The high incidence of low birth weight and child malnutrition in India is attributable to the neglect of women through out life cycle. Low birth weight has long-term adverse consequences. The major nutritional deficiencies arc: iron deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency disease (goitre), vitamin A deficiency and B-complex vitamins, deficiency. Indian diets arc qualitatively adequate in proteins but very deficient in micronutrients. To combat malnutrition there has to be awareness and access at an affordable price to not only balanced diet, but also healthy environment and health- care outreach. Women's education is important. Among the various approaches to improve access to balanced diet (suplementary feeding, distribution of micronutrient supplements, food fortification, subsidies etc) local planning for dietary diversification is most important and long lasting.
