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Approximately 70% of adolescents in India suffer from anaemia, making it one of the most important public health issues. Public intervention programs are essential to combat iron deficiency. Nutrition knowledge and nutrition education is also considered a long term approach to combat iron deficiency anaemiaA total of 207 girls in the age group of 18 to 25 were screened for the hemoglobin status and the knowledge assessed among the volunteer subjects (156 girls) using the tool developed for the purpose. Nutrition education intervention was carried out through a short lecture using the visual aids (flash cards, posters and display of raw foods such as rich sources, enhancers and inhibitors of iron absorption) followed by discussion. A folder was developed consisting brief information regarding iron, anaemia, sources, enhancers, inhibitors, consequences of anaemia, fortification. The knowledge assessment tool was tested thrice during the study period -initially before the education, soon after the nutrition education and one month later and the subjects were classified on the scores obtained. The classification was made as low, medium and high based on mean ± ½ SD. Thirty percent of the subjects scored low (<17), 42.31 per cent scored medium (17-23) and 27.56 per cent scored high (>23) before the education. Assessment of the knowledge immediately after the education programme revealed that 97.44 per cent of subjects scored high (>23) where as 2.56 per cent scored medium (17-23) and one month later, the knowledge level revealed that 95.51 per cent scored high (>23) and 4.49 per cent scored medium (17-23) reflecting that the retention of knowledge is quite satisfactory during follow up assessment. The percentage of correct response ranged from 39 to 69 percent previously followed by 71 to 96 percent at immediately after education intervention and 70 to 91 per cent at one month after education intervention. The response improved after education intervention that could help to combat micronutrient malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition support has become an important therapeutic intervention for improving outcomes in hospitalized patients. The present study was carried out with the objective of studying appropriate packaging and storage studies of enteral formulation from natural sources comprising finger millet (Eleusine coracana), soyprotein isolate, tomato powder, carrot powder, anne greens (Celosia argentea), groundnut oil and fish oil. Two type of packages--namely, polypropylene pouches and metallized polyester/polyethylene pouches--were used. The storage conditions were 27°C and 42°C at 65% relative humidity. The chemical, microbiological and sensory qualities of the formulation were assessed at regular intervals. The moisture sorption studies revealed that the formulation had an initial moisture content of 3.59%, which equilibrated to 13%. The product was acceptable at 64% relative humidity, after which it tend to become soggy. Analysis of peroxide value and free fatty acid content of the equilibrated samples revealed that moisture content of 4-5% was ideal for the storage of the formulation. An increase in the peroxide value and free fatty acid content was observed during 90-day storage period but the formulation was organoleptically acceptable. The microbial analysis of the formulation revealed an initial total bacterial count of 1.5×10² colony-forming units and increased to 7.9×10² colony-forming units (polypropylene) and 5.0×10² colony-forming units (metallized polyester/polyethylene). No fungal and coliform was detected at 90 days of storage. Thus it was concluded that the formulation can be stored for a period of 3 months at 27°C and 65% relative humidity. Such formulations can be primarily a supportive strategy to an active therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Tafresh area of Iran to assess the dietary patterns, time allocation, and nutritional status of rural women in relation to their participation in mixed farming activities. We selected 75 women from 40 villages by applying a stratified random-sampling technique. Cereals and grains were the major source of energy intake. According to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) tables of India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the respondents seemed to have no micronutrient and energy deficiencies during the spring season. They spent most of their time and energy on household, animal husbandry, and crop farming activities. According to measurements of body mass index (BMI), the respondents were well nourished. However, despite the high level of BMI, analysis suggested a negative energy balance. Nevertheless, analysis indicated that rural women with negative energy balance spent more time and energy in mixed farming and had a higher level of participation in related activities. Hence, it is evident from the results that the physical contribution of rural women in mixed farming activities has a detrimental effect on their nutritional status, at least during some parts of the year (e.g., spring or summer). Therefore, there is a need to adjust nutritional interventions to improve the sustainability of their food intake and to develop appropriate technologies in mixed farming to alleviate their work burdens.