Optimization 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 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 Op...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press
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| Series: | Public Health Nutrition |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S1368980025100748/type/journal_article |
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| Summary: | Abstract
Objective:
To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets 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 Optimization for Population (FOP) tool and a Diet Optimization Tool (DOT). The FOP optimizes 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 optimization tools are demonstrated for the state of Bihar: the FOP tool at population level, exemplified by diet optimization for children aged 1-3y; and DOT at household level, demonstrated through diet optimization for a household of four members.
Results:
Both tools provide cost-effective, optimized food plans, respecting cultural preferences. Based on food prices from June 2022, the FOP tool generated optimized 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.
Conclusion:
These web-based tools offer diet plans optimized to meet macro and micro-nutrient 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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| ISSN: | 1368-9800 1475-2727 |