Hyderabad: Zero added sugar should be given to children below two years, ICMR-NIN Director Dr. Bharati Kulkarni said while stressing healthy dietary habits from infancy.
She made the remarks while addressing a 15-member media delegation from Uttarakhand at the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN).
The delegation visited the institute as part of the Hyderabad Press Tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
During the interaction, Dr. Kulkarni outlined ICMR-NIN’s role in generating scientific evidence on food composition, nutrient requirements and dietary guidance.
The Indian Food Composition Tables (IFCT) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) serve as important references for researchers, policymakers and nutrition programmes.
Dr. Kulkarni also expressed concern over the rising incidence of overweight and obesity among children. She attributed the trend to sedentary lifestyles and excessive consumption of foods high in fat, sugar and salt.
However, she stressed that food security alone could not ensure nutrition security. Instead, she called for greater dietary diversity and changes in eating behaviour.
Zero added sugar advice comes amid childhood obesity concerns
The institute was also studying indigenous crops and millets from Uttarakhand, including Mandua, Jhangora, Cholai and Koda, Dr. Kulkarni said.
In addition, studies were underway to assess the role of ragi consumption in reducing anaemia.
The delegation later attended technical sessions led by Dr. Subba Rao M. Gavaravarapu, Scientist-G and Head of the NICHE Division.
He urged media professionals to counter food fads and promote evidence-based nutrition practices.
Following the sessions, the journalists visited ICMR-NIN laboratories to observe food analysis and lipid chemistry research.
As part of the cultural tour, the delegation also visited the Salar Jung Museum.