No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years

The Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition or NIN have released revised National Dietary Guidelines for Indians, which state that children up to two years of age should be kept away from sugar, limiting the daily intake of calories from sugar to only 5 percent. Their daily diet should include at least 500 grams of fruits and vegetables. Diet guidelines also advise people to avoid protein supplements to meet their daily protein requirements and have natural protein instead.

ICMR released 17 dieatary guidelines

According to the ICMR, about 57% of Indians tolerate the burden of diseases due to unhealthy diet. In the 17 dietary guidelines, shared by the regulatory body it is stated that healthy diet and physical activity have the potential to substantially reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) cases and hypertension (HTN) cases and prevent up to 80% of type 2 diabetes cases.

The Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs) has been drafted by a multi-disciplinary committee of experts led by Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR-NIN.

According to the guidelines, a well-rounded diet ought to consist of a maximum of 45% of calories sourced from cereals and millets, and a portion of up to 15% of calories derived from pulses, beans, and meat. The remaining calories are recommended to be obtained from nuts, vegetables, fruits, and milk.

Also watch: Study says childhood inactivity is linked to heart ailment, know what prevention can be taken