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Nutrition by age
What children and mothers need, from Indian guidance (ICMR-NIN and Anemia Mukt Bharat). Individual needs vary.
| Age | Guidance | Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | Breast milk only | Vitamin D 400 IU; vitamin K at birth |
| 6 to 12 months | Thick, iron-rich foods plus breast milk; early allergens; no honey, salt or sugar | IFA syrup (Anemia Mukt Bharat) |
| 1 to 5 years | Family foods; limit juice and junk food; milk 300 to 500 mL a day | IFA syrup to 59 months; vitamin A; deworming |
| 5 to 9 years | The ICMR-NIN 'My Plate'; school meal | Weekly IFA (pink tablet) |
| 10 to 19 years | Calcium 1,000 mg (13–15) and 1,050 mg (16–18); iron for girls; B12 for vegetarians | Weekly IFA 60 mg + 500 µg (blue tablet) |
| Pregnancy | About 350 extra kcal a day from the second trimester | IFA 60 mg + 500 µg; calcium 1 g |
| Breastfeeding | About 600 extra kcal a day for the first 6 months, then 520 | Continue IFA and calcium for 6 months after birth |
| Adults | Salt under 5 g; limit sugar and ultra-processed food | As needed |
Primary Source: ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines 2024; ICMR-NIN RDA 2020; Anemia Mukt Bharat