Micronutrient Deficiencies Research Articles

Yield Gap, Yield Performance and Farmer Economics Analysis of High Yielding Biofortified Wheat Variety DBW-187 with the Special Reference to the Adoption in District Bijnor (U.P.) India

This research investigated the yield differences, yield efficacy, economic consequences, technology index and adoption rates of the high-yielding biofortified wheat variety DBW-187 and high-yielding wheat variety enriched with essential nutrients. It addresses crucial aspects of food security and nutrition by analyzing the gap between potential and actual farm yields. Being biofortified, DBW-187 contributes to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in populations dependent on wheat as a staple food. Frontline demonstrations were executed in 128 farmers' fields in 11 blocks from 2019-20 to 2023-24, contrasting DBW-187 with conventional farming practices. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating field tests, economic analysis, and surveys of farmers. The results indicated that DBW-187 regularly surpassed local varieties, achieving an average yield of 58.74 qt/ha, in contrast to 42.65 qt/ha for conventional farming practices, signifying a 37.72% enhancement. The technological gap averaged 38.10 qt/ha, however the extension gap was 16.09 qt/ha, signifying possibility for enhancement in achieving the varieties complete potential. The average adoption rate of DBW-187 across the district was 54.73%, exhibiting considerable heterogeneity among blocks, ranging from 47.61% to 65.21%.

Evaluation of Macronutrient and Selected Micronutrient Contents of Peanut Butter Fortified with Moringa Leaf Powder

Background to the Study: The increasing prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in developing countries, necessitates the development of affordable, nutrient-dense foods. Aim: This study aim to develop and evaluate the nutritional and sensory properties of peanut butter fortified with moringa leaf powder to enhance its macronutrient and micronutrient composition for addressing malnutrition. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in the dietetics kitchen of the Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, between February to May 2024 Methodology: Peanut butter was prepared using roasted groundnuts and fortified with varying levels of moringa leaf powder. A 70:30 ratio was applied for the peanut seeds and moringa powder respectively. The fortified peanut butter was prepared using standard methods, including sorting, roasting, de-hulling, grinding, and fortification. Nutritional analyses were conducted to determine proximate composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate) and micronutrient levels (iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin A). Sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point hedonic scale to assess taste, texture, color, and overall acceptability. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0, and differences between means were considered significant at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed significant improvements in the nutritional composition of the fortified peanut butter compared to the control. Protein, fat, and fiber levels in the fortified product were 26.23 ± 0.08%, 52.66 ± 0.01%, and 4.87 ± 0.03%, respectively, compared to 24.84 ± 0.06%, 50.68 ± 0.01%, and 4.35 ± 0.01% in the control. Fortification also enhanced micronutrient levels, with iron and zinc increasing from 5.25 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and 3.24 ± 0.03 mg/100 g in the control to 7.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and 4.80 ± 0.03 mg/100 g in the fortified product. Sensory evaluation indicated higher scores for color but slightly lower scores for flavor and texture in the fortified samples (p <0.05). Conclusion: Fortifying peanut butter with moringa leaf powder significantly enhances its nutritional profile, particularly for iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin A. This fortified product presents a viable, cost-effective intervention for combating malnutrition in resource-limited regions. The study emphasizes the potential for large-scale production and highlights the need for further research on consumer acceptability and shelf stability.

Peripartum Cardiomiopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of heart failure that occurs between the last month of pregnancy and up to five months postpartum. It is categorized as dilated cardiomyopathy, which impairs the systolic function of the left ventricle. Its incidence varies from 1:300 to 1:4000 pregnancies, influenced by genetic and cultural factors. The exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to involve viral infections, autoimmune disorders, toxins, and micronutrient deficiencies. Key risk factors include advanced age, multiparity, multiple pregnancies, obesity, malnutrition, and substance abuse (alcohol and drugs). PPCM is more common in women over 30 years of age and those with a history of multiple pregnancies. Further research is needed to better understand the causes and mechanisms underlying this condition.

Measuring Dietary Intake of Pregnant Women Post-Bariatric Surgery: Do Women Meet Recommendations?

Background: Bariatric surgery is increasingly offered to women of childbearing age and significantly reduces food intake and nutrient absorption. During pregnancy, associated risks, including micronutrient deficiency, are accentuated. This study describes maternal dietary intake and adherence to dietary recommendations in pregnant women with a history of bariatric surgery. Methods: Women aged 18–45 with singleton pregnancies post-bariatric surgery were recruited at <23 weeks of gestation and followed until birth. Dietary intake was measured using three non-consecutive 24 h recalls at enrolment and at 28 and 36 weeks using the standardized tool ASA24-Australia. Micronutrient supplementation dose and adherence was reported using the Brief Medication Adherence Questionnaire. Mean macronutrient intake was calculated from all diet recalls. Micronutrient intake was determined from diet recalls and from supplementation. Intake was compared to the recommended daily intakes for pregnancy. Results: Sixty-three women participated in the study. The participants met 65 ± 17.3% (mean ± SD) of estimated energy requirements, 53(23)% (median(IQR)) of fiber requirements, and exceeded fat and saturated fat recommendations. Dietary intake levels of iron, folate, zinc, calcium, and vitamin A were below recommended levels. Gastric bypass recipients consumed significantly less folate (p = 0.008), vitamin A (p = 0.035), and vitamin E (p = 0.027) than women post-gastric sleeve or gastric band. Multivitamins were used by 80% (n = 55) of participants at study enrolment, which increased their mean intake of all micronutrients to meet recommendations. Conclusions: Women who conceive post-bariatric surgery may require targeted support to meet the recommended nutrient intake. Micronutrient supplementation enables women to meet nutrient recommendations for pregnancy and is particularly important for gastric bypass recipients.

Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in the province of Essaouira, Morocco

Low- and middle-income countries are facing a rapid increase in nutritional problems, particularly in Africa, where undernutrition, overweight and micronutrient deficiencies coexist, creating a double burden of malnutrition and a challenge to public health policies. In this context, Morocco stands out for its early nutritional transition, characterized by a moderate prevalence of overweight and undernutrition and elevated levels of micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the weight status of women of childbearing age and identify its determinants to suggest ways to improve it. The study was conducted in the province of Essaouira in Morocco, which is characterized by a predominance of rural areas and multidimensional poverty. We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of 1,466 married women of childbearing age via stratified random sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and anthropometric measurements; we applied the WHO curves to classify BMI. Data entry and statistical processing were performed via SPSS® v. 26. The results show that women’s weight status is worrisome, with an average BMI of 26.4 kg/m². The prevalence of overweight was 61.6% (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), with 17.9% of women being obese. Bivariate analysis revealed that age, education level, socioprofessional activity, family structure, household income and parity were significantly associated with overweight. Binary logistic regression confirmed that women’s age and level of education are major determinants of overweight/obesity. There is a need to strengthen public health policies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Morocco, with an emphasis on nutrition education and monitoring their weight status throughout their reproductive lives.

Prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children aged 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali Refugee settlement, Western Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnaemia is a major cause of morbidity among children under five years in Uganda. However, its magnitude among refugee populations is marginally documented. In this study, the prevalence and contributors to anaemia among children 6 to 59 months in Kyangwali refugee settlement in Western Uganda was determined.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study that was carried out among 415 mother- child dyads at Kwangwali refugee settlement. Anaemia was determined by measuring haemoglobin concentration using the HaemoCue method, while nutritional status was examined using standard World Health Organisation (WHO) nutritional indices. Data abstraction forms, pretested questionnaires and face to face interviews were used to collect patient data. Associations between the independent variables and anaemia were examined using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors. In all statistical tests, a P- value of < 0.05 was considered as significant.ResultsThe proportion of children with anaemia was 49.2% (95% CI: 44.4–53.9). Anaemia was 1.4 times (95% CI = 1.13–1.82; p = 0.003) more prevalent among wasted children than the normal children. The prevalence of anaemia was also higher among underweight children than those with normal weight (aPR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.11–1.70; p = 0.004). Additionally, the prevalence of anaemia was higher among children of birth order of 6 or above (aPR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.22–3.29; p = 0.006), while anaemia prevalence was lower among children whose mothers’ had attained secondary level of education (aPR = 0.19, CI = 0.04–0.98; p = 0.048) and those who fed on fish (aPR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.57–0.99; p = 0.039) and meals prepared with oils and fats (aPR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.51–0.97; p = 0.029). There was no significant relationship between anaemia occurrence and the household dietary diversity score.ConclusionsAbout half of the study children were found to be anaemic. The most significant contributors to anaemia in the study population were malnutrition, maternal education, feeding practices and birth order. The study findings suggest need of screening of children for anaemia at all nutritional clinics, promotion of education, addressing barriers to sustainable food supply and accessibility of nutrient-dense foods, treating anaemia in children alongside other micronutrient deficiencies and addressing the nutritional needs of multiparous mothers in refugee communities.

Comparative efficiency of nano, chelated, and sulfate zinc foliar applications in high-density apple orchards

The optimization of nutrient management in high-density apple orchards is crucial for improving growth and yield, especially in regions where micronutrient deficiencies can limit productivity. Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient that plays a significant role in various physiological processes in apple trees, yet its availability is often limited in soils. A two-year (2022–2023) field experiment was conducted in the mid hill (1181 m above mean sea level), sub-humid agro-climatic zone of Himachal Pradesh, to investigate the impact of zinc foliar application by assessing the influence of different sources (nano, chelated, and sulfate) and doses (single and double spray) on leaf nutrient concentrations, yield, and agronomic Zn use efficiency in high-density apple plantations (Var. Red Velox). The results indicated a significant impact of zinc sources on leaf nutrient concentrations, with increases observed in nitrogen, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese levels. The study found that application of Zn decreased fruit drop by 16.8 to 29.8 % and increased yield by 6.9 to 10.9 % compared to control. The study revealed that a single spray of nZn (nano Zn), applied one month after full bloom, can achieve yields (77.6 Mg ha-1) on par with double sprays of nZn (78.3 Mg ha-1), both significantly higher than other sources, with the single spray showing 1.72 and 1.86 times greater efficiency in 2022 and 2023, respectively compared to the double spray. Application of nZn also increased fruit Zn concentration (16 mg kg-1) significantly compared to other sources indicating its potential for Zn bio-fortification.

The approach to a pregnancy after bariatric surgery.

With a rising worldwide incidence of obesity, particularly in the young, bariatric surgery offers an effective method of meaningful and sustained weight loss. At present, most bariatric procedures are carried out in women and increasingly in younger age groups. In line with the fertility benefits associated with weight loss, pregnancy after bariatric surgery is now a very common scenario. Although there is limited evidence to support optimal care in this group, most women appear to have good pregnancy outcomes, with reduced rates of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes (GDM). However, rates of stillbirth and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies are increased, suggesting that screening and supplementation of micronutrients is likely to be very important in this cohort. The risks and benefits that bariatric surgery may pose to pregnancy outcomes, both maternal and fetal, are largely dependent upon the degree of weight loss, weight stability upon entering pregnancy, surgical complications and the time interval between bariatric surgery and pregnancy. Ideally, preconception care would be more widely available, helping to assess and address micronutrient deficiencies and support preparation for pregnancy.

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge in Pregnant Women of Lahore: An Interview Based Study at Major Hospitals of Lahore During Prenatal Visits

Background: The intentions of the following study were to assess women knowledge regarding dietary practices during pregnancy. The study expresses the nutrition related knowledge of pregnant females and its correlation with associated factors of these women. The study also shows the sources of dietary guidance for these women during pregnancy. Method: The study members visited different hospitals of Lahore, interviewed pregnant women and filled questionnaire regarding their knowledge of dietary practices during pregnancy. The statistical tests applied were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Regression, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman’s correlation. Results: 364 questionnaires were finished and analysed using software. Pregnancy related nutrition knowledge was positively correlated with level of education (rs= 0.46, p&lt;0.05) and monthly income (rs=0.27, p&lt;0.05). Only 4.3% of women attained pregnancy scores related to nutrition knowledge above 50%. They mostly get information from their mothers and doctors. Majority of the women recommended increasing intake of supplies from all food groups and fluid. The result indicated that nutritional behaviour of women was characterized by many ill practices. Conclusion: Women interviewed for this research had restricted nutrition knowledge and proper nutrition guidelines were not provided to pregnant women at health care facilities. Women followed insufficient food routines in pregnancies that were mostly directed by mothers of women. The diet of a female during pregnancy has a direct effect on fitness outcomes of mother and child. Many women lacked this information and thus ended with micro-nutrient deficiencies. So there is an alarming need to train women to enhance their knowledge for appropriate dietary patterns to avoid severe outcomes in the form of compromised maternal-child health

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MICRONUTRIENT (ZINC, COPPER AND SELENIUM) LEVELS IN THE SERUM OF HEALTHY, GINGIVITIS AND CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS PATIENTS- A CLINICO BIOCHEMICAL STUDY

Context:Periodontitis is a complex disease in which disease expression involves intricate interactions of the biofilm with the host immune inflammatory response. Micronutrients like zinc, copper and selenium play an important role in antioxidant defense, immune regulation, and neutralization of the inflammation process at the cellular level. It has been reported that deficiencies of several macro and micronutrients adversely influence the prognosis of periodontal infections. Aims:This study has been designed to estimate and compare the serum levels of micronutrients (zinc, copper and selenium) in healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis patients before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Settings and Design: This study is a case-control study. Methods and Material: The comprised of 75 patients who were divided into three groups - Group I consisting of 25 periodontally healthy subjects, Group II consisting of 25 subjects with chronic gingivitis and Group III consisting of 25 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was used to measure the clinical level of selenium, zinc and copper in serum. Statistical analysis used: One way ANOVA with Tukey Post-Hoc test and Paired t-test was used. Results: Results show highly significant increase in copper levels and decrease in zinc and selenium levels in periodontitis group compared to the control. There is an increase in the zinc and decrease in copper pre and post treatment levels. Conclusions: Imbalance of Zinc, copper and selenium levels in the serum can predispose an individual to the risk of developing periodontitis.

Connecting Vegetable Gardens in Schools and in Homes: A Sustainable Model for Nutrition Security in Nepal

School vegetable gardening is an effective concept to enhance people’s inclination towards eating more vegetables. It increases children’s knowledge and awareness regarding the importance of vegetables for nutrition in health. School vegetable gardening also contributes to children’s physical wellbeing and social skills. Linked with home gardens it can contribute to healthier diets. Based on experiences and evidence of school and home gardening projects this concept paper has been prepared. The purpose is to make an effective contribution to program planning to overcome the extensive problem of micronutrient deficiencies and for boosting immune system of individuals.

Policy analysis of nutrition education programs in Indonesia: A literature study on the nutrition-conscious family program (Kadarzi)

Nutrition education is a crucial strategy to address the Triple Burden of Malnutrition in Indonesia, which encompasses undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. This study aims to analyze the policies and implementation of the Nutrition-Conscious Family Program (Keluarga Sadar Gizi or Kadarzi) in Indonesia, focusing on identifying challenges and proposing improvements. Using a literature review methodology, this research evaluates the program's strengths, weaknesses, and effectiveness in promoting balanced nutrition behavior. Key findings indicate that while Kadarzi is effective in raising awareness about balanced nutrition, its implementation is hindered by inadequate health workers, limited funding, and insufficient cross-sectoral coordination. Furthermore, many activities remain undocumented, and uneven resource distribution affects the program's reach. Strategies for improvement include enhancing nutrition education, leveraging cross-sector partnerships, and increasing training for health cadres. The study concludes that tailored nutrition education programs, based on research and community needs, are essential for achieving better nutritional outcomes in Indonesia. Strengthening the Kadarzi program can significantly contribute to addressing persistent nutritional challenges and improving public health.

Relationship between nutrition and chronic low back pain. Review

Low back pain is a common and complex condition that significantly affects people’s daily functioning, ability to work, quality of life and places a significant burden on the healthcare system. Chronic low back pain is pain that persists for more than 12 weeks and is caused by mechanical, psychological and social factors. The main risk factors for chronic low back pain include a sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, high stress levels, smoking, sleep disturbances, concomitant chronic diseases and poor diet. The World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle and an important preventive aspect of chronic non-communicable diseases. The relationship between nutrition and health is complex and multicomponent, involving direct and indirect mechanisms of influence. In recent years, a significant number of publications have appeared in the literature on the relationship between nutrition and low back pain. The purpose of this review was to analyse and systematise the knowledge on the mechanisms of the relationship between nutrition and chronic low back pain. An unhealthy diet is the main cause of underweight or overweight, which has an indirect effect on the development of chronic low back pain. Diets with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation, normalize weight, and have a positive effect on the course of chronic low back pain. The review found that the main mechanisms of interaction between nutrition and chronic pain are the pro-inflammatory properties of foods, underweight, overweight and obesity, and macro and micronutrient deficiencies. There is a need to develop nutritional strategies for patients with chronic low back pain as one of the key areas of a multidisciplinary approach to solving this problem.

Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Agricultural Soils of Hasanganj and Auras Blocks, Unnao District, Uttar Pradesh, India: Implications for Sustainable Farming

This study evaluated the status of essential micronutrients in the soils of Hasanganj and Auras blocks in Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 2020–2021. A total of 200 surface soil samples from five villages in each block were analyzed for zinc, boron, copper, manganese, and iron content. The findings revealed significant deficiencies, particularly in zinc (39.5%) and boron (32.5%), with potential implications for crop productivity and soil health. The study emphasizes the urgent need for balanced nutrient management and soil-specific fertilizer recommendations to address these deficiencies and support sustainable agricultural practices. These results provide a valuable baseline for future research and policy interventions aimed at improving soil fertility and food security.

Dietary Nutrient Adequacy in Aeronautical Military Personnel in Spain: Strengths and Weaknesses.

Aeronautical military personnel operate under intense physical and mental stress, requiring high psychophysical aptitude. Adequate nutrition is essential to sustain operational readiness and mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and other health issues. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of aeronautical military personnel group in Spain through dietary parameters. A total of 390 male aeronautical military personnel, who attended the Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial (Madrid, Spain), were evaluated. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated by three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls (DIAL® program). The median energy intake was 2134 kcal/day, with significant variations across professional groups, highest in parachutists (2347 kcal/day). Protein intake was 18.2% TE, while carbohydrate intake was 37.6% TE, below standards, with 83.8% of participants not meeting the EFSA guidelines. However, a high intake of added sugars was observed (10% TE). Fat intake (38.3% TE) and saturated fats (11.7% TE) exceeded recommendations. Micronutrient deficiencies were notable for vitamin D (98% below recommendations), folate (56.4%), vitamin C (40.2%), calcium (50.3%), iodine (76.6%), and zinc (59%). Elevated cholesterol intake (352 mg/day) and inadequate fiber intake (18.5 g/day) were also observed. This study highlights imbalanced dietary patterns among Spanish aeronautical military personnel, with high protein, fat, cholesterol and added sugar consumption, low carbohydrate, and inadequate intake of critical micronutrients and fiber. These findings emphasize the need for targeted dietary interventions, nutritional monitoring protocols, and specific guidelines to enhance health and performance in this specialized group.

Prevalence Of Protein Energy Undernutrition Andselected Micronutrient Deficiency Manifestations Among School Children In Ariyur,Puducherry– A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: India is the largest contributor of undernourished people in the world with around 14.37% of its population not receiving enough nutrition.The prevalence of malnutrition was 46.8%. Nutritional deficiencies in India contributed to about 0.5% of all deaths.This study,helps us to determine the prevalence and risk factors of protein energy undernutrition and specific micronutrient deficiency among school going children in a selected school of Puducherry. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted in school going children studying 5th to 10th standard in government and private high school in Puducherry. After getting consent from the parents, in-person interview was conducted, anthropometric measurement and head-to-toe examinations were done Results: Among 428 participants, 28.7%, 15.2%, 11.4%,0.7%, 13.1%,1.9%0.7%1.4%, 9.6%,9.6% 53% has Anemia, Riboflavin deficiency, vitamin C, Iodine, Fluoride excess, Fluoride deficiency, Zinc, Calcium and Essential fatty acids respectively. Among 428 participants, 56.1%, 8.4% were moderately stunted and severe stunted respectively. It was noted that height for age was statistically significant with Sex and age (p value &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Early detection of protein energy deficiency and nutritional deficiencies will aid in the development of our country in many ways since youngsters are the future foundations of our society.

Foliar zinc sulfate application effects on biomass and forage traits of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in zinc-deficient soils

Deficiencies of essential micronutrients in forage crops can result in reduced growth, diminished nutrient content, and reduced in forage quality. This can, in turn, affect the nutritional requirements of livestock and the overall productivity of the agricultural sector. The experiment was initiated during the 2023-24 production season and employed four zinc sulfate doses (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 % w/v) and five varieties of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. İlkadım, cv. Master, cv. Baqueno, cv. Caramba, cv. Trinova), with four replications. SPAD measurements were obtained following the foliar application of zinc sulfate, and plant height (cm), flag leaf length (cm), flag leaf width (cm), leaf number per plant, and leaf area (cm2) parameters were collected through the single mowing of annual ryegrass. After the fresh forage yield (t ha-1) measurements, ADF (%), NDF (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value were measured and calculated. As a result of the data obtained, it was determined that foliar zinc sulfate applications can make positive changes in yield and quality, while at the same time increasing the amount of fiber. While İlkadım had the highest average value with 1.48 t da-1 in terms of hay yield, the highest value among zinc sulfate doses was obtained from 0.6 % with 1.47 t da-1. High values were obtained at 0.4 % and 0.6 % doses. Among the varieties, İlkadım and Baqueno had higher yield and quality characteristics. However, it is understood that the responses to foliar zinc sulfate applications occurred in different percentages among the others.

Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Practices and Consumption Pattern of Fruits and Vegetables among In-school Adolescents in LAUTECH International College, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among young adolescents. These deficiencies can lead to adverse health outcomes, including osteoporosis, osteomalacia, thyroid dysfunction, colorectal cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. This study assessed the nutritional knowledge, dietary practices, and consumption patterns of fruits and vegetables among in-school adolescents attending LAUTECH International College, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methodology: This study was descriptive cross-sectional in design. Two hundred and sixteen (216) students of LAUTECH International College, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as chi-square test was used for the data analysis. Results: The study revealed that the mean age of the students were 13.33 ± 1.69 years, 55.6% of the students demonstrated good knowledge, though there were areas where understanding was high, in spite of this, 58% dietary practices of fruits and vegetables. 34.3% showed preference for fruits and vegetables during break time in school. Price (36.6%), availability (29.3%) and quality (21.8%) prevented the students from eating fruits and vegetables. From the chi-square test, the study showed that there was no statistical association between nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of fruits and vegetables consumption of the students (x2 = 0.309, p = 0.579&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed a disparity between nutritional knowledge and dietary practices, with relatively good dietary practices observed despite poor knowledge. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was found to be moderate.

Micronutrient Deficiencies in Heart Failure and Relationship with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency.

Micronutrient deficiencies are common and play a significant role in the prognosis of many chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF), but their prevalence in HF is not well known. As studies have traditionally focused on causes originating within the intestines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) has been overlooked as a potential contributor. The exocrine pancreas enables the absorption of various (fat-soluble) micronutrients and may be insufficient in HF. We hypothesize that EPI contributes to micronutrient deficiencies in HF. To evaluate micronutrient concentrations in HF cases and their association with clinical characteristics and EPI. Plasma samples from 59 consecutive hospitalized patients with HF were analyzed for vitamins A, D, and E and the minerals selenium and zinc. EPI was defined as fecal elastase 1 level < 206 μg/g. The mean age of patients was 59 ± 14 years, with 24 (41%) being women, and a median NT-proBNP concentration of 3726 [2104-6704] pg/mL was noted. Vitamin A deficiency occurred in eight (14%) of the patients, and 12 (20%) exceeded the upper limit. More than half (51%) were vitamin D-deficient. No patients showed vitamin E deficiency, but 14 (24%) had elevated levels. Selenium deficiency was common, affecting 36 (61%) patients, while zinc was below the normal range in seven patients (12%). Micronutrient levels did not differ significantly based on the presence of EPI. This study provides novel insights into the micronutrient status of patients with HF. Deficiencies in vitamins A and D, selenium, and zinc are prevalent in HF, but these findings are not associated with exocrine pancreatic function.

Site-Specific Online Fertilizer Recommendations in Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton through CardSApp offers fertilizer savings and higher economic returns

The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The cultivation of small cardamom in the Indian Cardamom Hill (ICH) region of the Western Ghats, Southern India, has become highly intensive, with heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. The ICH region is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Numerous studies have reported that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has caused soil acidification (lowering of pH) and nutrient imbalances. This has resulted in unsustainable production of cardamom, a high-value spice crop that contributes significantly to India's export earnings. This study aimed to conduct a geo-tagged soil fertility survey in selected cardamom-growing areas within the ICH, assess soil fertility and provide sitespecific fertilizer recommendations to farmers via a mobile- or web-based application. A digital application, CardSApp, designed for the small cardamom sector, offers tailored fertilizer recommendations based on local soil and crop requirements. A representative geo-tagged soil survey was conducted in Udumbanchola taluk, located in Idukki district of Kerala, within the ICH. The surveyed area spanned from 76°59'01.19'' to 77°16'11.55'' East longitude and 9° 38'21.54'' to 10°04'46.60'' North latitude. Spatial interpolation techniques were used to generate maps showing the distribution of primary, secondary and micronutrients in the soil. The study revealed a high availability of NPK nutrients in cardamom soils. The study also revealed deficiencies in secondary nutrients like magnesium and sulfur, as well as micronutrients such as boron. Most of the soils showed signs of acidification. These findings highlight opportunities to optimize fertilizer usage and improve soil health. Specifically, NPK usage can be reduced or phosphatic fertilizers omitted in 58% of the area, potentially savings of ?12.27 crores annually in the surveyed taluk alone. Additionally, addressing deficiencies in secondary and micronutrients can further enhance soil health and crop productivity. To aid farmers in decision-making, the Android- and web-based application CardSApp leverages interpolated soil fertility data. CardSApp offers site-specific recommendations tailored to the soil nutrient profiles identified in the survey. CardSApp enables farmers to optimize fertilizer use, correct nutrient imbalances and apply amendments for pH correction. These practices can improve both farm productivity and income. The adoption of this online fertilizer recommendation system by farmers in the ICH is expected to rationalize fertilizer usage in cardamom cultivation, improve both soil and plant health and support sustainable production with higher economic returns.