Archana Konapur ¹, Subba Rao M. Gavaravarapu ², Swarnim Gupta ¹, Krishnapillai Madhavan Nair ¹

Affiliations
1 Micronutrient Research, Biophysics Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad - 500 007, IN
2 Extension and Training Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad - 500 007, IN

Abstract

Historically, food security was seen as solution to India's nutritional problems. From the days of famine and acute food shortages, India embarked on a variety of agriculture promotion programmes and is now food sufficient. However, lately we have realized that in these efforts cereal production and distribution has got a lot of policy attention and millets got relegated. With the changing dietary patterns the millets also took a back seat in our daily diets. This trend is often considered one of the reasons for India's current nutritional paradox where problems of undernutrition and hidden hunger (micronutrient malnutrition even in food secure communities) co-exist. Although India is the leading producer and of millets, they have never been promoted by food and farming system and have always been marginalized both in policy and priorities of agriculture. Millets have a potential to assume significance not only for food security but also for nutritional security in India as they are rich in micronutrients like minerals and B-complex vitamins. Considering that there is increasing realization of the importance of millets, the current review aims to focus on the possible role that millets could play in promoting dietary diversification and balanced diets and suggest the way forward to use millets in addressing food and nutrition security issues in India.

Keywords

Food Security, Nutrition Security, Children, Millets.

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Aiswarya Ravichandran ¹, Sudershan R. Vemula ², Vishnu Vardhana Rao Mendu ³, Archana Konapur ⁴, SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu ⁴

Affiliations
1 Practicing Nutrition Advisor, Chennai, IN
2 NIN, Retd. from Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre, IN
3 National Institute of Medical Statistics, IR
4 Media, Communication & Extension Group, Extension & Training Division, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, IN

Abstract

Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular in India. There is a need to understand the extent of consumption and perceptions among consumers. There are no studies in India in this direction. This study aimed to assess the perceptions and practices related to consumption of energy drinks among consumers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students (n=132) and employed persons (n=48) of 13–40 yrs age, who were purposively selected using snowballing technique. Only those who have ever consumed energy drinks were included as subjects. Those consuming at least twice a month were categorized as frequent consumers. A pretested and pre-coded questionnaire with open-ended (5) and closed-ended questions (26) was administered in interview mode. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for analysis. Frequent consumers were more among students (47%) than in working group (14.6%). Significantly (p<0.05) higher number of participants from high socio-economic groups (71%) reported higher consumption of energy drinks than their middle and low-income counterparts. A majority (53.3%) were introduced to energy drinks by their peers. Participants mostly consumed energy drinks when hanging-out with friends (56.1%), during parties (43.3%), when they feel tired (36.1%) and during performance (28.8%). Consumers were using energy drinks for taste (64.4%), flavour (60.6%), and to feel energetic (57.2%). Frequent consumers (53.3%) assume that energy drinks give extra energy. Considering that there are hardly any studies in India in this direction, the study provides information that even frequent consumers of energy drinks were unaware that energy drinks are caffeinated beverages and their knowledge about health benefits/effects was varied and scanty. Most of them perceive that energy drinks provide ‘extra energy’ and are ‘beneficial’ to health. This myth should be dispelled.

Keywords

Energy Drinks, Perceptions, Practices, Hanging-Out With Friends, Peers.

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