Publications

OBJECTIVE: To present a tool and examine the minimum cost of a healthy and diverse diet that meets the 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 Optimisation for  Population (FOP) tool and a Diet Optimisation Tool (DOT). The FOP optimises 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  optimisation tools are demonstrated for the state of Bihar: the FOP tool at the  population level, exemplified by diet optimisation for children aged 1-3 years,  and DOT at the household level, demonstrated through diet optimisation for a  household of four members. RESULTS: Both tools provide cost-effective, optimised  food plans, respecting cultural preferences. Based on food prices from June 2022,  the FOP tool generated optimised 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.  CONCLUSIONS: These web-based tools offer diet plans optimised to meet macro- and  micronutrient 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.