Taluk Health officer Dr Mallika said that children should be given balanced diet to keep them in pink of health.

Speaking at an interaction organised by Information department at government model school in city on Friday, he said children should be given carbohydrate, proteins, foodgrains rich in essential nutrients, greens and vegetables. They should be encouraged to consume more milk and fruits, she suggested.

Children between 10 and 19 years reach adolescent stage and there are changes observed in their physical, mental and emotional status. They need balanced and nutritious food at this stage and there will be considerable weight gain during the period, she said. It is important to gain information on food that raises immunity levels and consume foods rich in nutrients.

Anaemia is the main problem faced by women and children. Majority of the patients coming to hospitals are detected with anaemia. Such persons should add ragi and greens that are rich in calcium, she said.

Government has decided to distribute iron tablets for schoolchildren, which will begin in a couple of months, she said. Dr Mallika came down heavily on junk foods and said the onus of preparing healthy foods for kids lies on the parents, so that they do not get an opportunity to binge on junk foods. They should also be explained about eating healthy foods, she added.

Dr D S Chandrashekar said that though India has excelled in the field of information technology and also one of the leading countries in producing food. Despite this the country is suffering from malnutrition, he lamented.

A Ramesh of Information department, Chinnathayamma of women and child welfare department and others were present.