Serum zinc level in cord blood of 159 neonates was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The cases were classified according to birth weight and gestation of babies as Term appropriate for date (TAFD), Term small for date (TSFD), Term large for date (TLFD), Preterm appropriate for date (PAFD), Preterm small for date (PSFD) and Preterm large for date (PLFD). The zinc level were also estimated in mothers of these groups at the time of delivery, and compared with cord blood levels of those in non-pregnant mothers. Mean serum zinc level in infant born full term AFD, full term SFD, full term LFD, preterm AFD, preterm SFD and preterm LFD were 79.6 +/- 17.8 micrograms/dl, 58.2 +/- 13.4 micrograms/dl, 84.1 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 81 +/- 25.2 micrograms/dl, 51.2 +/- 51.7 micrograms/dl and 76 +/- 14.7 micrograms/dl respectively. The maternal zinc levels in respective groups were 67 +/- 9.6 micrograms/dl, 56.5 +/- 7.5 micrograms/dl, 63.6 +/- 14.4 micrograms/dl, 62.7 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 54.5 +/- 5.4 micrograms/dl, and 58.2 +/- 2.7 micrograms/dl. The mean serum zinc values in mothers and babies in birth weight group ranging from 1500-2000 gm were 55.3 +/- 4.3 micrograms/dl and 60 +/- 23.1 micrograms/dl, 2001-2500 gm were 59.5 +/- 11.3 and 65.8 +/- 17 micrograms/dl, 2501-3000 gm were 69.2 +/- 9.5 and 84.7 +/- 14 micrograms/dl, 3001-3500 gm were 65.8 +/- 12.7 micrograms/dl, 82.2 +/- 20.8 micrograms/dl and 3501 and above were 70.5 +/- 8.2 micrograms/dl and 85 +/- 14.3 micrograms/dl respectively. Statistically significant low zinc levels were observed in SFD babies and their mothers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Introduction: Nutrition and lifestyle transition in India have attributed to the burden of malnutrition in early life. Evidence suggests that children born Low Birth Weight (LBW) are at increased risk of later life diseases. Aim: The study aims to describe the nutrient intake of term LBW children with reference to the new estimated average requirement. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted in the premises of Institute of Home Economics, Delhi. Dietary intake data for 139 term LBW children (9-12 years) was collected using 24-hour recall. Nutrient and food group intake was analysed using Diet Cal (version 10). Gender differences in dietary intake were assessed using Mann-Whitney U test. Proportion of children with micronutrient intake below Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) was also estimated. Data was analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test. Results: The protein intake of more than 50% children provided 10-15% of energy. Carbohydrate contributed to less than 55% of day’s energy while energy from fat was more than 30% for majority of children. Percentage of children with inadequate micronutrient intake ranged from 44.6% for Vitamin C to 100% for Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. A high proportion of children had low consumption of green leafy vegetables, nuts, oilseeds, and fleshy foods. The intake of milk and milk products were significantly higher in boys as compared to girls (p=0.02). Conclusion: There is a transition from carbohydrate dense foods to high fat processed foods that are inadequate in micronutrients. Findings highlight the need for an intensive public health approach to improve the diet quality of the Indian population.