Consumption of Nutrients: An Applied Microeconomic Analysis
Prakash, Gyan, Ram Kumar Jha and R C Sharma (2006), “Consumption of Nutrients: An Applied Microeconomic Analysis”, ICFAI Journal of Applied Economics, Hyderabad, Vol. V, No. 4, July, pp. 54-66 (ISSN: 0972-6861).
17 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2015
Date Written: July 4, 2006
Abstract
For sustaining healthy and active life only satisfaction of hunger is not sufficient. Balanced diet is necessary. Nutritional deficiencies may cause serious health implications. The main objectives of this paper are (a) to evaluate the elasticity of nutrients and compare them across different income groups in rural and urban areas and (b) to assess the consumption of food nutrients for different income groups across rural and urban areas.
Mean proteins, fibers and energy intake by Urban Higher Income Group (UHIG) and Rural Higher Income Group (RHIG) may be considered equal because the differences are not found significant. Mean fats, carbohydrates and minerals consumption are significantly higher in UHIG as compared to RHIG, similarly mean energy intake is significantly higher in Rural Lower Income Group (RLIG) as compared to Urban Lower Income Group (ULIG). The income elasticities for carbohydrates and fibers were found higher amongst RHIG. The magnitudes of nutrients (proteins, fats and energy) elasticities were observed to be higher for UHIG and ULIG. These indicate that the demand for proteins, fats and energy will go up with the increment of income.
Keywords: Urban, Rural, Income, Nutrients
JEL Classification: B41, C19
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation