Manju P. George ¹, Kalpana C. A. ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Nutrition and clinical dietetic services provide evidence-based support which has become essential for maintaining healthy lifestyle and avoiding malnutrition among population. National health with digital technology integration is gaining importance in the current COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Digital health technologies offer valuable means for community to create and share information about healthcare. Measurement of food intake, energy expenditure and constant interaction in the form of personalized information has been offered by digital nutrition platforms. A 3 month study was conducted to assess the preferences of hand-held device users towards means of diet consultation using digital media when compared to traditional diet consultation methods, seeking options to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrated cloud based digital health solution. It involved a Google survey using the digital platform, WhatsApp and Face book channels. Of the different criteria offered, diet consultation using smart phones scored the maximum (84.1%, n=1062) which were taken as the supportive data to develop the digital diet consultation application for hand-held device users for personalized nutrition / diet consultation support. Along with that, secondary data analysis of people choosing digital diet consultation for a period of 16 months had been observed and an increasing trend towards the same was found out. COVID-19 has brought the benefit of being able to utilize digital solutions to nutrition practice, rather than those being options for ‘add on’.

Keywords

Digital Technology, Digital Nutrition Platforms, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Based Digital Health Solution, Hand-held Device Users, Personalized Nutrition.

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Gowthami K. ¹, Kalpana C. A. ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, DKM College for Women, Vellore, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore-641 043, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Obesity and overweight is the fifth leading cause for death all over the world and the prevalence rate is increasing in both developing and developed countries. Obesity is a common health problem which affects all age groups. Young women with obesity face the risks of medical, psychological and reproductive challenges and studies also reported that numerous health risks have been associated with overweight including hypertension, respiratory disease, several orthopedic disorders, diabetes and elevated serum lipid concentrations. The study is carried out with the objective to assess the prevalence rate of obesity among young women. The area selected for the study was Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. Out of 123 colleges, 10% were selected representing four areas - North, South, East and West. A total number of 2278 students of 18-25 years were selected with inclusion and exclusion criteria. To assess the obesity, height and weight were measured using standard protocols and the BMI calculated using WHO classification. Among the selected young women 17.4 % were 18-20 years, 57.2 % were 21-22 years and the remaining 25.1 % were 23-25 years. The prevalence rate of underweight was 18.9 %, normal (61.2 %), overweight (7.1%), obese grade I (6.4%) and obese grade II (4 %.) It was found that 17.5 % of young women were obese. The results were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics namely mean, standard deviation and ‘t’ test. P-value of <0.0001 was statistically significant. The results of the present study revealed the need for a suitable intervention strategy for the management of obesity among young women.

Keywords

Prevalence, Obesity, Overweight, Young Women, BMI.

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Habeeba B. ¹, Kalpana C. A. ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Muslim women follow unique lifestyle pattern influenced by cultural practices. Studies in Middle East countries showed high rate of vitamin D deficiency among Muslim women1. Hence, the present study aims to find the effect of lifestyle pattern and cultural practices on vitamin D status of Muslim women. Two hundred Muslim women between the age of 25 to 45 years were selected in Coimbatore city. Details regarding education, occupation, cultural dress, sunlight exposure, sunscreen usage and physical activity patterns were collected using a designed interview schedule. Clinical examination was conducted for signs and symptoms of vitamin D and calcium deficiency. Nineteen per cent of the women were between 25-30 years, 44 per cent were between 31-40 years and 37 per cent were between 41-45 years of age. Eighty eight per cent were house wives and 91.5 per cent of them wore cultural dress, among which 59 percentage wore chaddar in black colour. Sunlight exposure was less than 30 mins in 39.5 percentage of women. Seventy five per cent of them did not exercise. Back pain, bone loss, body pain and hair loss were prominent symptoms among the women. There was a significant association (P = 0.008) between sunlight exposure, type and colour of the cultural dress, back pain, pain in bone and bone loss. Hence, it may be concluded that exposure to sunlight at home may be recommended to improve vitamin D status of Muslim women.

Keywords

Sunlight Exposure, Vitamin D, Muslim Women, Physical, Activity, Cultural Dress, Clinical Symptoms.

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Lakshmi Jithendran ¹, Kalpana C. A. ², Preetha Nair ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam Institute for Home science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore- 641 043, IN
2 Department of Biotechnology, Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru - 560 052, IN

Abstract

Solanum nigrum Linn is a perennial shrub found in different habitats. Ripe berries of the plant are edible strains which are used as food in some locales. Different parts of the plant are used as a traditional medicine in India for the management of pneumonia, stomach ache, fever, tonsillitis and also used as tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato protective agent. The present study focussed on the qualitative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic estimation of the aqueous extracts of the ripened berries grown in home garden by different cooking methods and processing. Ripened berries were sundried for further analysis. Total phenolic content was determined using Catechol as standard. Different methods of processing included boiling, roasting and steaming. Dried and fermented samples of the same were also analysed. Results of the study showed that the roasted and fermented sample extracts reflected the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, glycosides and tannins compared to boiled, steamed and fresh samples. Phenolic content was found to be maximum in the roasted and fermented aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum Linn. It can be concluded from the study that phytochemicals were present in cooked, fermented and dried uncooked samples of the berries. Total phenolic content of the extracts revealed its antioxidant potential.

Keywords

Solanum Nigrum Linn, Ripe Dried Berries, Aqueous Extract, Phytochemicals, Total Phenolic Content

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