NCERT Class 12 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I: Chapter 3 — Public Nutrition And Health
This chapter, "Public Nutrition And Health," from NCERT Class 12 Home Science (Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I), focuses on the critical role of nutrition in public health. It highlights the significance and scope of public nutrition, detailing prevalent nutritional problems like undernutrition and overnutrition that affect populations, especially children. The chapter discusses the alarming statistics of low birth weight babies, growth retardation, and micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger) in India. It emphasizes the severe consequences of malnutrition on physical and cognitive development, productivity, and national economic growth. The text also touches upon the rising issue of overnutrition due to changing lifestyles and dietary patterns. Understanding these issues is crucial for implementing effective government programs and promoting the health of the entire population, aligning with the principles of public health and the goals of CBSE learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Public Nutrition And Health |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 529 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance and scope of public nutrition.
- Identify nutritional problems of public health significance.
- Become acquainted with government programs addressing nutritional issues.
- Describe the role and functions of a public health nutritionist.
- Explain the knowledge and skills required for a career in public health nutrition.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Public health nutrition | The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities, and individuals. |
| Malnutrition | A condition resulting from eating a diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, too much, or in the wrong balance. |
| Undernutrition | A condition resulting from taking in fewer nutrients than the body needs. |
| Overnutrition | A condition resulting from taking in more nutrients than the body needs. |
| Low birth weight | An infant weighing less than 2500 grams (5.5 pounds) at birth. |
| Growth retardation | Slower than normal physical growth in children. |
| Micronutrient deficiencies | Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet, often leading to 'hidden hunger'. |
| Hidden hunger | A form of malnutrition where a person is deficient in vitamins and minerals. |
| Sedentary lifestyle | A type of lifestyle involving very little or no physical activity. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary mission of public health nutrition? Answer: To prevent both undernutrition and overnutrition and to maintain the optimal nutritional status of the population.
- What are some of the major micronutrients of concern in India? Answer: Iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, iodine, folic acid, and B12.
- What are the potential consequences of malnutrition on an individual and the nation? Answer: Malnutrition can affect physical growth, mental and cognitive development, productivity, quality of life, and lead to significant economic losses for the nation.
- Besides undernutrition, what other nutritional problem is on the rise in India? Answer: Overnutrition is on the rise.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What percentage of deaths in children under five years of age is attributed to malnutrition as an underlying cause?
Explanation: The chapter states that malnutrition is the underlying cause of at least 50 per cent of deaths in children under five years of age.
Q2. What is the weight threshold for an infant to be considered low birth weight?
Explanation: The chapter defines low birth weight babies as those weighing less than 2500g or 2.5kg.
Q3. Which term refers to a deficiency in vitamins and minerals, often called 'hidden hunger'?
Explanation: Micronutrient deficiencies are described as 'hidden hunger' in the text.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT listed as a micronutrient of concern in India?
Explanation: The chapter lists iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, iodine, folic acid, and B12 as micronutrients of concern. Calcium is not explicitly mentioned.
Q5. What is a significant change in lifestyle contributing to nutritional problems?
Explanation: The text mentions that people have become more sedentary, relying on faster transportation and doing less physical activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is public health nutrition?
Public health nutrition focuses on collective societal actions to protect and promote the health of entire populations, aiming to prevent malnutrition and maintain optimal nutritional status.
What are the main nutritional problems discussed in the chapter?
The chapter discusses undernutrition, overnutrition, low birth weight babies, growth retardation among preschoolers, and micronutrient deficiencies (hidden hunger).
Why is malnutrition a significant issue in India?
Malnutrition is a major cause of child mortality, affects physical and cognitive development, reduces productivity, and has substantial economic costs for the nation.
What is 'hidden hunger'?
'Hidden hunger' refers to deficiencies in essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, which may not be immediately apparent but have serious health consequences.
How have lifestyle changes contributed to nutritional problems?
Increased sedentary lifestyles, reduced physical activity, and a shift towards processed and fast foods have contributed to both undernutrition and the rising problem of overnutrition.
What is the role of a public health nutritionist?
A public health nutritionist works to prevent disease, promote health, and improve the nutritional status of populations through organized efforts and informed choices.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I — Chapter 3 — Public Nutrition And Health. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.