Nutrition and diet profile: Sri Lanka

Nadia Koyratty, Renuka Silva, Thilanka Ranathunga and Deanna K. Olney

CGIAR Initative Publications from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Abstract: • Sri Lanka faces a double burden of malnutrition with the co-existence and persistence of multiple forms of malnutrition, e.g., stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight/ obesity, anemia, and micronutrient deficiences. • Inadequate intake of many micronutrients is common across several population groups in Sri Lanka, indicating low intake of nutrient-dense foods such as F&Vs and animal-source foods. • A diverse diet with adequate intake of nutrient-dense foods should be encouraged to address nutrient gaps among Sri Lankans and reduce the risk of NCDs. • Many government-issued diet- and nutrition-related policies, strategies, and programs have been adopted in Sri Lanka. However, these often do not place enough emphasis on F&Vs. • While national food based dietary guidelines exist, as well as other guidelines and policies, there is uncertainty about the level of public awareness and the population’s adherence to the recommendations. • Evaluations of diet- and nutrition-related interventions are also scarce, indicating a need for rigorous evidence on what works to help guide programs and policies that aim to improve diet and nutrition outcomes among Sri Lankans.

Keywords: diet; micronutrients; nutrition; stunting; Sri Lanka; Asia; Southern Asia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-08-02
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fpr:cgiarp:151536

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