Volume : IV, Issue : VIII, August - 2014

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF SPROUTED AMARANTH SEED INCORPORATED SNACKS ON THE IRON STATUS OF MODERATELY ANAEMIC FEMALE SUBJECTS

D. Rabecca, Dr. Nora Vigasini

Abstract :

 Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is considered to be a national nutritional problem in India, especially among young women. The characteristic feature in IDA is a low haemoglobin level which leads to high risk pregnancy.  Hence, there is an urgent need to seek and adopt feasible food based measures to tide over this national problem confronting women before they enter into marriage and pregnancy.  Current understanding of biologic processes indicates that womens nutritional status before entering these phases of life play an important role in ensuring successful pregnancy outcomes.  In view of this, it is evident that the 18– 22 year age group is the most critical period in a woman’s life  and equipping her mentally and physically by providing  sound nutrition during these years is imperative as it would directly reflect on how her body would respond to physiological stress sooner or later.   Food–based strategies can therefore be recommended to improve iron status of populations at risk of iron deficiency as these are more natural ways of preventing or treating IDA when compared to over–the–counter dietary supplements that are very expensive and cannot be afforded by all.  Inclusion of known foods as well as underutilized foods that are rich in iron can be one prudent strategy to enhance the iron status the natural way without any side effects that may be caused by dietary supplements.           Sprouted Amaranth seeds are rich in protein, vitamin C and iron.  They are relatively underutilized in India.  They have the potential to be integrated in food based strategies to enhance the iron status of individuals.   

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

D. Rabecca, Dr. Nora Vigasini EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF SPROUTED AMARANTH SEED INCORPORATED SNACKS ON THE IRON STATUS OF MODERATELY ANAEMIC FEMALE SUBJECTS Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.4, Issue.8 August 2014

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