Palak Gupta ¹, Kalyani Singh ¹, Veenu Seth ¹, Sidharth Agarwal ², Pulkit Mathur ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, IN
2 Urban Health Resource Center, 136 Humanyunpur, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110 029, IN

Abstract

Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition among young children (6-36 months) in urban slums of India and its consequences on the nutritional status of the children. Household-based crosssectional study on a sample of 446 mother/child diad was conducted. Structured interview schedules were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, food insecurity and household assets wealth. Height and weight were also measured. The results indicated the prevalence of child food insecurity was 38 per cent. More than 50 per cent were stunted and 36 per cent were underweight. Two-third underweight and 53 per cent stunted children were food insecure. Multivariate associations showed statistically significant inverse association of stunting and underweight with child food security status. Children from very low food secure households were 5.92 times more underweight and 4.14 times more stunted than food secure households. It was concluded that child food insecurity was associated with malnutrition. Strategies for reducing child malnutrition should focus on improving the food security.

Keywords

Food Security, Malnutrition, Young Children, Urban Slums.

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Poonam Singhal ¹, Pulkit Mathur ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, Sikandra Road, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

Sweeteners are one of the important additives used in our daily diet. Human beings iike the sweet sensation but at times hesitate to consume sugar-based products because of the amount of caiories and the associated health problems. Therefore the food industry has responded to this demand by producing a varied range of low-calorie artificial sweeteners. Consumers now have the option of using these sweetening agents without being concerned about the extra caiories or the rise in blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners are increasingly being used as ingredients in the mainstream diet of consumers especially adolescents.

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Richa Pritwani ¹, Pulkit Mathur ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, Sikandra Road, New Delhi-110001, IN

Abstract

Milk and milk products are excellent sources of several important nutrients including retinol in the diets of young children. Household processing practices followed by the mothers (n=400) of young children (1-9 yrs) of Delhi were assessed using an interview schedule. The effect of boiling on the retinol content in milk and frying cottage cheese on the retinol content was assessed using HPLC. All households were boiling milk before consumption. Increasing the time period of boiling from 2 to 10 minutes did not lead to any significant losses (5 to 9%) of retinol in milk. About 10.32% of reduction in retinol content was observed in the milk which was boiled, cooled in refrigerator and cream was removed before consumption. However, children preferred removing the creamy layer formed on boiled, cooled milk before consumption which led to significant loss of 28.43% retinol especially if milk was stored overnight in refrigerator (p<0.05). In cottage cheese, sauteing led to insignificant loss of 5.80% in the retinol content while deep frying led to 15.78% of significant reduction in retinol (p<0.05). Consuming milk immediately with cream after boiling or homogenising milk with cream after storage will retain most of the vitamin A. Sauteing is preferred over deep fat frying cottage cheese for different preparations for better retention.

Keywords

Milk, Cottage Cheese, Retinol Retention, Boiling, Frying.

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Srishti Mediratta ¹, Pulkit Mathur ¹

Affiliations
1 Department Foods and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, New Delhi-110 001, IN

Abstract

Dietary transition towards an increase in the consumption of energy dense foods, foods high in fat, sugar and salt have led to increased risk of diet related non-communicable diseases. The present study reviewed existing nutrient profiling models, developing were across various parts of the world. A total of 422 studies was identified and finally 33 studies were selected for this review. Papers spanned over a period of 1998-2018. Nutrient profile models rank foods according to healthfulness and were developed to help the consumer in making better food choices. They have also been used to regulate the marketing of food products to children. The objective of using the model determines the composition of the model, the nutrients incorporated, the cut offs used and choice of reference base. Studies have validated few of the existing nutrient profiling models. At present, there is no such universal nutrient profile model that can be applied across the globe.

Keywords

Nutrient Profiling, Dietary Transition, Healthy Eating, Food Choices, Nutritional Labelling, Public Health.

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