What are new ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians’ released by ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) have released dietary guidelines to tackle malnutrition and combat prevalent diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions in the country. These recommendations emphasize the importance of adopting healthy eating habits and lifestyles.

On Wednesday, the ICMR revealed updated Dietary Guidelines for Indians (DGIs), outlining essential nutritional requirements and strategies to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), the guidelines caution against health claims commonly found on packaged foods, cautioning consumers to be vigilant.

For instance, products labelled as “sugar-free” may still contain fats, refined cereals, and hidden sugars, potentially leading to high glycemic index and calorie content, particularly problematic for those managing diabetes or watching their weight.

Similarly, products labelled as “all-natural” may not always be entirely free of additives or processing, despite what the packaging suggests. The guidelines urge consumers to scrutinize ingredient lists thoroughly, as manufacturers may highlight select natural ingredients while overlooking others. Additionally, claims about nutrient content, such as being a “good source of protein” or other essential nutrients, should be evaluated about daily requirements to ensure accuracy.

Regarding organic food claims, the guidelines caution that “organic” does not necessarily guarantee pesticide or chemical-free products. While some labels may indicate freedom from artificial additives and pesticide use, only those carrying the “Jaivik Bharat” logo approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can be considered 100% organic.

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has cautioned against the prolonged consumption of excessive amounts of protein powders or high protein concentrates, citing potential risks such as bone mineral loss and kidney damage. The guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, recommending that sugar intake should not exceed 5% of total energy intake. Besides, the guidelines advise that cereals and millets should contribute no more than 45% of total calorie intake, while sugar intake from pulses, beans, and meat should be limited to 15% of total calories.

According to the guidelines, incorporating regular physical activity and maintaining healthy dietary habits can significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension (HTN), potentially preventing up to 80% of type 2 diabetes cases.