Abstract The double burden of malnutrition, characterised by the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, is a significant public health issue in India, particularly affecting rural populations and tribal communities like the Santhals. This study aimed to address nutritional deficiencies in the traditional diets of Santhal tribes by analysing their dietary patterns and creating improved recipes to enhance nutrient intake and diet diversity. Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) were used to assess dietary habits, and 37 commonly consumed dishes were identified. Nutritics software highlighted substantial nutritional gaps in these traditional recipes, particularly in protein, fibre, and key micronutrients, such as vitamins B12, B9, iodine, calcium, and iron. To address these deficiencies, 24 improved recipe templates were developed, focusing on increasing the intake of high-quality protein, fruits, and vegetables. The recommended recipes significantly boosted nutrient content, with energy increasing by 187 kcal, protein by 13 g, total fat by 9.8 g, and fibre by 3.2 g per meal. Additionally, significant increases were observed in micronutrient levels, particularly in vitamin C (706%), B9 (342%), vitamin A (330%), and iodine (258%). This study provides critical insights into the nutritional inadequacies of Santhal diets and emphasises the need for targeted interventions to improve the nutritional status of these communities. It suggests that recipe modifications could be an effective strategy for enhancing diet quality. Future research should explore the acceptability and practical implementation of these nutritional interventions in rural settings. Information © The Authors 2025
Armes et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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