## ICDS Supplementary Nutrition Standards **Key Point:** The ICDS scheme mandates a minimum of **450 kcal and 12 grams of protein per child per day** as supplementary nutrition. ### Nutritional Requirements Under ICDS | Beneficiary | Energy (kcal/day) | Protein (g/day) | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Children (6 months–6 years) | 450 | 12 | Minimum standard | | Pregnant women | 500 | 20 | Throughout pregnancy | | Lactating mothers | 500 | 20 | First 6 months postpartum | **High-Yield:** The **450 kcal + 12 g protein** standard for children is a frequently tested fact in NEET PG PSM. This is the *supplementary* amount—not total daily requirement. ### Context: Total vs. Supplementary - **Total daily requirement for 1–6 year child:** ~1000–1400 kcal (depends on age and activity). - **ICDS supplementary nutrition:** 450 kcal covers approximately one-third of daily needs, assuming home diet provides the remainder. - This supplementary approach is cost-effective and acknowledges that families provide some nutrition at home. **Mnemonic:** **ICDS-450** — Remember "450" as the benchmark caloric provision for ICDS children. **Clinical Pearl:** The 450 kcal standard was set based on the average nutritional gap in low-income Indian households; it bridges the deficit between minimum requirement and typical home intake.
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