Diet and biomarkers study underway in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — The diet and biomarkers study in India (phase II), conducted by ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad, department of Health and Research, Government of India, is underway in Nagaland.

An update from ICAR National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun stated that the study is focusing on assessing the nutritional status and prevalence of anaemia and micronutrient deficiency across various demographic groups in India.

It stated that the study in Nagaland began in January 2024 and would span six months, targeting 100 villages per district from six randomly selected districts. According to ICAR-NRC, the data collection process involves two teams comprising 26 members including medical officers, nutritionists, lab technicians, social workers and anthropologists. Information collected encompasses household details, socio-economic factors, young child feeding practices, non-communicable diseases, 24-hour dietary intake, diet samples and blood samples for micronutrient analysis.

The analysis included parameters such as hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose and vitamin A levels alongside lipid profiling.

It stated that Dr. Girish Patil S, director of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, eagerly extended his support to the study in Nagaland, recognising its pivotal role in understanding and addressing nutritional challenges.

The programme is being led by Dr. J Sreenisvasa Rao, deputy director, and Dr. Pradeep Bhatu Patil, assistant director from ICMR-NIN, Hyderabad. The study in Nagaland is being conducted by ICMR-NIN in partnership with the department of Health, Government of Nagaland, medical hospital, ICAR-NRC on Mithun and Referral Hospital, Dimapur, whose support has been instrumental in its success.