MEAL PATTERNS AND CONSUMPTION OF PRO AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS BY INDIAN WOMEN DURING THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown of March-May 2020 affected lifestyles, availability of commodities, and dietary habits. This study examined the effect of lockdown on meal patterns and consumption of pro and anti-inflammatory foods by women. An online survey was conducted on 1545 women aged 18 and above, residing in India. Dietary changes before and during lockdown were assigned numerical scores. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Lockdown showed positive effects on diet patterns, with 37% increase in consumption of home-cooked meals, drastic decrease in ordering food via delivery apps from 49.9% pre-lockdown to 2.2%; decreased consumption of processed foods from 25.8 % to 11.4%; increased water intake (59.6%); increased consumption of anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables and fruits (48.4%) and nearly 40% decrease in consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like chaat, cakes, fried items. Three AYUSH guidelines were followed daily 80.3% respondents used spices in cooking; 52.9% drank warm water and 37.2% drank “Golden” milk. The mean total score was 50.4 ± 12.6 out of a maximum score of 112. The favorable changes in the dietary patterns of the women could be due to unavailability of pro-inflammatory food items and closing of food deliveries during lockdown.