Food and Nutrient Intake Pattern of Three Generations Living Together in Middle Income Urban Households of Delhi, India

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the inter-generational differences in food and nutrient intake of three generations (grandparents, parents and children) living together. A cross-sectional survey assessed the food group and nutrient intake, changes in the intake over the years by using 24-hour dietary recall repeated over three days and focus group discussions. A total of 226 middle income families including 1,038 participants, grandparents (n=302), parents (n=423) and children (n=313) completed the diet survey. Focus group discussions with different generations explored the dietary transition over a period of time and the generation(s) responsible for menu related decisions. Children had significantly higher intake of cereals, other vegetables, sugars and fats as compared to their parents and grandparents (p<0.001) and highest mean percent adequacy of energy, protein and calcium (p<0.001). Information generated can be used to understand dynamics of food selection within a household and improve diet quality of all generations.