Optimization Tools for Meeting Nutrient Requirements of Indian Children and Adults at Optimal Cost.

Objective: To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets daily requirements of essential nutrients for the people of India, using interactive web-based tools.

Design: Linear-programming algorithms were adapted into two web-based tools: a Food Optimization for Population (FOP) tool and a Diet Optimization Tool (DOT). The FOP optimizes daily food choices at a population level, considering local food consumption patterns. The DOT focuses on household or individual food selection.

Setting: India, with consideration of locally produced and consumed foods.

Participants: The two optimization tools are demonstrated for the state of Bihar: the FOP tool at population level, exemplified by diet optimization for children aged 1-3y; and DOT at household level, demonstrated through diet optimization for a household of four members.

Results: Both tools provide cost-effective, optimized food plans, respecting cultural preferences. Based on food prices from June 2022, the FOP tool generated optimized diets for 1-3-year-old Bihari children priced at INR 26.8 (USD 0.32 converted as of January 2024 rate)/child/day. By applying a milk subsidy, this cost could drop to INR 23.7 (USD 0.28). The DOT was able to formulate a vegetarian diet for a family of four at INR 204 (USD 2.45)/day.

Conclusion: These web-based tools offer diet plans optimized to meet macro and micro-nutrient requirements at population and/or individual/household levels, at minimum cost. This tool can be used by policymakers to design food-focused strategies that can meet nutritional needs at local price points, while considering food preferences.