The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics

Effect of Work from Home Environment on Dietary Intake and Physical Activity of Married Working Women

Nidhi Manchanda — 2024-08-06

Due to COVID-19 pandemic many organizations and employees working in different sectors adopted work from home environment. The present study aims to assess the impact of work from home on dietary intake and physical activity of married working women. The sample comprised of 150 participants (aged 25-40 years) enrolled through purposive sampling. The data was collected using online questionnaires. Almost 60% of women were not getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep per night, and 60% of women did not have secure employment. Several significant associations were observed, including the duration of working hours per day and employment type, job stress and duration of working hours, and duration of sleep and type of employment. Half of the population surveyed reported skipping meals, and there was a significant association between meal skipping and duration of working hours, as well as eating meals with family and duration of working hours. The study also found a significant reduction in both vigorous and moderate physical activity compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, and a significant increase in sedentary lifestyle. To conclude long working hours altered dietary habits leading to skipping of meals and irregular meal timings. It has also impacted the lifestyle leading to compromised sleep and increased sedentary lifestyle and reduces physical activity.

A Study on the Adoption Intention of Diabetes Self-Management Education mHealth among Tribal Diabetics in Aizawl, Mizoram

Malsawmkim Hauhnar — 2024-08-06

With mHealth services possessing potential benefits and their advancement in health care services. The purpose of the study is to understand the adoption intention of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) mobile health (mHealth). The “Technology Acceptance Model” TAM was used as a hypothetical framework for this research. Data collected from 256 tribal diabetics attending a clinic were used to validate the model. The results show that both “Perceived Usefulness” (PU) and “Perceived Ease of Use” (PEOU) have a significant influence on the Adoption Intention and that PEOU has an influence on PU. User PU and PEOU can serve as a key factor for accepting mHealth, findings suggest that while making a mobile health service prioritising easy to use and usefulness of the application will improve the mHealth acceptance among the diabetic Mizo population.

Maternal Nutritional Status Determined by BMI is an Important Predictor of CIAF of the Santal Children

Nirmalya Kumar Sinha — 2024-08-06

Undernutrition was generally common in tribal society. Mother and children are the most nutritionally deprived group among the Santal and the major tribal group in West Bengal, India. A very few studies have been done to focus the nutritional status of the Santal children as well as their mother. The purpose of the current study was to examine the nutritional status of Santal children and its relationship with the nutritional status of mothers of those children. This community based cross sectional study was carried out on 183 children (boys: 92 and girls: 91) within the age group 24-59 months and their mothers belonging to Santal tribes residing in rural areas of Paschim Medinipur District in West Bengal. Mother’s nutritional status was evaluated by the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the mother. Underweight, stunting, wasting and Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) used to study the children’s nutritional status. Statistical analysis was performed for evaluation of association amongst individuals, group or set of data. Occurrence of underweight, stunting, wasting and CIAF among the Santal children were 38.25, 30.05, 23.50 and 51.37% respectively. It was observed that 38.25% of mothers of these preschool children were suffering from underweight. This study clearly indicated that maternal nutritional status is significantly associated with children’s underweight (χ²=6.681;P<0.05) and CIAF (χ²=9.330;P<0.01). The maternal BMI is positively associated with the WAZ (r=0.259; P<0.001), HAZ (r=0.157; P<0.05), WHZ (r=0.171; P<0.05) and BAZ (r=0.147;P<0.05) of the children. Nutritional state of the mother remains a significant predictor of the nutritional status of their children even beyond the lactation phase.

Risk factors and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Care Center in Hyderabad - A Retrospective Study

Asma Shaheen — 2024-08-06

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy disorder that affects both the mother and the child. The objective of the present study is to observe the risk factors for GDM and their impact on maternal and fetal outcomes in a tertiary care center in Hyderabad for a period of one year. Electronic medical records (demographic information, obstetric details, GDM management, and delivery outcomes) of women who delivered at study centers were retrieved retrospectively. The mothers were screened for GDM based on International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. The data collected was statistically analyzed by SPSS V.22. During the one-year study period, 30% (3197/10609) of the women were diagnosed with GDM. It was also found that GDM women had a significantly higher BMI prior to pregnancy, a greater mean age (29.9 ± 4.2 years) at the time of conception and higher education level than non-GDM women (P <0.001). The percentage of Cesarean delivery (53%), prevalence of macrosomia (2.63%), polyhydramnios (5.97%), and the mean birth weights (2.9 ± 0.52 vs. 2.85 ± 0.58) were all significantly greater (<0.001) in GDM women compared to non-GDM women. To conclude, multiple pregnancies, advanced maternal age, and being overweight may increase the risk of developing GDM, and these women may be more likely to deliver by cesarean section and have babies with greater birth weights. Hence, the study emphasizes early GDM screening of high-risk pregnancies and the importance of an individualized diet plan for a better outcome.

Green Valorisation of Whey for Development of RTE Kadhi using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Himani Kandpal — 2024-08-06

Kadhi is a traditional fermented product with mild acidic in taste. The method of kadhi preparation varies from state to state depending on the individual’s preference. The main hindrance in its commercialization is its short shelf life. So, a process was optimized by replacing buttermilk with fermented whey which is a by-product of cheese / paneer industry with high BOD and COD value. Effect of different variables i.e. Bengal gram flour (5.0, 7.0, 10.0%) and quantity of fermented whey (50, 75, 100%) on sensory attributes of RTE kadhi was studied using Response Surface Methodology. The developed kadhi contained 81.22% moisture, 3.81% protein, 4.85 % fat, 2.53 % ash, 1.069 ppm iron, 1.43 ppm magnesium, 0.64 ppm zinc and 1.38 ppm calcium. The developed product (200 gm) was filled in pouches and sterilized at 121°C for 10 min. Samples were analyzed at an interval of 7 days for one month at 10°C and 25°C temperature. Kadhi samples were found acceptable at the end of 30^th day. The study was terminated in first week of second month as some visible changes were noticed in microbial quality of the product. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that buttermilk can be totally replaced by fermented whey and the product can be stored for one month at 10°C without using any preservatives.

Development and Quality Assessment of Millet Sweet Potato based Biscuits

Harshitha — 2024-08-06

Biscuits are a popular cereal snack enjoyed by all age groups. The increasing demand for biscuits that are delicious, safe, convenient, and nutritious has led to efforts in developing biscuit with growing market demand. The objective of the study was to develop a biscuit with a combination of kodo millet flour, whole wheat flour, sweet potato, and whey and assess its quality characteristics. Three blends were prepared with different ratios, and Biscuit A with the ratio of (40:30:30) received the highest overall acceptability score. It had low moisture and fiber content but high energy, fat, and protein. There was an increase in hardness and a decrease in fracturability, gumminess, chewiness, and springiness. Microbial analysis indicated minimal increase in total plate count after 60 days of storage, and no detection of coliform bacteria or yeast / mould. The newly developed biscuit is healthy and is safe for human consumption.

Cytotoxic Potential of Integrative Medicinal Plant on Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract

Gowtham Palanisamy — 2024-08-06

In the present study, plant extract and CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by simple and green method by using Chrysanthemum indicum flower. Plant extract were investigate for their secondary metabolites and antioxidant activity and CuO NPs were investigate for their UV, FTIR and anticancer activity. Flower sample of Chrysanthemum indicum were collected, air- dired, pulverized and subjected to extraction with water as a solvent. The total phenol, flavonoids and tannin content, and antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract were evaluated using the DPPH, hydroxyl radicles, nitric oxide and SOD assay. The CuO NPs were characterization for UV, FTIR and cytotoxic potential activity, respectively. The total phenol, flavonoids and tannin content of the plant extract were found to be insignificant amount of bioactive compounds present. The DPPH, hydroxyl radicles, Nitric oxide assay and SOD revealed that the Chrysanthemum indicum extract exhibited strong antioxidant assay. The UV and FTIR characterization studies demonstrated the formation of synthesis CuO NPs plant extract. The cytotoxicity study reveals that plants are nontoxic to PC cell line. Study concluded that leaves of Chrysanthemum indicum were the rich source of antioxidant and phytochemicals. Based on preliminary investigation, further research should be focused to isolate bioactive phytochemicals as leading source of clinical medicine in future.

Formulation and Development of Omega 3 Fatty Acid Enriched Muffin

Murali Naik K — 2024-08-06

Mono unsaturated fatty acids are omega fatty acids, such as ALA (Alpha linolenic fatty acids), DHA (Decosahexaenoic acids), and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acids), which are regarded nutritionally necessary. Ground chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts were added and blended into the quantities specified. The results of the study demonstrate that muffins manufactured with 7.5% chia seeds, 20% flax seeds, and 20% walnuts are appropriate for muffin production. The physical, proximate, and sensory properties of muffins made from 7.5% chia seeds, 20% flax seeds, and 20% walnuts were satisfactory. The study found that adding chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts to muffins increased the protein, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acid content, which aided with the maintenance of cardiovascular disease and overall body function. This study concludes that enrichment of muffins with 7.5% chia seed, 20% flax seeds, 20% walnuts, and all three combination mixes are acceptable based on sensory evaluation.

Probiotics: New Developments and Prospects in Human Wellness

Rahul Mehra — 2024-08-06

Probiotics are live bacteria that show the potential to promote human health, particularly by enhancing nutrient absorption, digestion, and overall gut microbiota health when taken in adequate proportions. Probiotic consumption has been shown to effectively manage inflammatory-irritable bowel syndrome, including symptoms such as diarrhoea and Crohn's disease. Additionally, probiotics increase the functioning of the gut barrier, which restricts the presence of harmful microorganisms and thus ultimately enhances the immune system. Obesity is a worldwide healthcare concern that is closely associated with several chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Probiotic ingestion regulates insulin sensitivity, hence decreasing the likelihood of developing diabetes. As a result of advances in scientific knowledge, more novel strains can be found or genetically modified, and these strains can then be functionalized according to an individual's particular gut microbiota, opening up new pathways for therapeutic interventions. Because of increased health consciousness among individuals in modern society, foods that contain probiotics have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. The regulatory agencies should establish regular recommendations for the evaluation of probiotic strains. These guidelines should include the methods of genotyping and screening, in addition to other labelling guidelines. This will assure the consumers' safety, quality and effectiveness of the foodstuffs. In addition, studies involving other fields of expertise, such as microbiologists, immunologists, biotechnologists, food scientists, and nutritionists, are required to achieve an all-encompassing comprehension of the complex associations that exist between probiotics and human health.

A Review to Determine Various Health Benefits, Nutritional Composition, Processing of Millets and their Significance in New Generation Agriculture

Himani Tanwar — 2024-08-06

Millets can be the revolution for developing countries like India. There is a crucial need for millets in the agricultural sector. Other similar cereals present in the market have definitely hindered the use of millets. Millets were the main source of nutrition for the ancient man but with advancing time and introduction to wheat comeback through proper awareness of their nutritional as well as agricultural benefits. Millets have many health benefits. It is has proven to be beneficial in diabetes mellitus due to low glycemic index. For taking in all the benefits which millets can provide one should know their production and processing techniques which are as important as the correct way to consume them. Millets though a very beneficial cereal can be a bit complicated use for the common man because wrong food processing method can truly harm the nutrient content of the millet they are using. Millets do have some anti nutritional factors which can make it a little difficult to digest and can cause an upset stomach for which different processing techniques have been introduced. Each processing technique has different effect on the grains and the factor which influences the technique to be used to process the millet is based on the scale of production and area available. This review basically summaries the various health benefits, nutritional composition along with their processing.

Prevalence of Over-Nutrition and Associated Behavioural Risk Factors among the Reproductive Age Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sneha Sarkar — 2024-08-06

PCOS affects 6 to 18% of women worldwide, affecting their reproductive, metabolic, and psychological wellbeing. Most of the epidemiological studies show that over-nutrition and associated behavioural risk factors plays a significant role in increasing the prevalence of the diseases and related interventions shows significant improvement in the condition of PCOS Patients. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of PCOS and its relation with age and over-nutrition among the reproductive age women of India. In order to evaluate the prevalence rate of PCOS, which was correlated to obesity and age, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among 100 reproductive women in India aged 21-40 by utilizing digital platform. The quantitative data shows that prevalence of obesity was 34% among the selected respondents. Among the behavioural risk factors of the PCOS, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, caffeine consumption and sedentary life style shows significant association with prevalence of obesity among the PCOS patients. Furthermore, based on the evidence, it's possible to conclude that there's a link between reproductive age and PCOS, as well as the occurrence of over-nutrition. The data of the study shows a significant association of age with the prevalence of obesity among the PCOS patients.