Which is the most widespread form of malnutrition among preschool children in India?

Correct option is D

✅ (d) Iron deficiency anaemia
· Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional disorder among preschool children in India.
· Leads to fatigue, impaired cognitive development, and reduced immunity.
· NFHS surveys consistently report high prevalence of anaemia among children and women.
❌ (a) Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
· PEM is prevalent but more commonly associated with severe undernutrition.
· Anaemia due to iron deficiency has a higher prevalence in early childhood.
❌ (b) Iodine deficiency
· Iodine deficiency primarily affects thyroid function (goitre, cretinism).
· Salt iodization programs have significantly reduced its prevalence.
❌ (c) Vitamin A deficiency
· Vitamin A deficiency causes vision problems and immune dysfunction.
· Prevalence is lower compared to iron deficiency anaemia in preschool children.