## ICDS Supplementary Nutrition Coverage **Key Point:** The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme provides supplementary nutrition to children aged **6 months to 6 years** and **pregnant and lactating women (PW/LM)**. ### Target Beneficiaries Under ICDS | Beneficiary Category | Age/Status | Duration of Support | | --- | --- | --- | | Children | 6 months to 6 years | Continuous | | Pregnant women | Entire pregnancy | Till delivery | | Lactating mothers | First 6 months postpartum | 6 months after delivery | **High-Yield:** The 6-month cutoff is critical because: 1. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until 6 months 2. Complementary feeding begins at 6 months 3. This is the period of highest nutritional vulnerability and growth velocity **Clinical Pearl:** Children aged 6 months to 6 years represent the **critical window** for preventing stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. This age group has the highest burden of malnutrition in India. ### Supplementary Nutrition Provisions - **Energy:** 450 kcal/day for children; 600 kcal/day for PW/LM - **Protein:** 12 g/day for children; 18 g/day for PW/LM - **Form:** Fortified take-home rations (THR), cooked meals, or fortified food items **Mnemonic:** **6-6-ICDS** — Coverage starts at 6 months, ends at 6 years; includes Pregnant women and Lactating mothers.
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.