Assessment of Dietary Nutrient Intake among Adolescent Girls in Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Adolescence is an important period of life marked by various aspects of development including physical, physiological, cognitive and psychological changes, where nutrition plays an important role in ensuring proper growth and health in the future. Adolescent girls are especially prone to nutritional deficiencies because of rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation. The current study aims to assess the physical features and dietary nutrient intake of adolescent girls living in the Purba Bardhaman district of West Bengal. The subjects were divided into three categories of early, middle and late adolescence to investigate the differences in their nutrient intake according to the stages of development. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and body mass index were recorded, and daily intake of energy, macronutrients, iron, calcium and certain vitamins were assessed. It was noted that the total energy intake progressively increased with age but failed to meet the recommended values for all adolescents. The intake of protein, niacin, and vitamin C was adequate; however, the intake of fat, iron, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folic acid was insufficient. There were statistically significant differences in the intake of some nutrients by age; however, an increase in food intake with age failed to ensure nutrient sufficiency. The results suggest the presence of a high risk of nutrient deficiency in adolescent girls and highlight the need for nutritional diversification, nutritional education, regular evaluation of nutritional status, and targeted interventions through nutrient-dense foods.