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The importance of proper nutrition and diet to the overall fitness and health of the individual throughout the life span is well recognized. Thus, a study was structured with the objective of assessing somatic and biochemical status of one hundred male sports students of UAS and SAI. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. Dietary status of the subjects was assessed. Glucose and haemoglobin levels were estimated. Energy balance was calculated by 24 hours activity pattern. Mean height, weight, MAC, triceps, body mass index, body fat per cent, body fat (kg), lean body mass was 171.0 cm, 64.91 kg, 26.45 cm, 25.53 mm and 171.26 cm, 64.40 kg, 26.78 cm, 25.41 mm, respectively for UAS and SAI subjects. Ninety nine per cent of the total subjects had a normal BMI of 18.5 to 25. Two per cent of UAS and 59 per cent of SAI subjects had normal body fat (19.23). Statistically significant difference at one per cent level was observed for cereals, pulses, fruits, eggs, milk, sugar respectively. Mean haemoglobin level for UAS subjects was 14.0 g/dl and SAI was 14.05 g/dl. Mean blood glucose level was 72.7 and 78.5 mg/dl for UAS and SAI subjects respectively. All the subjects were found to be in positive energy balance. Thus, it may be concluded that anthropometric standards must be developed gamewise for better comparisons as currently no standards are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafy vegetables provide much needed micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), in addition to various nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds. The present study was conducted on 100 households each of employed and unemployed groups. Questionnaire method was employed to elicit information from the respondents. The findings revealed that 24.5 percent of respondents liked greens, one hundred percent utilized mint, coriander and curry leaves irrespective of their occupation status. Fifty one per cent of the respondents consumed greens twice a week. Only 10 per cent stored greens in polythene bags with refrigeration for more than a day. Thirty eight percent included greens during pregnancy, while 42 per cent included shepu leaves (Peucedonum graveolens) during lactation. Per capita consumption of greens ranged between 48 - 66g by adults and adolescents. Thus, consumption of greens through nutrition education may be advocated to combat micronutrient malnutrition among the vulnerable section of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]