Studies on food and nutrient intake by urban population of Bangladesh: Comparison between intakes of 1962–64 and 1985–86

In 1985–86 a food consumption survey covering about 4000 people was carried out in 11 locations of Dhaka city. Comparison of the results with those of the 1962–64 study revealed a deteriorating food and nutrition situation of the urban population. Among food groups, consumption of pulses and food from animal sources in particular have greatly declined. Among nutrients the foremost deficiency was of energy in which 68% of families consumed less than the requirement. A similar percentage of families consumed inadequate protein, but in 23% of them there would not have been a protein problem had there been an adequate supply of other sources of food energy. Among the micronutrients the severest deficiencies were of riboflavin and vitamin A. Forty two percent of families consumed less than the recommended level of ascorbic acid. A comparison of intake patterns in urban and rural areas shows several differences, even though the pattern of intake of dietary consituents was similar.