Nutritional deficiencies among tribal adolescent girls remain a significant public health concern in India. This study assessed the anthropometric status and dietary nutrient adequacy of 383 tribal adolescent girls aged 13–18 years, purposively selected from four Ashram Shalas in Nagpur District, Maharashtra. Demographic profile was recorded using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were recorded using standard procedures, and BMI was computed. Dietary intake was assessed by the 24-hour recall method, and nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) were calculated and compared with ICMR-NIN Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) 2024 references. Results showed that the majority belonged to the Upper Lower class (73.8%) and the overall mean BMI of 18.39 kg/m 2 indicated borderline nutritional vulnerability. The mean NAR showed that energy adequacy was critically low (35.11%), with calcium (17.55%), riboflavin (16.78%), and Vitamin D (4.37%) being the most deficient. Vitamin C (34.20%), Vitamin A (34.36%), and iron (45.84%) also showed substantial inadequacy. Thiamine (55.62%) and zinc (43.74%) were moderately deficient. The adequacy of protein (88.82%), magnesium (88.71%), and folate (85.85%) were adequate. Energy intake was critically low in 97.91% of participants, while protein adequacy was relatively better (76.24%). All subjects had low intakes of Vitamins A, D, riboflavin, and calcium across all age groups. Linear regression revealed that age, socioeconomic status, and BMI were collectively poor predictors of nutrient adequacy (R 2 <0.01), suggesting unmeasured factors such as dietary diversity and food security are more influential determinants. These findings highlight an urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions for tribal adolescent girls in this region.
Surpande et al. (Thu,) studied this question.