Impact of Supplementation of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides) products on Anemia, Malnutrition and Psychological attributes in school age children of Jodhpur, a desert district of Rajasthan, India

Dr. Madhu B. Singh; Dr. KS Premavalli

Volume : VII, Issue : XI, November - 2017

Impact of Supplementation of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides) products on Anemia, Malnutrition and Psychological attributes in school age children of Jodhpur, a desert district of Rajasthan, India

Dr. Madhu B. Singh, Dr. Ks Premavalli

Abstract :

Objectives: Pearl millet cookies were prepared and supplemented to observe its impact on Anemia, Malnutrition and Psychological attributes in school age children.

Methodology: 311 School children of 6–11 years were examined for hemoglobin estimation, nutritional deficiency signs, anthropometry, Psychological Tests–IQ level, before and after supplementation of Pearl Millet products daily for 180 days.

Findings: Pearl millet products supplementation reduced anemia, from 79.4 to 61.8%. Non anemic children increased significantly from 20.6 to 38.2% (p<0.01) after supplementation. For Cognitive development & Intelligence level, Colored Progressive Matrices Test grades were assessed which showed that 42 percent children shifted from IV grade (Below Average) to III grade (Average) which is good impact on the Cognitive development & Intelligence level of children (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Significant increase in non anemic children along with significant positive effect on malnutrition and on psychological tests performed on learning attributes in terms of memory, intelligence, cognition after supplementation.