Dietary Pattern and Nutrient Adequacy in Women before and after Menopause

Women play a critical role not only in ensuring the health, nutrition and overall well being of the entire family but have an inter-generational impact and significantly influence the health of the future generation. Unfortunately in India the nutritional status of women is poor due to varied reasons. A review of NFHS-3 and other data reveal negligible improvement in the nutritional status of women in the past decade. Requirements for various nutrients vary with the chronological ageing depending upon the growth spurt in an individual's life. Physiological and psychological stress relating to onset of menstruation, child bearing, and menopause poses additional demands for various nutrients in women.