurya,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (2023-24), Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India – 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics (2023-24), Sharda School of Allied Health Science, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India – 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Pregnancy marks a pivotal period in a woman’s life, requiring careful dietary management to ensure the health of both mother and child. This comprehensive review investigates the nutritional conditions and food taboos encountered by pregnant women in India, exploring the complex relationship between socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and dietary practices. Despite India’s economic growth, issues like poverty and undernutrition continue to pose risks, particularly for women from lower socio-economic backgrounds. By examining dietary recommendations and regional dietary patterns, the review highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting a balanced diet to support optimal fetal development and maternal health. Regional dietary analysis indicates that Indian women’s diets are predominantly cereal-based, with slight variations in the intake of cereals, millets, pulses, and legumes compared to non-pregnant, non-lactating women. Studies also reveal a significant prevalence of protein-calorie inadequacy, especially among rural pregnant women, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address these nutritional gaps. The review delves deeper into widespread food taboos, including the classification of foods as ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ and the imposition of certain dietary restrictions during pregnancy. By debunking these misconceptions and presenting evidence-based insights, strides can be made in improving maternal and child health outcomes. The review integrates a broad range of research findings, highlighting the critical need for culturally tailored interventions and comprehensive educational programs to enhance maternal nutrition in India. It offers significant insights into the complex nutritional challenges faced during pregnancy, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions and policy initiatives focused on advancing maternal and child health outcomes.

Keywords: Pregnancy; India, Dietary Practices; Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA); Maternal Nutrition; Food Taboos

[This article belongs to Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology (rrjofst)]

How to cite this article:
Muskan Naga, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. Impact of Nutritional Practices and Food Taboos on Pregnant Women in India: A Comprehensive Review. Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2024; 13(02):15-22.
How to cite this URL:
Muskan Naga, Neelesh Kumar Maurya. Impact of Nutritional Practices and Food Taboos on Pregnant Women in India: A Comprehensive Review. Research & Reviews : Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2024; 13(02):15-22. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjofst/article=2024/view=175784



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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received May 4, 2024
Accepted August 14, 2024
Published August 15, 2024
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