Storage behavior of immune-enhancing enteral formulation from natural sources.

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.

Nutritional status of rural women in relation to their participation in mixed farming in the Tafresh area of Iran.

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.