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M. Sylvia Subapriya ¹, U. Chandrasekhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

The most common micronutrient deficiency disorder among pregnant women is Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), which becomes obvious in the form of night blindness during the third trimester, when the demand by both the unborn child and the mother is the highest. Night blindness in women is recognized as a public health problem and its occurrence can be used as a simple and reliable indicator of VAD in the community as a whole. The effects of maternal VAD on the infant are manifold, gruesome and lifelong.

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M. Sylvia Subapriya ¹, U. Chandrasekhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Vitamin A Deficiency Disorders (VAD) encompass the full spectrum of clinical consequences associated with sub optimal vitamin A status, which occur mainly during childhood and pregnancy. VAD is a significant public health problem in India with clinical and subclinical manifestations, both of which have not been quantified in women of childbearing age. Studies report that prevalence of night blindness among pregnant women can be used as a sure indicator to identify VAD in population groups in a region. The need of the hour therefore lies in assessing the magnitude of VAD among pregnant women through systematic, region wise, planned studies to implement region specific solutions. The present investigation is an effort in this direction. The major objective of the study was to quantify the prevalence of clinical and subclinical VAD among pregnant women in selected areas of Tamil Nadu.

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S. Kowsalya ¹, U. Chandrasekhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Among the micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin A deficiency is recognized as a serious public health problem linked with, blindness, poor growth in children, reduced immunity and infection. Though the rate of blindness due to xerophthalmia is steadily decreasing, it has become evident in recent years that subclinical deficiency is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among children. The ischolar_main cause of vitamin A deficiency is the continued inadequate dietary intake of vitamin A rich foods due to ecological, economic and cultural constraints.

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S. Kowsalya ¹, U. Chandrasekhar ¹, R. Balasasirekha ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore - 641 043, IN

Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency produces xerophthalmia and blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is a potential micro nutrient problem prevalent in most economically deprived countries including India. According to World Health Organization 2.8 million pre school children are at risk of developing nutritional blindness. Among the possible strategies of overcoming vitamin A deficiency through short term and long term approaches, increasing the dietary consumption of vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids assumes significance.

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U. Chandrasekhar ¹, S. Kowsalya ¹, S. Sinha ¹

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

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown a close relationship between the tribal ecosystem and their nutritional status. The food consumption pattern and dietary practices of Oraons in our earlier reports showed that there are a wide variety of uncommon foods rich in nutrients available to Oraons in Ranchi districts of Bihar. Hence, it was thought of interest to assess the nutritional status of selected Oraons.

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U. Chandrasekhar ¹, S. Kowsalya ¹, S. Saloni ¹

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

Abstract

Oraons constitute the second largest tribal population of Bihar. Food habits vary from tribe to tribe. In their isolated surroundings, Oraons may have access to unusual and nutritious foods.

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U. Chandrasekhar ¹, S. Kowsalya ¹, S. Saloni ¹

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

Abstract

The tribal scenario of India is represented by Kalidescopic diversity. Sinha and Tha reported that there are 5.1 crore tribals constituting 7.76 per cent of the total population in India. In Bihar, the oraons constitute the second largest tribe with a population of 8.76 lakhs forming 15.1 per cent of state's tribal population.

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