Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost
Abstract Objective: To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets the daily requirements of essential nutrients for the people of India, using interactive web-based tools. Design: Linear-programming algorithms were adapted into two web-based tools: a Foo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Cambridge University Press
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Public Health Nutrition |
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| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025100748/type/journal_article |
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| author | Fathima Ayoob Jawahar R. Manivannan Ashikh Ahmed Afsal K. Murikkanchery Abhishek Kumar Santu Ghosh Patrick Webb Anura V. Kurpad Tinku Thomas |
| author_facet | Fathima Ayoob Jawahar R. Manivannan Ashikh Ahmed Afsal K. Murikkanchery Abhishek Kumar Santu Ghosh Patrick Webb Anura V. Kurpad Tinku Thomas |
| author_sort | Fathima Ayoob |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Abstract
Objective:
To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets the daily requirements of essential nutrients for the people of India, using interactive web-based tools.
Design:
Linear-programming algorithms were adapted into two web-based tools: a Food Optimisation for Population (FOP) tool and a Diet Optimisation Tool (DOT). The FOP optimises daily food choices at a population level, considering local food consumption patterns. The DOT focuses on household or individual food selection.
Setting:
India, with consideration of locally produced and consumed foods.
Participants:
The two optimisation tools are demonstrated for the state of Bihar: the FOP tool at the population level, exemplified by diet optimisation for children aged 1–3 years, and DOT at the household level, demonstrated through diet optimisation for a household of four members.
Results:
Both tools provide cost-effective, optimised food plans, respecting cultural preferences. Based on food prices from June 2022, the FOP tool generated optimised diets for 1–3-year-old Bihari children priced at INR 26·8 (USD 0·32 converted as of January 2024 rate)/child/day. By applying a milk subsidy, this cost could drop to INR 23·7 (USD 0·28). The DOT was able to formulate a vegetarian diet for a family of four at INR 204 (USD 2·45)/day.
Conclusions:
These web-based tools offer diet plans optimised to meet macro- and micronutrient requirements at population and/or individual/household levels, at minimum cost. This tool can be used by policymakers to design food-focused strategies that can meet nutritional needs at local price points, while considering food preferences.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a68440fb054a41ce9abfd07f0814ee3d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1368-9800 1475-2727 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Public Health Nutrition |
| spelling | doaj-art-a68440fb054a41ce9abfd07f0814ee3d2025-08-20T03:37:34ZengCambridge University PressPublic Health Nutrition1368-98001475-27272025-01-012810.1017/S1368980025100748Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal costFathima Ayoob0Jawahar R. Manivannan1Ashikh Ahmed2Afsal K. Murikkanchery3Abhishek Kumar4Santu Ghosh5Patrick Webb6Anura V. Kurpad7Tinku Thomas8https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1786-6076Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, IndiaDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, IndiaDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, IndiaDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, IndiaDivision of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, St John’s Research Institute, Bengaluru, IndiaDepartment of Biostatistics, St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, IndiaFriedman School of Nutrition, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USADepartment of Physiology, St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, IndiaDepartment of Biostatistics, St John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, India Abstract Objective: To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets the daily requirements of essential nutrients for the people of India, using interactive web-based tools. Design: Linear-programming algorithms were adapted into two web-based tools: a Food Optimisation for Population (FOP) tool and a Diet Optimisation Tool (DOT). The FOP optimises daily food choices at a population level, considering local food consumption patterns. The DOT focuses on household or individual food selection. Setting: India, with consideration of locally produced and consumed foods. Participants: The two optimisation tools are demonstrated for the state of Bihar: the FOP tool at the population level, exemplified by diet optimisation for children aged 1–3 years, and DOT at the household level, demonstrated through diet optimisation for a household of four members. Results: Both tools provide cost-effective, optimised food plans, respecting cultural preferences. Based on food prices from June 2022, the FOP tool generated optimised diets for 1–3-year-old Bihari children priced at INR 26·8 (USD 0·32 converted as of January 2024 rate)/child/day. By applying a milk subsidy, this cost could drop to INR 23·7 (USD 0·28). The DOT was able to formulate a vegetarian diet for a family of four at INR 204 (USD 2·45)/day. Conclusions: These web-based tools offer diet plans optimised to meet macro- and micronutrient requirements at population and/or individual/household levels, at minimum cost. This tool can be used by policymakers to design food-focused strategies that can meet nutritional needs at local price points, while considering food preferences. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025100748/type/journal_articleOptimisationNutrition requirementsOptimal cost |
| spellingShingle | Fathima Ayoob Jawahar R. Manivannan Ashikh Ahmed Afsal K. Murikkanchery Abhishek Kumar Santu Ghosh Patrick Webb Anura V. Kurpad Tinku Thomas Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost Public Health Nutrition Optimisation Nutrition requirements Optimal cost |
| title | Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| title_full | Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| title_fullStr | Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| title_short | Optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of Indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| title_sort | optimisation tools for meeting nutrient requirements of indian children and adults at optimal cost |
| topic | Optimisation Nutrition requirements Optimal cost |
| url | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025100748/type/journal_article |
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