low cost supplementary foods for infants and children

Summary Supplementary foods suited for weaning and feeding of infants were developed, using locally available foods in Punjab. Methods of cooking employed were those used commonly by low and middle income families. Cereal-pulse combinations along with some sesame seed and groundnuts were used to enhance the protein quality.

The ratio used was such that the preparation did not deviate much from the accepted tastes of the population. Fresh green vegetables were also used. Fifteen recipes were standardized and acceptability trials carried out with mothers and infants of the different socio-economic groups. The preparations were highly accepted by all. Analysis of these were done for protein, calories, vitamin C and iron to see their contribution to the diet. The cost per serving of each recipe for various age groups was worked out and it was observed that at a very low cost a substantial amount of the above nutrients could be given to the infants by including these preparations in their diets. Education of mothers in making these recipes will go a long way towards popularizing such formulations.

To Supplement or Not to Supplement

It is a known fact that vitamins, minerals and micro-nutrients are essential to good health. If this world were perfect we would get all these nutrients from the food we eat on a daily basis. However, because this does not always happen, there are some convincing reasons to consider taking vitamin, mineral or micro-nutrient supplements.Vitamins can help us overcome our lifestyle problems.

On the whole, we are not very responsible when it comes to healthy habits. Many people play with their lives by smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, not getting adequate exercise or sleep, making poor choices in foods, and many other activities that lead to poor health. By taking vitamins every day, some of these negative effects may be counteracted.Women in particular have special vitamin needs related both to osteoporosis and pregnancy issues. Although men can also have osteoporosis, it tends to attack women more and cause them greater suffering.

By supplementing with calcium on a daily basis, much of the risk for osteoporosis can be offset and some of the latest research is showing that vitamin D plays a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis. For women who are pregnant or considering having children, folic acid is an essential supplement. This B vitamin can prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida in newborn babies. Lastly for pre-menopausal women there is overwhelming research showing that a large percentage of the population is iron deficient.Men, too, have issues that can be fought through proper vitamin intake. Cardiovascular problems are thought to be reduced by taking vitamin E supplements. They are believed to play an important role in keeping the blood pressure and cholesterol levels low in most males aged forty and over. Keeping the arteries clean is an important factor in preventing heart attacks and vitamin E has been shown in research studies to accomplish this task.Dieters have special supplementation needs of their own. Many young girls diet on a regular basis and consume far too few calories to accommodate their vitamin needs. While the wisdom of going on particular weight loss diets is a topic for another discussion, anyone on such a diet should look to vitamin supplements to avoid malnutrition and other maladies. Inadequate nutrition can cause a person to be vulnerable to various ailments and a weakened immune system.Another great reason to consider vitamin supplementation is the potential cancer prevention some vitamins are believed to provide. Research has suggested that vitamin E and vitamin A prevent skin cancer. Many studies in recent years have found that other types of cancers may be similarly prevented by taking certain vitamins.