Assessment of Dietary Nutrient Intake among Adolescent Girls in Purba
Bardhaman District, West Bengal: A Cross-Sectional Study
Kazi Anika Nawar1, Alak Kumar Syamal1, Sk Nazibar Rahaman2, Amitava Pal3 and Kazi Monjur Ali2*
1Department of Physiology, Hooghly Mohsin College, University of Burdwan, West
Bengal, India
2Department of Nutrition, M.U.C Women’s College, University of Burdwan, West
Bengal, India
3Department of Physiology, City College, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
*Corresponding Author: Kazi Monjur Ali, Department of Nutrition, M.U.C Women’s
College, University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India.
Received:
August 13, 2026; Published: August 31, 2026
Abstract
Adolescence is an important period of life marked by various aspects of development including physical, physiological, cognitive
and psychological changes, where nutrition plays an important role in ensuring proper growth and health in the future. Adolescent
girls are especially prone to nutritional deficiencies because of rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation. The current
study aims to assess the physical features and dietary nutrient intake of adolescent girls living in the Purba Bardhaman district of
West Bengal. The subjects were divided into three categories of early, middle and late adolescence to investigate the differences in
their nutrient intake according to the stages of development. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and body mass
index were recorded, and daily intake of energy, macronutrients, iron, calcium and certain vitamins were assessed. It was noted that
the total energy intake progressively increased with age but failed to meet the recommended values for all adolescents. The intake
of protein, niacin, and vitamin C was adequate; however, the intake of fat, iron, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folic acid was
insufficient. There were statistically significant differences in the intake of some nutrients by age; however, an increase in food intake
with age failed to ensure nutrient sufficiency. The results suggest the presence of a high risk of nutrient deficiency in adolescent girls
and highlight the need for nutritional diversification, nutritional education, regular evaluation of nutritional status, and targeted
interventions through nutrient-dense foods.
Keywords: Adolescent Girls; Nutritional Status; Dietary Intake; Micronutrient Deficiency
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