Abstract

INFANT NUTRITION IN THE MODERN ERA: CHALLENGES, DIETARY PRACTICES, AND AYURVEDIC INSIGHTS

*Dr. Apurva Kulkarni and Dr. Sushil Bava

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Abstract

Proper nutrition during infancy (0–2 years) is critical for optimal physical growth, cognitive development, and immune function. However, both global and national data indicate persistent challenges such as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising trends of overnutrition due to urbanization and changing feeding practices. Despite advancements in modern nutritional science, inappropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding remain widespread. Ayurveda, through its pediatric branch Kaumarbhritya, offers timetested dietary recommendations, including the use of Stanya (breast milk), Annaprashana Samskara (initiation of solids), and easily digestible traditional foods like Mudga Yusha and Peya. This article explores recent challenges in infant nutrition, reviews dietary practices followed by mothers, and presents an integrative perspective that combines modern guidelines with Ayurvedic principles to provide holistic and culturally relevant solutions for infant health.

Keywords: Infant Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Kaumarbhritya, Ayurveda, Undernutrition, Micronutrient Deficiency.