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ThesisItem Restricted Ultra-processed food consumption in relation to noncommunicable diseases among urban households from varied socio-economic groups(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Ashna; Dr. Harpreet KaurA research study was carried out to analyze the Ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption in relation to non-communicable diseases among 105 urban households, out of which 35 belonged to each lower-middle , upper-middle and upper socio-economic strata (SES). Health and nutritional status were assessed using various parameters such as anthropometry , biochemical , food and nutrient intake. The required information was collected through a pretested questionnaire by personal interview technique. Results revealed that upper SES households spent 18.21 percent of their total food expenditure on ultra-processed foods, whereas for lower-middle and upper-middle SES it was 7.22 and 10.39 percent. The consumption of Ready To Cook snacks, fruits/vegetable based juices, breakfast cereals, breads and biscuits was significantly (p<0.05) higher among upper SES , followed by lowermiddle and upper-middle SES. Whereas, food items such as fast-food chain items , flavoured butter and margarine , and sweets were found to have a non-significant difference in consumption pattern. Among elderly men and women it was inferred that maximum intake was from the breads and biscuits category from all categories of UPF. Significantly (p<0.05) higher intake of food groups such as milk and milk products, fruits, and other vegetables was observed among upper SES, whereas consumption of Green leafy vegetables was inadequate among all SES groups as the intake ranged between 5.98 ±2.87to 24.56±2.79g/day. Percent energy, total fat and sodium contribution from UPF was significantly higher in upper SES groups. Weight, hip circumference, body fat percentage, and muscle mass were higher among upper-middle and upper SES groups. Fasting blood glucose levels were higher in lowermiddle SES elderly subjects, whereas total cholesterol and LDL-C were higher in Upper SES subjects. A positive and significant (p<0.05) correlation was found among percent energy contribution from UPF with weight, body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage. Percent sodium contribution from UPF depicted a correlation with the systolic blood pressure of the subjects whereas, correlation between total fat intake from UPF with body fat percentage, visceral fat and serum triglyceride levels was also observed. The study concluded that higher consumption of UPF found among the higher SES households may be the reason for higher weight, total cholesterol and LDL-C that can lead to higher incidence of obesity and non-communicable diseases. Hence, there is an urgent need for the implementation of educational programs that target higher SES individuals, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet and the health risks associated with excessive ultra-processed food consumption.ThesisItem Embargo Nutrient Profiling of Packaged Snack Foods Carrying Nutrition-Related Claims(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Bhatnagar, Amisha; Choudhary, MonikaThe present study was undertaken for nutrient profiling of packaged snack foods carrying nutrition-related claims. Two major objectives such as examination of packaged snack foods carrying nutrition claims with respect to nutrition labelling and comparison of nutritional quality of packaged snack foods with and without nutrition-related claims were framed to accomplish the objectives of the study. The study was conducted in three phases which were categorisation of packaged snack foods using nutrient profiling model (NPM), nutrient profiling of packaged snack foods for evaluation of nutrient content claims and complacency with respect to nutrition label and nutrient comparative claims. For this, a total 53 products were selected with 15 brands. Out of total, one was international while 14 were national brands. The selected samples were categorised into different groups through nutrition label on packaging as per the major ingredients enlisted on the nutrition label such as cereal/pseudocereal based, millet based, vegetable based, pulses/legume based, etc. Another categorisation was done using nutrient profiling model given by WHO taking into consideration threshold levels of sodium, sugar, total fat and saturated fat. The findings of the study revealed that out of total products, 14 products were having sodium content above threshold levels, 7 products were having sugar content above threshold levels, 31 products were having total fat content above threshold levels and 13 products were having saturated fat content above threshold levels. The range of nutrient claims was 1-10 in the selected products. While, the range of health claims was 2-7. The type of nutrient claims present in the majority of packaged snack foods were “protein rich” and “fiber rich”. In terms of nutrient content claim, a significant (p≤0.01) difference was observed in the values of nutrients analysed through laboratory methods in comparison to the values given on nutrition label in majority of the products. With regard to nutrient comparative claim, nutrient profiling of six packaged snack foods with claim and analogous packaged snack foods without any claim through laboratory analysis were compared. The finding revealed that the values of nutrients such as calcium and protein in beetroot masala chips (brand 1), protein in quinoa masala puffs (brand 5), multigrain puffs (brand 5) and roasted millet puffs (brand 11) were significantly (p≤0.01) higher in comparison to analogous foods. The total fat content in purple sweet potato chips (brand 9) and ragi bhujia (brand 5) was significantly (p≤0.01) lower in comparison to analogous foods.ThesisItem Restricted Status of trace elements and electrolytes in pregnancy induced hypertension and its effect on neonatal health(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Himlesh; Grover, KiranThe present study was conducted to assess the prevalence and determinants of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) along with the effect of maternal status of trace elements and electrolytes on neonatal health in Punjab. The prevalence of pregnancy induced hypertension was found to be 8.1 percent which was further observed as gestational hypertension (90%), preeclampsia (7.5%) and eclampsia (2.5%). The history of chronic hypertension (r=0.86), diabetes Mellitus (r=0.38), hypothyroidism (r=0.37), Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease (r=0.22) and family history of hypertension (r=0.22) was observed as the significant (p<0.05) determinants of pregnancy induced hypertension. The comparative assessment of trace elements and electrolytes between normotensive (n=30) and hypertensive antenatal subjects (n=30) conducted in Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala revealed a significantly (p<0.05) higher mean Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure of hypertensive subjects. A significant difference in daily food intake and serum concentration of trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, copper and zinc) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) was also observed. The effectiveness of diet counseling was evaluated by selecting two groups of pregnancy induced hypertensive subjects i.e. Experimental (with diet counseling) and Control (without diet counseling). The diet counseling based on Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) was provided to experimental group for 3 months at a regular interval of 15 days. The findings reported significantly lower Systolic ( 143.8±20.6 vs 150.7±11.4 mmHg) and Diastolic (93.5±3.9 vs 96.8±5.96 mmHg) Blood Pressure in experimental group. The counseling resulted in significantly (p<0.05) higher mean intake of fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products in experimental group. Further, the trace elements levels were also observed to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in experimental group with better neonatal outcome. Hence, nutrition and diet counseling should be provided to all the women of reproductive age group to manage the pregnancy related complications for better health of neonates.ThesisItem Restricted Determinants of obesity among males from urban, periurban and rural areas of district Ludhiana(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Kirti; Singla, NeerjaThe present study was undertaken to examine determinants of obesity among males aged 30-50 years (60 each) from Ludhiana's urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Nutritional status was assessed through different parameters such as anthropometry, body composition, food and nutrient intake, Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI). The required information was collected through a pre-tested questionnaire by personal interview method. It was found that highest proportion of subjects were belonging to 30-35 age group in the three areas. Educational status varied notably across the regions, with the urban area having the highest percentage (53 percent) of individuals holding graduation or higher secondary qualification. Monthly income also varied widely among subjects with more number of urban subjects belonging to high-income category. Urban dwellers had notably higher body weights (91.37 kg), waist and hip circumferences (95.10 and 100.50 cm) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (34.00 kg/m2) as compared to their peri-urban and rural counterparts indicating a potential link between urban living and increased obesity rates. Additionally, the urban group exhibited higher waist-hip (1.26) and waist-height ratios (0.64) along with elevated Coinicity index (CI) (3.06) and Abdominal Volume Index (AVI) (20.21) all pointing towards a higher prevalence of central obesity among urban residents. Dietary habits emerged as a crucial distinguishing factor among these areas as explained by Healthy Eating Index scores of 76.88±4.92 among the rural subjects followed by 62.57±6.84 and 50.94±6.14, suggesting the need for dietary improvement among subjects belonging to three areas. Physical activity levels, assessed through MET values showed significant (p≤0.001) disparities across regions, with rural subjects recording the highest total MET value (696.93 ± 619.42) whereas urban participants displaying the lowest (420.21 ± 432.23). The perceived stress scores were higher than average in all the three areas, but urban subjects opted for binge eating as a coping mechanism. Additionally, alcohol consumption patterns were also significantly (p≤0.001) different with urban subjects demonstrating higher alcohol intake. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice (KAP) score was also assessed and it was reported that rural subjects had better KAP scores in terms of higher attitude and practice score, but comparatively a lower knowledge score. These findings offer valuable insights for tailored interventions and policy development aimed at addressing the complex issue of obesity across these diverse populations.ThesisItem Embargo Religious fasting and its effect on metabolic health of adults(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Sooch, Jasmine; Grover, KiranA two-phased study was conducted to investigate the effects of religious fasting on metabolic health of adults in Ludhiana, Punjab. The initial phase encompassed the analysis of sociodemographic data and fasting practices of 500 subjects to assess the types of religious fasting prevalent in the age group of 30-40 years. In Phase II, 90 adult females were selected purposively and categorized into: non-fasting (control), once-a-week fasting (Group A), and seasonal fasting (Group B). This phase delved into their dietary intake, body composition, biochemical and anthropometric parameters, physical activity, and meal patterns to evaluate the impact of religious fasting on metabolic health. The results indicated a moderate active lifestyle among the subjects. The BMI categories showed that non-fasting individuals had a higher occurrence of being pre-obese and obese. On fasting days, the intake of food and nutrients was reduced by more than half in both fasting groups, with only carbohydrate and vitamin C intake being adequate. Fasting groups showed enhanced metabolic markers, with increased HDL-Cholesterol, decreased total cholesterol, optimized VLDL-Cholesterol, and stable blood glucose levels during fasting. The study suggested that religious fasting, especially the seasonal fasting, provide metabolic health benefits and has the potential to mitigate risk factors. However, individual outcomes were observed to vary based on dietary choices and other intrinsic factors. The study underscores the significance of maintaining a balanced diet during fasting periods and the imperative of seeking medical consultation before embarking on such regimens.ThesisItem Restricted Exploration of hypotensive and hypolipidemic effect of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) based metabiotic drink(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Ramneek Kaur; Grover, KiranThe present study was conducted by selecting 90 mild to moderate hypertensive and hyperlipidemic male subjects in the age group of 40-60 years. The subjects were divided into three groups i.e. Control- C; Experiment 1 - E1 and Experiment 2 – E2 with thirty each to evaluate the effectiveness of metabiotic drink based intervention in reducing blood pressure and lipid profile. A dose of 30 ml of beetroot juice and beetroot based metabiotic drink was supplemented to the Experimental groups E1 and E2 for the period of three months. Nutrition counselling sessions for both the experimental groups E1 and E2 was done at an interval of 15 days. A brochure containing information on nitrate rich foods, benefits of beetroot based metabiotic drink and life style modifications was developed and distributed. The data revealed that the subjects were sedentary workers having family medical history of diabetes followed by hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The results of intervention showed that beetroot based metabiotic drink significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in E2 group compared to E1 and control group. Total cholesterol levels varied among groups, with potential for reduction in the E2 group. HDL levels showed some variations, but the impact of the intervention was not consistent across all groups. Serum triglyceride levels remained relatively stable, with slight reductions observed in the experimental groups during the first intervention point. Hence, the study suggests that beetroot-based metabiotic drinks need to be popularized for the prevention and management of hypertension. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects in such intervention.ThesisItem Embargo Optimization of low glycemic index meals for diabetic patients using key food ingredients(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Sharma, Vibhuti; Bains, KiranThe present study was carried out to optimize low glycemic index meals for diabetic patients using key food ingredients. The dietary survey was carried out on 100 diabetic men and women in the age group of 40 to 60 years. The representative samples of a lunch meal of the subjects were collected to determine resistant, digestible and total starch, proximate principles, total, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, and in vitro Glycemic Index (GI). Ten meal combinations were optimized by using key foods namely multigrain chapati, whole mungbean daal, spinach vegetable preparation, bottle gourd vegetable preparation curd and salad and nutritionally analyzed. Higher waist to hip ratio was observed in 63.4% of men and 59% of the selected diabetic men and women, whereas, 70.7 and 56.4% of men and women had Body Mass Index more than the cut off value of 23 kg/m2. The total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure was high i.e. more than the cut-off values among 56.1, 65.9, 61.0, 56.1 and 63.4% of the selected diabetic men while the corresponding values for women were 35.9, 51.3, 41.0, 61.5 and 48.7% while 63.4% of men and 46.2% of women had lower HDL-C values. The representative meals of diabetic men and women were high in Glycemic Index (70.95) and Glycemic Load (53.47). High GI (GI: >70) meals were consumed by 71.5% of diabetics while 28.5% of them were consuming moderate GI meals (GI: 56-69). The meal combination comprising of multigrain chapati +whole mungbean daal + spinach vegetable preparation + curd + salad had the highest dietary fibre content, the values of insoluble, soluble and total dietary fibre being 16.56, 4.65 and 21.24g, respectively. The average blood glucose response at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after the ingestion of this meal combination was 62.8, 63.3, 76.2mg/dL, respectively, the corresponding values for standard glucose were 79.8, 141.4, 147.0, 124.7 and 112.7 mg/d. The in vivo Glycemic Index of the optimized meal combination was 49.81 which was much lower than the habitual meals of the studied population. All other optimized combinations were also in the low Glycemic Index (GI) foods category (55 or less) with low Glycemic Load (10 or less), hence, offer meal choices to the diabetic patients and are culturally acceptable in terms of practices and preferences.ThesisItem Embargo Dietary immunity boosters in relation to severity of novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) among elderly patients(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Rajni; Bains, KiranA research study to assess the impact of dietary immunity boosters in relation to severity of novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) among 100 elderly patients males and females (above 60 years of age) was conducted in two districts (Hisar and Jind) of Haryana. Fifty subjects from each district (25 males and 25 females) recently recovered from COVID were selected. The nutritional status and the intake of immunity boosters was assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The weight and BMI of the selected subjects was higher than the normal values. 66 % males and 68 % females belonged to obese category I. There was quantitative inadequacy of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, roots and tubers, other vegetables and fruits. The intake of fats, milk and its products was highest than the recommendation in both the groups. The diets were also inadequate in nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, vit. D, vit. A as the average daily intake of these nutrients met less than 85 % of the RDA’s. The COVID affected the physical activity, sleeping pattern and dietary habits of the subjects. Commonly consumed natural immunity boosters were garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, coconut water, green cardamom and ginger. Garlic and turmeric was the most commonly used immunity boosters with consumption frequency score of more than 5.00. A significant correlation was found between consumption of natural immunity boosters and severity of COVID-19 i.e. r=-0.268* in aloe vera, r=-0.258** in turmeric, r=-0.071**in garlic. Fever, dry cough, body pain, sore throat, headache, loss of taste, loss of smell and shortness of breath were the most common signs of COVID-19 infection in majority of the subjects. Nutritional supplements like vitamin D3 were taken by the subjects before and during COVID. Majority of the subjects both males and females were fully vaccinated by covishield vaccine. The study recommends that the dose and source of immunity boosters should be taken care off to get maximum health benefits.ThesisItem Restricted Assessment of heavy metals in common foods and their health risk among adults and children of Ludhiana district of Punjab(Punjab Agricultural University, 2023) Kharkwal, Vineeta; Bains, KiranThe present study was conducted to determine the heavy metals in common foods and their health impact on the adults, elderly and children from selected 150 urban and rural households of Ludhiana and Bathinda districts of Punjab. Wheat Chapatis, cooked rice, cooked pulses, cooked vegetables, milk and water samples were collected from the selected households. Heavy metals viz. arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were determined in the collected samples by ICP-MS. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk was calculated for adults, elderly and children of both genders from heavy metals in food samples. All the four heavy metals were within their permissible limits in all selected foods, milk and water. Except for the target hazard quotient (THQ) of cadmium in chapatis for the selected urban population of Ludhiana district, the THQ of arsenic, cadmium and lead was less than permissible level of 1 for all other foods consumed by the selected population of both the districts. Similarly, the Hazard Index (HI) from all the four metals was more than 1 for chapatis consumed by urban population of Ludhiana district. The selected urban population of Ludhiana district also had cancer risk from lead and cadmium present in chapatis, along with the combined effect of analysed heavy metals. The selected rural adult and elderly population and male children of Bathinda district had carcinogenic risk from arsenic and cadmium in chapatis. The urban male and female children of Ludhiana district had cancer risk from arsenic, whereas rural female children of the district had risk due to cadmium present in chapatis. The urban elderly females of Ludhiana district had carcinogenic risk from arsenic and cadmium present in cooked rice. The urban male and female children of Ludhiana district were also at risk from cadmium in cooked rice. The urban elderly males and female children were at cancer risk from the combined effect of heavy metals in cooked rice. The carcinogenic risk was also observed in urban male children of Ludhiana district from arsenic in cooked pulses. The cadmium in cooked vegetables increased the cancer risk in urban population, rural adults and children of Ludhiana district and urban and rural children of Bathinda district. In Bathinda district, rural adult males and females and urban female children district had cancer risk from arsenic in milk, whereas, rural male children had cancer risk from cadmium in milk. The rural population of Bathinda district was also at risk of developing cancer from arsenic and cadmium in water. Blood arsenic and lead levels of 10 and 20% adult males and 20 and 30% adult females of a selected urban area of Ludhiana district exceeded the prescribed limit of these heavy metals, respectively. The results concluded that wheat chapati consumption leads to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk among urban population of Ludhiana district. As heavy metals detected in food and water pose a serious health risk to the population of two prominent districts of Punjab, hence appropriate measures should be a top priority of the state to prevent accumulation of heavy metals in the food chain in order to safe guard the health of its people.
