Macro and Micronutrients Assessment of Adolescents under Orthodontic Treatment (13-18 Years)

International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) IJDSIR : Dental Publication Service Available Online at:www.ijdsir.com Volume – 8, Issue – 5, October – 2025, Page No. : 103 - 113 Corresponding Author: Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, ijdsir, Volume – 8 Issue - 5, Page No. : 103 - 113 Page103 ISSN: 2581-5989 PubMed - National Library of Medicine - ID: 101738774 Macro and Micronutrients Assessment of Adolescents under Orthodontic Treatment (13-18 Years) 1Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, Department of Clinical Nutrition, MMM College of Health Sciences, Chennai, India 2G. Madhumitha, Department of Clinical Nutrition, MMM College of Health Sciences, Chennai, India 3Dr. M.K Karthikeyan, Department of Orthodontics, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India Corresponding Author: Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, Department of Clinical Nutrition, MMM College of Health Sciences, Chennai, India Citation of this Article: Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, G. Madhumitha, Dr. M.K Karthikeyan, “Macro and Micronutrients Assessment of Adolescents under Orthodontic Treatment (13-18 Years)”, IJDSIROctober – 2025, Volume – 8, Issue – 5, P. No. 103 – 113. Copyright: © 2025, Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. This is an open access journal and article distributed under the terms of the creative common’s attribution non-commercial License. Which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given, and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms. Type of Publication: Original Research Article Conflicts of Interest: Nil Abstract Orthodontic treatment, while crucial for correcting dental irregularities, can negatively influence dietary habits and nutritional intake, particularly in adolescents1. This study aimed to assess the nutrient intake of adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment and evaluate the impact of a one-month cyclic menu plan designed to address nutritional deficiencies. A total of 40 adolescent participants aged 13–18 years were selected using a convenience sampling method. Nutritional data were collected using a three-day food recall and food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken before and during orthodontic treatment, and after the intervention. Nutrient intake was analysed and compared using paired t-tests across three phases: before orthodontic treatment, during treatment, and after following the cyclic menu intervention. Findings revealed a decrease in BMI and nutrient intake during the early phase of orthodontic treatment. Significant deficiencies were observed in energy, protein, fibre, iron, calcium, and several vitamins. However, after implementing a four-week cyclic menu, there was a notable improvement in the intake of both macroand micronutrients, with corresponding improvements in BMI in certain age groups. The study concludes that orthodontic appliances can negatively impact dietary patterns and nutritional status. Integrating nutrition care into orthodontic management, especially during adolescence, is essential to enhance treatment outcomes and support overall health. Keywords: Balanced diet, cyclic menu plan, dental health, malocclusion, nutritional deficiencies, orthodontic treatment Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Page104 Introduction Orthodontics2, a specialized field of dentistry, focuses on diagnosing and correcting malocclusions. Common concerns include crowded teeth, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Treatment methods involve the use of appliances like braces, aligners, and retainers that gradually move teeth into optimal positions for both functional and aesthetic improvements. Nutrition also plays a critical role in the success of orthodontic treatment. Patients are often advised to consume soft foods and avoid hard or sticky items to minimize discomfort and appliance damage. The physiological and emotional stress associated with treatment can affect dietary habits and nutritional intake. Dental appliances hinder chewing, which may lead to reduced food intake3. A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial during orthodontic care. Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium support healthy bones and teeth. Furthermore, nutrient deficiencies can adversely impact treatment outcomes. For instance, insufficient calcium and vitamin D may weaken bone structure and enamel, making it harder for orthodontic tools to reposition teeth. Hence, this study aims to assess the nutritional intake of adolescents who are under orthodontic treatment and suggest intervention through cyclic menu and using various assessment tools like food frequency questionnaire, 3 days dietary recall. Methodology Research Methodology The current study aims to evaluate whether adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment are meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) established by the Indian Council of Medical Research. It also identifies potential nutritional deficiencies and proposes suitable interventions through a structured four-week cyclic menu plan. This plan emphasizes the inclusion of affordable, nutrient-dense foods—rich in protein, fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals—prepared in various simple and practical cooking methods. Overall, the study serves to assess the macroand micronutrient intake of these adolescents and support their nutritional needs during orthodontic care through a balanced and accessible dietary approach. A convenience sampling method was employed in this prospective interventional study design. The sample comprised of 40 orthodontic patients. Inclusion criteria encompassed participants of 13-18 years of both the genders under 6 months of orthodontic treatment and willingness to participate. Exclusion criteria were adolescents who are under more than 1 year of orthodontic treatment, those who have eating disorders, have clinical diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or malignant tumor, unwillingness to participate in the study. The entire duration of study was 3 months which includes one month of data collection, implementation, and follow-up of cyclic menu for 4 weeks, literature review analysis and descriptive writing was done for the remaining months. Data collection was done via primary and secondary sources. To get extensive and effective insights secondary data was collected from previous works such as books and journal publications and authorised statistical databases. The primary data was collected directly from the orthodontic patients via structured questionnaire. The structured questionnaire consisted of demographic data, anthropometric assessment (height, weight, BMI), oral hygiene evaluation, dietary assessment (food frequency, 3 days dietary recall), activity level. The questionnaire comprised of data’ before orthodontic treatment, during orthodontic treatment and after following 4-week intervention Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 Page105 strategy. Consent for participation in the study was collected from orthodontic patient and from respective legal adult. The anthropometric assessment was done to assess the nutritional status of adolescents. The height of the participants was measured using calibrated portable stadiometer. A portable scale with a 120kg maximum capacity was used to find out the body weight of an individual, BMI was calculated. Initial data collected in the dietary assessment are their experiences in eating before and after undergoing orthodontic treatment. Information such as consistency of food they prefer eating now, are they able to consume hard and sticky foods, their pain tolerance while eating, do they avoid certain foods that might cause pain, odour in their mouth etc. Summary of their diet history was collected as food frequency and 3 days food recall through questionnaire method. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate the individual's usual food intake with frequency response corresponding to each food group over a specific period4. A 3-day dietary recall collection method was employed. Before they undergo orthodontic treatment, the participants were asked to record everything they eat and drink for three consecutive days. After few days of orthodontic treatment, the participants were again asked to record their dietary intake for three consecutive days5. Furthermore, nutrition education was provided to the orthodontic patients via 4-week cyclic menu plan and follow-up was done using food dairy and phone call method. The macronutrients and micronutrients were calculated using Dietcal Software. The quantitative data that were collected was coded and analysed by the SPSS program. The frequency table, percentage analysis was formulated for demographic data, anthropometric data, oral hygiene, dietary pattern, food frequency, and activity level. Paired T-Test was used to test the hypothesis if there is any significant difference in the nutrient intake (macro and micronutrients) before and after following cyclic menu during orthodontic treatment. Results and Discussion Table 1: Demographic Data Gender N % 13-15 Boys 09 22.5 13-15 Girls 12 30 16-18 Boys 07 17.5 16-18 Girls 12 30 The study was conducted among 40 orthodontic patients. 22.5% of the selected samples were 13-15 years boys, 30% of the samples were 13-15 years girls, 17.5% of the samples were 16-18 years boys and the remaining 30% constituted of 16-18 years girls. Higher percentage of opting orthodontic braces are in 12th grade (27.5%), then 25% of samples in 11th grade, samples from 9th and 10th grade with 20% respectively, 5% of the samples in 8th grade and least being 2.5% in 7th grade6. Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Page106 Table 2: Anthropometric Measurements of Selected Samples 13-15 Boys 13-15 Girls Height (cm) Weight (kg) BMI (kg/m2) Height (cm) Weight (kg) BMI (kg/m2) Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Before 155.11 12.293 41.22 7.596 17.04 2.273 157.33 7.78 48.92 12.56 19.73 4.48 During 155.11 12.293 42.11 9.519 17.24 2.206 157.33 7.78 46.75 10.27 18.81 3.43 After 155.11 12.293 43.22 8.969 17.84 2.158 157.33 7.78 46.92 9.53 25.55 2.01 16-18 Boys 16-18 Girls Height (cm) Weight (kg) BMI (kg/m2) Height (cm) Weight (kg) BMI (kg/m2) Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Before 169.71 5.469 56.00 9.747 19.51 3.893 155.83 8.089 47.92 11.524 19.650 4.3408 During 169.71 5.469 57.43 12.354 20.03 4.779 155.83 8.089 47.42 11.920 18.4583 2.78681 After 169.71 5.469 58.00 12.633 21.37 4.263 155.83 8.089 47.958 11.5453 22.050 1.03 Before Treatment: 13–15 years boys had a mean height of 155.11 ± 12.93 cm, weight 41.22 ± 7.59 kg, and BMI 17.04 ± 2.27 kg/m². Girls measured 157.33 ± 7.78 cm, 48.92 ± 12.56 kg, and BMI 19.73 ± 4.48 kg/m².16–18 years boys recorded 169.71 ± 5.49 cm, 56 ± 9.74 kg, and BMI 19.51 ± 3.89 kg/m², while girls had 155.83 ± 8.09 cm, 47.92 ± 11.52 kg, and BMI 19.65 ± 4.34 kg/m². During Treatment: Slight increases in weight and BMI were observed. For example, BMI rose to 17.24 ± 2.20 kg/m² in boys and 18.81 ± 3.43 kg/m² in girls aged 13–15. After One-Month Intervention: Further improvement was noted post-intervention with BMI increasing to 17.84 ± 2.15 kg/m² in 13–15-year-old boys and a notable rise to 25.55 ± 2.01 kg/m² in girls. Among 16–18-yearolds, boys' BMI increased to 21.37 ± 4.26 kg/m² and girls' to 22.05 ± 1.03 kg/m². Overall, the one-month cyclic menu plan led to positive trends in BMI across all groups, with the most significant improvement observed in 13–15-year-old girls. Table 3: BMI Status BMI Status Before During After N % N % N % N=40 Underweight 8 20.0 12 30.0 7 17.5 Normal 28 70.0 26 65.0 30 75.0 Overweight 4 10.0 2 5.0 3 7.5 BMI analysis revealed that prior to orthodontic treatment, 20% of adolescents were underweight, 70% had normal BMI, and 10% were overweight. During treatment, the percentage of underweight individuals increased to 30%, while 65% remained in the normal range and 5% were overweight. Following one month of the cyclic menu intervention, underweight prevalence decreased to 17.5%, normal BMI increased to 75%, and overweight cases rose slightly to 7.5%7. Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Page107 Table 4: Analysis OB BMI Pairs Paired Differences P Value Mean SD 13-15 Boys BMI Before - BMI During -0.20 1.406 0.684 BMI During - BMI After -0.60 0.535 0.010* 13-15 Girls BMI Before - BMI During 0.93 1.537 0.061 BMI During - BMI After -6.74 18.815 0.240 16-18 Boys BMI Before - BMI During -0.51 0.997 0.221 BMI During - BMI After -0.25 0.362 0.151 16-18 Girls BMI Before - BMI During 1.19 3.850 0.307 BMI During - BMI After -3.59 15.278 0.433 Through this study, it was observed that there were no significant changes in BMI between the before treatment and during treatment phases across the sample groups. However, a statistically significant increase in BMI was found among 13–15-year-old boys after the one-month dietary intervention (p 0.010), while other groups did not show significant changes8. Table 5: Comparison of Mean 3 Days Dietary Recall – Before Orthodontic Treatment Vs during Orthodontic Treatment (13-15 Years) Nutrients 13-15 Boys 13-15 Girls Before During RDA P Value Before During RDA P Value Energy (Kcal) 983.18 905.91 2860 0.130 1009.15 891.34 2400 0.184 Protein (g) 30.33 25.82 80 0.253 26.33 22.99 60 0.208 Fats (g) 36.63 35.39 79 0.828 40.11 38.65 66 0.757 Fibre (g) 12.94 10.70 25-35 0.152 13.08 12.25 25-35 0.581 Carbohydrate (g) 129.99 114.08 429 0.170 131.83 110.30 360 0.040* Iron (mg/day) 4.88 3.95 22 0.149 4.37 4.00 30 0.487 Calcium (mg/day) 391.07 270.34 1000 0.017* 311.41 279.86 1000 0.462 Magnesium (mg/day) 183.12 106.58 345 0.119 138.88 128.08 340 0.564 Manganese (mg/day) 2.01 1.58 4 0.163 1.99 1.71 4 0.299 Phosphorous (mg/day) 568.97 460.72 600 0.058 484.87 449.36 600 0.336 Vitamin-A (mcg/day) 151.10 129.39 930 0.447 125.50 113.12 890 0.525 Vitamin-C (mg/day) 27.17 18.51 70 0.266 30.62 31.91 65 0.788 Vitamin-B1 (mg/day) 0.46 0.50 1.9 0.805 0.43 1.36 1.6 0.374 Vitamin-B2 (mg/day) 0.41 0.30 2.7 0.045* 0.35 0.33 2.2 0.711 Vitamin-B3 (mg/day) 4.04 4.08 19 0.957 4.43 3.83 16 0.295 Vitamin-B12 (mcg/day) 0.016 0.01 2.2 0.960 0.007 0.03 2.2 0.884 Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 Page108 In 13–15-year-old boys, there were no significant changes in most nutrients between the before treatment and duringtreatment phases. However, calcium (p 0.017) and vitamin B2 (p 0.045) levels showed a significant difference. In 13–15year-old girls, most nutrient levels remained unchanged during treatment, except for carbohydrates, which showed a significant difference (p 0.040). Table 6: Comparison of Mean 3 Days Dietary Recall – Before Orthodontic Treatment Vs during Orthodontic Treatment (16-18 Years) Nutrients 16-18 Boys 16-18 Girls Before During RDA P Value Before During RDA P Value Energy (Kcal) 1236.88 882.07 3320 0.012* 1056.26 856.83 2500 <0.001* Protein(g) 37.64 25.63 90 0.012* 29.88 23.45 60 <0.001* Fats (g) 40.11 31.91 92 0.043* 40.64 32.39 69 0.006* Fibre (g) 16.10 9.82 25-35 0.001* 12.45 11.11 25-35 0.254 Carbohydrate (g) 208.28 120.49 498 0.114 141.04 114.31 375 0.005* Iron (mg/day) 5.61 3.61 26 0.004* 5.01 4.02 32 0.047* Calcium (mg/day) 380.99 318.07 1050 0.173 408.78 341.11 1050 0.025* Magnesium (mg/day) 180.18 111.52 440 0.002* 143.21 128.48 380 0.233 Manganese (mg/day) 2.78 1.46 4 0.008* 1.98 1.84 4 0.564 Phosphorous (mg/day) 718.21 498.37 600 0.006* 584.99 508.57 600 0.037* Vitamin-A (mcg/day) 164.96 135.92 1000 0.179 149.22 137.23 860 0.352 Vitamin-C (mg/day) 23.55 15.78 85 0.070* 21.05 18.93 70 0.502 Vitamin-B1 (mg/day) 0.58 0.40 2.2 0.029* 0.47 0.39 1.7 0.104 Vitamin-B2 (mg/day) 0.45 0.36 3.1 0.167 0.49 0.38 2.3 0.048* Vitamin-B3 (mg/day) 6.51 3.95 22 0.004* 4.68 3.58 17 0.030* Vitamin-B12 (mcg/day) 0.153 0.01 2.2 0.649 0.052 0.02 2.2 0.427 Through this study the comparison of nutrient intake in 16–18-year-old boys before and during orthodontic treatment were done. No significant differences were found in carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12. However, significant changes were observed in energy (p 0.012), protein (p 0.012), fats (p 0.043), fibre (p 0.001), iron (p 0.004), magnesium (p 0.002), phosphorous (p 0.006), vitamin B1 (p 0.029), and vitamin B3 (p 0.004). In 16–18-year-old girls, fibre, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B12 showed no significant change. Significant differences were found in energy (p 0.001), protein (p 0.001), fats (p 0.001), carbohydrates (p 0.005), iron (p 0.047), calcium (p 0.025), phosphorous (p 0.037), vitamin C (p 0.001), vitamin B2 (p 0.048), and vitamin B3 (p 0.030)9. Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Page109 Table 7: Comparison of Mean 3 Days Dietary Recall – During Orthodontic Treatment Vs after One Month Intervention (13-15 Years) Nutrients 13-15 Boys 13-15 Girls During After RDA P Value During After RDA P Value Energy (Kcal) 905.91 2199.56 2860 <0.001* 891.34 2109.89 2400 <0.001* Protein (g) 25.82 50.50 80 <0.001* 22.99 41.12 60 <0.001* Fats (g) 35.39 60.29 79 <0.001* 38.65 47.00 66 0.014* Fibre (g) 10.70 30.60 25-35 <0.001* 12.25 29.04 25-35 <0.001* Carbohydrate (g) 114.08 400.60 429 <0.001* 110.30 292.73 360 <0.001* Iron (mg/day) 3.95 17.57 22 <0.001* 4.00 24.79 30 <0.001* Calcium (mg/day) 270.34 756.41 1000 <0.001* 279.86 833.47 1000 <0.001* Magnesium(mg/day) 106.58 245.13 345 <0.001* 128.08 282.79 340 <0.001* Manganese(mg/day) 1.58 2.34 4 0.032* 1.71 2.61 4 0.043* Phosphorous(mg/day) 460.72 459.70 600 0.976 449.36 468.29 600 0.778 Vitamin-A(mcg/day) 129.39 229.31 930 0.064 113.12 159.57 890 0.291 Vitamin-C(mg/day) 18.51 28.12 70 0.046* 31.91 52.51 65 0.004* Vitamin-B1 (mg/day) 0.50 1.16 1.9 0.009* 1.36 0.45 1.6 0.339 Vitamin-B2(mg/day) 0.30 0.74 2.7 0.035* 0.33 0.56 2.2 0.279 Vitamin-B3(mg/day) 4.08 4.19 19 0.688 3.83 4.03 16 0.268 Vitamin-B12(mcg/day) 0.01 0.26 2.2 0.008* 0.03 0.62 2.2 0.044* The above table shows the comparison of nutrient intake in 16–18-year-old boys before and after one month of dietary intervention. Significant improvements were observed in energy, protein, fats, fibre, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, magnesium (all p < 0.001), manganese (p 0.032), vitamin C (p 0.046), vitamin B1 (p 0.009), vitamin B2 (p 0.035), and vitamin B12 (p 0.008). No significant changes were found in phosphorus, vitamin A, or vitamin B3. Similarly, in 16–18-year-old girls, significant differences were seen in energy (p < 0.001), protein (p< 0.001), fats (p 0.014), fibre (p < 0.001), carbohydrates (p < 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), calcium (p < 0.001), magnesium (p < 0.001), manganese (p 0.043), vitamin C (p 0.004), and vitamin B12 (p 0.044). No significant changes were observed in phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, or B3. Table 8: Comparison of Mean 3 Days Dietary Recall – During Orthodontic Treatment Vs after One Month Intervention (16-18 Years) Nutrients 16-18 Boys 16-18 Girls During After RDA P Value Before After RDA P Value Energy (Kcal) 882.07 3075.08 3320 <0.001* 1056.26 2248.99 2500 <0.001* Protein (g) 25.63 56.35 90 <0.001* 29.88 50.03 60 <0.001* Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Page110 Fats (g) 31.91 85.97 92 <0.001* 40.64 55.21 69 <0.001* Fibre (g) 9.82 33.58 25-35 <0.001* 12.45 29.65 25-35 <0.001* Carbohydrate (g) 120.49 972.82 498 0.161 141.04 329.19 375 <0.001* Iron (mg/day) 3.61 19.70 26 0.001* 5.01 9.05 32 0.007* Calcium (mg/day) 318.07 670.93 1050 0.002* 408.78 391.11 1050 0.377 Magnesium (mg/day) 111.52 132.65 440 0.231 143.21 188.48 380 0.015* Manganese (mg/day) 1.46 1.83 4 0.088 1.98 2.17 4 0.172 Phosphorous(mg/day) 498.37 455.66 600 0.037* 584.99 522.14 600 0.222 Vitamin-A (mcg/day) 135.92 207.35 1000 0.039* 149.22 161.31 860 0.210 Vitamin-C (mg/day) 15.78 54.19 85 0.0001* 21.05 42.28 70 <0.001* Vitamin-B1 (mg/day) 0.40 0.56 2.2 0.314 0.47 0.56 1.7 0.104 Vitamin-B2 (mg/day) 0.36 1.08 3.1 0.047* 0.49 0.72 2.3 0.039* Vitamin-B3 (mg/day) 3.95 4.82 22 0.138 4.68 3.83 17 0.084 Vitamin-B12 (mcg/day) 0.01 0.78 2.2 0.245 0.052 0.38 2.2 0.013* The above table depicts comparison of nutrient intake in 16–18-year-old boys before and after the one-month dietary intervention. Significant improvements were found in energy, protein (both p < 0.001), fats (p 0.014), fibre (p < 0.001), iron (p < 0.001), calcium (p 0.002), vitamin A (p 0.039), and vitamin B2 (p 0.000), phosphorous (p 0.037), vitamin C (p 0.001). No significant differences were observed in carbohydrates, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B1, or vitamin B3. In 16–18-year-old girls, significant increases were noted in energy, protein, fats, fibre, and carbohydrates (all p < 0.001), along with iron (p 0.007), magnesium (p 0.015), vitamin C (p < 0.001), vitamin B2 (p 0.039), and vitamin B12 (p 0.013). No significant changes were found in calcium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin B1 or vitamin B3 The present study is in concordance with an extensive study conducted by Shirazi et al., (2011) unequivocally revealed notable differences in dietary patterns between the orthodontic group and the control group. Specifically, individuals in the orthodontic group exhibited a markedly higher consumption of fat and a lower intake of fibre compared to the control group. Additionally, the orthodontic group demonstrated lower intakes of betacarotene and chromium, while showing significantly higher consumption of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, as well as cholesterol10. Similarly in the study conducted by Merve Ozdemir et al., (2021) evaluated the changes in food consumption in adolescents (12-18 years) during orthodontic treatment. When the food consumption records of the teenagers were compared at the first week, first month, and third month of the active orthodontic treatment, as well as before the orthodontic therapy, there was no discernible variation in the intake of total calories, protein, and carbohydrates. But overall fat consumption reduced after the first week of treatment and markedly increased over the course of the course of the treatment. Patient’s intake of fibre, vitamin C, and vitamin E significantly dropped while receiving orthodontic treatment. Hence, the present study corroborates with the previous study11. The food frequency questionnaire revealed that participants consumed cereals, millets, pulses, and dairy products on daily basis. A higher percentage reported Dr. Lally Hanna Luke, et al. International Journal of Dental Science and Innovative Research (IJDSIR) ©2025 IJDSIR, All Rights Reserved Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 Page111 weekly consumption of green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, and other vegetables. Increased intake of fresh juices, sweets, fats, and oils was also observed. However, most participants had a lower intake of nuts, carbonated beverages, condiments, pork, and beef. Poultry and seafood were commonly consumed twice a week by a larger portion of the group12. Among the 40 participants, 45% frequently skipped meals, while only 7.5% never did. The main reason for skipping meals was lack of time (52.5%), followed by difficulty chewing due to discomfort from braces (22.5%). Breakfast was commonly skipped meal (75%), followed by dinner (15%) and lunch (10%)13. Monthly orthodontic adjustments often led to dental pain and stress, influencing food preferences14. Most participants (37.5%) preferred soft solid foods, 32.5% opted for liquids, and only 7.5% managed normal foods. Many avoided sticky or hard foods, favouring shredded or easy-to-chew options. Most participants reported difficulty chewing hard foods such as biscuits, whole chapatis, green leafy vegetables, nuts, chips, Indian savouries, hard candies, pizza, burgers, and solid chocolates. Around 23 participants preferred rice in porridge form and fruits as fresh juices or milkshakes. They were more comfortable consuming soft foods like plain chocolates, ice creams, cakes, Indian sweets, shredded chicken, tea/coffee, chapati soaked in curry, dairy products, noodles, and cooked vegetables15. Many found it difficult to bite and chew certain foods, with some experiencing pain afterward16. Green leafy vegetables and heme-rich foods were commonly avoided due to the risk of getting stuck in braces. A few also expressed concerns over damaging braces or staining their teeth with items like tea, coffee, or chocolates. Conclusion Nutrition care should be an integral part of orthodontic care. The study comprises collecting nutritional history, assessing diet, and teaching the patient regarding food items that are crucial for dental health, encouraging the patient to eat balanced meal with inclusion of all food groups. Through the study it was evident that most of the orthodontic patients have reduction in the body mass index levels during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment. There were immense changes in the dietary intake which lacked in macro and micronutrients. Hence, consuming balanced diet is important especially during the adolescent phase where they experience transition in physical, mental, and social well-being17. Malocclusion affects both oral health and psychological well-being, making early detection and timely orthodontic treatment essential, especially during adolescence. Additionally, malocclusion has a negative impact on communication, swallowing, and mastication18. Adolescence represents a time where they frequently experience cravings, an increased metabolic need, social acceptance, peer pressure, and a desire to explore diverse foods, all of which have a bearing on what they choose to consume19. A proper nutritional support during orthodontic treatment plays a key role in improving treatment outcomes. Promoting healthy eating habits and oral hygiene is therefore vital for their overall well-being20. The study compared nutrient intake over three days during different stages of orthodontic treatment. Before and during treatment, significant deficiencies in macro and micronutrients were observed, with reduced intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fibre, as well as insufficient levels of iron, calcium, and phosphorus. After following a one-month cyclic menu plan during orthodontic treatment, significant improvements in