5 Key Research Projects of the National Institute of Nutrition You Should Know About
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is one of the premier research institutes in India that specializes in nutrition research. It has been working tirelessly for decades to unravel many aspects of human health and nutrition. Here we will discuss the five key research projects of the NIN that you should know about.
Project 1: National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB)
The NNMB is a joint initiative of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). The primary objective of this project is to monitor the health and nutritional status of the Indian population. The project has published several reports that provide valuable insights into the nutritional status of various age groups, regions, and socio-economic groups.
Project 2: Indian Migration Study (IMS)
The IMS is a collaborative project between the NIN and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The study aimed to examine the health status, lifestyle, and nutritional outcomes of migrants from rural to urban areas in India. The study found that migrants are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other health issues, mainly due to lifestyle changes.
Project 3: Trans-fatty acids (TFA) in Indian diet
Trans-fatty acids (TFA) are a type of unsaturated fatty acids that are prevalent in processed foods. The NIN conducted a comprehensive study on the TFA content in Indian diets, which revealed that the intake of TFA is significantly higher among urban populations. The findings of the study led to the introduction of regulations limiting the TFA content in processed foods.
Project 4: Nutrient Requirement and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
The NIN has been at the forefront of the research on nutrient requirements of Indians. The institute has developed the RDA guidelines for various age groups, gender, and physiological states such as pregnancy and lactation. The RDA is the basis for the formulation of various food-based nutrition interventions in India, such as mid-day meal schemes and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Project 5: Double Fortified Salt (DFS)
The NIN developed the technology to produce DFS, which is a combination of iron and iodine-fortified salt. The institute conducted several studies to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of DFS. The government of India has recently launched a national program to promote DFS as a simple and cost-effective strategy to combat iron-deficiency anemia.
Conclusion
The NIN has been instrumental in many breakthroughs in the field of nutrition research in India. The institute’s research projects have provided crucial insights into the nutritional status of the Indian population and helped develop evidence-based policies and interventions to combat malnutrition and related health issues. The five key research projects discussed above have immense implications for public health and have contributed significantly to the body of knowledge on nutrition in India.
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