Incidence of Side-effects After Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Consumption Among School-going Indian Adolescents

Objective: To estimate incidence of side effects after weekly iron and folic acidsupplementation (WIFS) in Delhi and Haryana. Methods: In this cross-sectional school-based study, data were collected from 4,183 adolescents on WIFS consumption and sideeffects experienced first time of receipt of WIFS (week 1), and in last two consecutive weeks(week 2,3). Week 3 was 48 hours preceding the survey. Results: WIFS consumption in week1, 2 and 3 was 85%, 63% and 52%, respectively. Side effects reported were highest in firstweek (25%) and reduced to 7% (week 2) and 5% (week 3). Side effects most reported wereabdominal pain (80%) and nausea (10%). Adolescents (45%) who faced a side-effect in week1 did not consume WIFS in subsequent week. Conclusion: Incidence of side effects was low,but it affected compliance. Positive reinforcement to students who face side effects requiresstrengthening by teachers.

Iron and Zinc Content in Raw and Cooked Varieties of Pearl Millet Consumed in Banaskantha District, Gujarat.

Objectives: Pearl millet (PM) is an important staple food in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. Iron and zinc is an important micronutrient needed for growth and development of the body. Lack of iron impairs mental development and increases fatigue. Severe anemia increases the risk of women dying in childbirth. Lack of zinc in children can lead to stunting and impaired immune response against common infections. Thus the present study was conducted with an objective to assess the iron and zinc content in raw and cooked varieties of pearl millet consumed in Banaskantha district of Gujarat. Methods: Total iron and zinc content of raw and cooked pearl millet based traditional recipes consumed in Banaskantha district of Gujarat was assessed. The iron and zinc content was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The total iron content in raw varieties of PM ranged from 1.1-4.1 mg / 100 g whereas in cooked samples it ranged from 5.7-28 mg / 100 g. The zinc content in raw varieties of PM ranged from 1.09-2.22 mg / 100 g, whereas in cooked samples it ranged from 0.45-1.04 mg / 100 g. Conclusions: Cooking has a major influence on the iron and zinc content. The zinc content was found to be reduced during cooking. Whereas iron content was increased in cooking may be due to various cooking and processing technique adopted. The difference could also be partly due to the varietal differences.

Iodine Deficiency amongst School Age Children in Pauri District of Uttarakhand, India.

Objectives: To assess the status of iodine deficiency amongst school age children (6-12 years) in district Pauri, Uttarakhand. Methods: Thirty clusters were selected by utilizing the population proportionate to size (PPS) cluster sampling methodology. A total of 2067 children in the age group of 6-12 years were included. The clinical examination of the thyroid of each child was conducted. “On the spot” urine and salt samples were collected from children. Results: The Total Goiter Rate (TGR) was found to be 16.8%. The proportion of children with Urinary Iodine Concentration (UIC) level <20, 20-49, 50-99, 100-199 and ≥200 μg/l was found to be nil, 25.3, 17.2, 34.0 and 23.5 percent, respectively. The median UIC level was 115 μg/l. Only 40.4% of the salt samples had stipulated level of iodine of 15 ppm and more. Conclusions: Findings of the present study indicates that the population is possibly in transition phase from iodine deficient as revealed by TGR of 16.8% to iodine sufficient as revealed by median UIC level of 115 μg/l. There is a need to further strengthen the existing monitoring system for the quality of iodized salt in the district in order to achieve the elimination of IDD.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders in School Age Children in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.

Iodine deficiency disorder is a major public health problem in Himachal Pradesh. A study was conducted in district Kullu to assess the prevalence of IDD in school age children. Clinical examination of the thyroid of 1986 children was conducted. On the spot urine and salt samples were collected. The Total Goiter Rate was found to be 23.4% and median urinary iodine excretion was 175μg/L. The population is possibly in transition phase from iodine deficient to iodine sufficient nutrition.

Potential Functional Implications of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Health and Disease.

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), also known as Bajra, is one of the four most important cereals (rice, maize, sorghum and millets) grown in tropical semi-arid regions of the world primarily in Africa and Asia. Our aim is to review the potential health benefits of pearl millet. Desk reviews from Gujarat Agricultural Universities, libraries, PubMed and other web sources, key informant interviews of farmers (n=30), local leaders (sarpanch) (n=30) and women (n=960) from pearl millet belt of Banaskantha district of Gujarat. Pearl millet is rich in several nutrients as well as non-nutrients such as phenols. It has high energy, has less starch, high fiber (1.2g/100g, most of which is insoluble), 8-15 times greater α-amylase activity as compared to wheat, has low glycemic index (55) and is gluten free. The protein content ranges from 8 to 19% and it is low in lysine, tryptophan, threonine and the sulfur-containing amino acids. The energy of millet is greater than sorghum and nearly equal to that of brown rice because the lipid content is generally higher (3 to 6%). Pearl millet can be recommended in the treatment of celiac diseases, constipation and several non-communicable diseases. Nutritional studies on the population living in the pearl millet belts of the world and clinical trials on the impact of pearl millet in specific disease conditions are needed.