Ph.D Theses

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Development and Evaluation of Ulva Lactuca Based Probiotic Beverage and In Vitro bioavailability of Iron Using Caco-2 Cell Model
(2024-11) Guntiboina Karishma Yadav; Dr. S. Kowsalya
Iron deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is a public health problem with significant implications for human health, affecting millions globally. Recent research underscores the critical role of iron in various physiological functions, is possible by naturally increasing the iron content and its bioavailability in the diets to address IDA in vulnerable populations. This investigation is a designated attempt to extensively propagate the use of edible seaweeds by incorporating nutrient- dense ingredients in effective combinations to enhance iron bioaccessibility in daily diets. Four underexploited seaweeds Ulva lactuca, Ulva reticulata, Gracilaria edulis, and Sargassum polycystum were procured from the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, which is a reserve for more than 850 recorded marine algal species. The nutritional and heavy metal analyses were carried out as per the AOAC standard protocols. Ulva lactuca was identified as a good source of iron, prompting the formulation, standardisation and evaluation of an Ulva based probiotic beverage. Whey was used for the probiotic base and oranges as a source of vitamin C. Palm jaggery, and processed seaweed extract were added and the sensory evaluation was performed using a 9-point Hedonic Scale, demonstrating favourable consumer acceptance. The beverage's physical, nutritional, and nutraceutical profiles were assessed, revealing notable radical scavenging activity via DPPH and FRAP assays. The identification of bioactive compounds was conducted using GC-MS/MS, while in silico ADME profiles of abundant bioactive compounds were analyzed with the SWISS ADME tool. The probiotic potential and antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus reuteri OP389067 were evaluated, alongside a shelf-life determination. In vitro bioavailability studies using the Caco-2 cell model indicated effective iron absorption, in the presence of ascorbic acid, highlighting the beverage's potential as a bioavailable source of iron. From the foregoing results, it is evident that U. Lactuca based probiotic beverage was nutrient- rich and the probiotic strain L. reuteri OP389067 demonstrated probiotic potentials and antibiotic susceptibility and activity against common food-borne bacteria. The nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the developed probiotic beverage showed prominent antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds, catering to the therapeutic attributes of the beverage. The favourable ferritin uptake in the presence of ascorbic acid observed in the in vitro bioavailability study of Iron using the Caco-2 cells positively infers that Ulva lactuca based probiotic beverage exhibit significant nutritional and therapeutic attributes and could be used as a potential food supplement in IDA management.
Effect of Nutrition Intervention Programs on Nutritional Status and Nutritional Knowledge of PCOS Young Adult Women
(Avinashilingam, 2025-07) Jolly TT; Guide - Thirumani Devi A
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting 6—13% of women of reproductive age, with up to 70% remaining undiagnosed. Characterized by irregular menstruation, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, PCOS can lead to infertility and increase the risk of long-term health issues such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. While the exact cause remains unclear, abnormal hormone levels are implicated. Symptoms include irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain, thinning hair, oily skin, and acne. Although there is no cure, management strategies include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, medications, and fertility treatments.This study in Thrissur, Kerala, addressed PCOS under diagnosis among college women aged 18-21 by evaluating nutrition intervention programs. Researcher screened 1,250 students using the Rotterdam Criteria, identifying 25 per cent with PCOS symptoms. Data collection covered anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments, as well as dietary, water intake, stress, menstrual hygiene, and nutritional knowledge. A specially formulated health mix powder was evaluated for its nutritional and sensory qualities. In the intervention phase, 120 PCOS subjects were divided into four groups, receiving varying combinations of nutrition education, exercise, and health mix supplementation, with a focus on stress management and healthy lifestyle practices.Lifestyle assessments in the study revealed that although most participants had adequate sleep, 77 per cent did not engage in regular physical activity, and many relied on external food sources, often consuming high-fat, high-sugar diets. Among the participants, 30 per cent were underweight, 59 per cent had a normal BMI, and 11 per cent were overweight or obese. Dietary patterns showed a preference for non-vegetarian diets, frequent meal skipping, and high sugar intake, with three main dietary patterns identified: high-fat and sugar-rich, vegetable-centric, and cereal and pulse-based. Risk assessment indicated that 61 per cent of subjects were in the low-risk category for PCOS, 17 per cent were moderate risk, and less than 1 per cent were high risk, with similar trends for hirsutism scores. The study underscored the need for dietary modifications and increased physical activity to manage PCOS risk factors. Nutrition intervention programs showed positive effects on nutritional status, knowledge, and PCOS symptom management, highlighting the value of tailored interventions for young women.
Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Sleep Pattern of Overweight and Obese 18 to 25 Year Old Women During Covid-19
(Avinashilingam, 2024-02) Nita Ann Johnson; Dr. S. Kowsalya
The present study lays the foundation for a more comprehensive investigation into obesity, and the non-invasive, individualized, behaviour-change-based strategies intended to treat this prevalent problem of health. The four objectives of the study were to: study the socio-economic status, determine the nutritional status, lifestyle pattern including physical activity, sleep quality, and Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of 18 to 25 year old women; develop aerobic exercise routines and nutrition education modules as interventions; and assess their impact on the above parameters. A total of 632 women participants, who self-reported as aged between 18 and 25 years, had lived in Coimbatore for at least three years, and their initial Body Mass Index (BMI) suggested that they were overweight or obese were included as participants of the present study. Pre-tested and validated, structured survey forms were used towards clinical, biochemical and dietary assessment. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index assessed the subjects’ physical activity levels and sleep quality respectively. Subjects were randomly allocated to either the control group (Group 0), the exercise intervention group which underwent exercise for five days a week (Group 1), the nutrition education group which had 20-minute dietary counselling every week (Group 2) or the combination of exercise and nutrition education group (Group 3). The subjects were re-evaluated for their nutritional status, dietary habits, level of physical activity, sleep quality, and KAP after six months. Multiple regression analysis showed that educational awareness decreased body weight, BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Exercise improved Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) by 2.7 kg and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) by 0.5 kcals up to 60%. As a combined effect of 42%, weight, BMI, WHR, and percentage of body fat significantly decreased while SMM and BMR increased (F=19.56, p<0.001). Nutrition education intervention improved the haemoglobin content and lowered the serum thyroid levels. Combining both interventions, random blood glucose, and thyroid function parameters decreased while haemoglobin increased up to 48% (F=11.60, p<0.001). Both the interventions combined significantly reduced dietary intake as well as improved the sleep quality of the study subjects up to 44% (F=247.37, p<0.001). Thus, a combination of exercise and nutrition education results in an overall enhancement in the women’s lifestyles and the potential for long-term weight management by improving their nutritional status, physical activity, and sleep quality. Keywords: exercise, nutrition education, overnourished women, physical activity, sleep quality
Impact of Nutrition Interventions on Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) among Women of Reproductive Age (20-45 Years)
(Avinashilingam, 2022-11) Jyothi S Krishnan; Dr. A. Thirumani Devi
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a gynecological endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age and is most commonly seen in young adult women. Women with PCOS might have problems like irregular menstruation, obesity, acne, hirsutism, hyperinsulinemia, etc. due to hyperandrogenemia which results in oligoovulation/anovulation. It is also considered as a lifestyle disorder which can be preventable using appropriate health and nutrition strategies. Though the incidence of PCOS is rapidly increasing, adolescent girls and young adult women are unaware and have inadequate knowledge about PCOS and its complications. Hence, the present research has focused on searching for new alternative medical nutrition therapy options for the management of symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome with the prime objective of assessing the efficiency of dietary intervention strategies on signs and symptoms of PCOS among the selected group of Reproductive age women. The secondary objectives were to find out the prevalence of PCOS among women in the Reproductive age ( 20-45 years),identification of women having PCOS for collection of Socioeconomic profile, dietary and lifestyle pattern, Nutritional status and Reproductive health status, formulation and evaluation of micronutrient-dense health mix supplement powder , development of Nutrition and health education modules for nutrition interventions and finally to find out the Impact of Nutrition interventions on Nutritional status and Nutritional knowledge among the selected Women of Reproductive age (20-45 years). In the first phase of the present study, a quick screening of symptoms of PCOS carried out among the 810 women who came for consulting the Gynecologist. Among the 810 subjects, 284 subjects were identified with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria(2003) .The survey was carried out among the selected 284 subjects to collect the data related to demographic profile, age, educational, marital status, income levels, family history, medical and reproductive profile including disease history such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and alopecia, dietary pattern , food frequency pattern ,24 hour recall and food consumption details. The next phase, for Nutrition Intervention, 93 subjects were identified from 284 subjects on the basis of their willingness, cooperation and nutritional and health status. They were systematically grouped into three, named Experimental Group I (Nutrition Supplementation and Nutrition Education), Experimental Group II (Nutrition Education), and Control Group (Medication) respectively .Simultaneously formulation and nutritional evaluation of micronutrient-dense Health mix powder was carried out. The acceptability trials were executed and the highest-scored variation in terms of sensory evaluation score, nutrient content and cost-effectiveness was selected for the Nutrition Intervention. The present study was also focused on the development and validation of health and nutrition education modules which were tailor-made to fulfill the nutritional care and support of the selected PCOS participants. All the selected participants in Experimental Group I (N=32) were properly instructed to consume the Nutrient-dense Health mix powder 30g daily without any wastage for three months. Selected 32 women in Experimental Group I and 31 women in Experimental Group II were also provided Nutrition education using the developed booklet, leaflets and PowerPoint presentation and nutrition education sessions provided as one-to-one counseling initially. Before and after the nutrition interventions, anthropometric measurements, biochemical estimation, clinical examination and individual dietary intake were assessed to find out the effect of Interventions on the nutritional status and Nutritional knowledge of the selected participants. ANOVA was performed to analyze the effectiveness of nutrition intervention strategies. Post hoc comparison confirmed as significantly higher mean difference between Experimental group I and control group with weight difference (MD= 4.9), waist circumference ( MD=1.41), Hip Difference(M=1.26),body fat (MD=1.27)and BMI difference (MD=1.98 )respectively. There was a significant mean difference in the values of cholesterol ( p=0.004) ,Triglycerides( p=0.05) ,Cholesterol to HDL ratio ( p=0.017) and testosterone levels ( p=0.000). Between the group comparison using post hoc analysis showed significant mean difference of cholesterol (MD=20.58), Triglycerides(MD=24.78) between Experimental group I and Control group. There was also significant mean difference of cholesterol to HDL ratio ( p=0.012) and VLDL ( P=0.004) between Experimental group I and Control group. The difference in rate of change was compared between the interventions also confirmed the same results. The regularization of menstrual cycle showed that participants in the Experimental group I had 4.3 times higher chance of experiencing regular periods compared to the control group (OR=4.33 Cl1.385- 13.552). Participants in the Experimental group I had 9.1 times higher chance of experiencing regular periods compared to those who only received nutrition education alone in Experimental group II ( OR=9.1,Cl2.84-29.146) From the research study, it is evident that the nutrition intervention strategies including nutrition education, supplementation, adoption of physical activities and stress management were proven to be effective in the Experimental group I and II during the study period of 90 days.The highest significant changes in nutritional status and nutritional knowledge was among the participants in the Experimental group I . Screening provides an opportunity for the target group of the population to promote healthy lifestyles and early nutrient intervention for the prevention of future co-morbidities.
Metabolic Syndrome In Relation to Body Composition and Lifestyle Adaptation Among Selected Adults Residing In Bengaluru
(2024-05) Challagundla Reddy Jyothsna; DR. S. Kowsalya
The current study establishes the framework for extensive research in the field of Metabolic syndrome and Body composition and the underlying causes, prevalence rate, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards a healthy lifestyle with a comprehensive lifestyle education awareness. The study's objectives were to: evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, analyse body composition, evaluate the subjects' KAP and educate on a healthy lifestyle. A total of 1359 participants, both males and females at 20-50years, residing in Bengaluru, visiting the Preventive Health Checkup of Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru were enrolled. Validated assessment tools, InBody 770 equipment and lifestyle education counselling materials were used in the study. Metabolic syndrome was prevalent at 13.2%. The physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol habit, high calories consumption and low BMR were found to be the risk factors for metabolic syndrome and statistically significant p<0.001. The metabolic syndrome criteria (NCEP ATP III 2002, revised in 2005) were significantly high in metabolic syndrome subjects. Out of 180 metabolic syndrome subjects 150 participated in further study. Body composition analysis was done for these subjects. Central obesity was observed in 11.9%, high blood pressure among 15.4%, high triglycerides in 26.0%, low HDL- cholesterol among 31.9% and high fasting glucose in 3.7% of the metabolic syndrome subjects. The body composition parameters of total body water, protein, minerals, skeletal muscle mass, BMR and whole body phase angle was high in males and females had higher body fat mass, BMI, body fat% and visceral fat area and the values were statistically significant p<0001. The lifestyle intervention was given for these subjects and the data was compared pre-and post intervention. Postinterventional data showed statistical significance for the reduction in waist circumference, fasting blood sugars, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure , calories consumed to attain weight loss goals, body fat%, visceral fat area. There was statistically significant increase, post-intervention in exercise habit, physical activity level, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding healthy diet, physical activity, body composition and healthy lifestyle. Thus, a combination of diet, physical activity and healthy habits improved the overall health status of the subjects. Key words : Metabolic syndrome, NCEP ATP III, Body composition, InBody 770, KAP, Lifestyle.
Precision Nutrition Approach For Prevention and Management of Obesity
(Avinashilingam, 2024-03) Janani T; Prof. C. A. Kalpana
In the recent years, there has been a growing interest to utilise the precision nutrition approach for the prevention, management and treatment of obesity, which takes into consideration the interaction between food and the human and microbial genome. It is quite evident that awareness and popularity about genetic testing for personalised nutrition is gaining momentum. Consumer attitudes and perceptions towards genetic testing to determine the risks of a predisposition to various diseases have already been examined by several studies, consumer acceptance of personalised nutrition have not been studied in the Indian population till date. In phase one of the study, Consumer acceptance of genetic testing and the responses towards perceived advantages of receiving DNA based dietary advice were ease of understanding and specificity of the diet advice, which was the most frequently reported theme (57.5%), followed by more personalised and enjoyable (22.4%) and reduced costs due to disease prevention (20.1%). The study concluded that individuals were optimistic and perceived many advantages of nutrigenetic testing. The study populations was optimistic and were willing to adopt genetic tests for personalised nutrition recommendations. In phase two of the study, we compared the differences in anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and dietary adherence among standard generic dietary advice, personalized nutrition advice based on nutrigenetic variations and the precision nutrition advice based on nutrigenetic variations and gut microbiome profiling. A statistically significant increase in the Bacteroidetes genus was observed in the personalized nutrition group (p = .04). The change (delta) values in gut microbiome composition in personalized nutrition group were significantly higher at the end of 90 days. Gut microbiome-based personalized microbiome modulation through diet significantly improves gut microbiome profiles among obese individuals. Further need studies are needed with larger sample size to validate these study findings and long-term follow-up.
Sustainable Solutions: Edible Millet Tableware as a Substitute for Single-Use Cutleries in the Food Service Sector
(Avinashilingam, 2025-06) Devatha S M; Guide - Dr. PA. Raajeswari
The widespread utilization of single-use plastics, driven by its convenience and low cost in food packaging has fostered a throwaway culture that possess significant environmental risk on biodiversity. The present study aims to develop edible tableware from millets (Pearl millet and sorghum) as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic cutlery. The millet tableware is functionally enhanced by germinating and roasting the millets and enriched with antioxidant-rich flower powder (Hibiscus and Rose). The physical, technological, and nutritional properties of pearl millet and sorghum grains were assessed. Germinating the millets improved flour yield and reduced antinutritional factors, while roasting enhanced water and oil absorption, reduced moisture content, and increased total phenolic content. Functional properties indicated that processing millets reduced crystallinity of millet flour. Roasted pearl millet tableware exhibited higher nutrient content, particularly in fiber, iron, and phosphorus, while sorghum tableware excelled in carbohydrates, protein, and calcium. Roasted tableware also showed an improved textural property, whereas germinated millet tableware demonstrated reduced hardness and water absorption rate. Drop test revealed that roasted tableware had higher resilience than its germinated counterparts. The flower- enriched millet tableware exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties. Roasting and flower enrichment significantly improved the nutritional profile, particularly carbohydrate, protein, fiber, and iron content. The enrichment also introduced distinct sensory attributes, with high consumer acceptance in the liked moderately and liked very much categories of nine-point hedonic scale. The flower-enriched cup and spoon maintained its structural integrity upto 20 minutes, while bowl, katori and plate hold upto 30 minutes at cold and hot temperature without water absorption and the tableware remained intact upto 60 minutes at cold temperature that suits for serving hot and cold food and beverages. It exhibited minimal microbial load and weight gain over the storage period of 120 days. Brine shrimp lethality assay confirmed millet tableware as safe to consume with a mortality rate of 10 per cent due to bioactive compounds. It degraded completely within 12 days in wet topsoil. The present study demonstrates the potential of millet tableware, especially roasted and flower-enriched variants, as sustainable, biodegradable, and functional alternatives to single-use cutlery. It provides an eco-friendly solution for culinary and packaging applications that can be utilized in food service sector including hospitality, entertainment, catering and food courts. Key words: sorghum, pearl millet, edible flower, single-use cutlery, millet tableware, biodegradability
Triple Burden of Malnutrition in Young Adult Women (18-21 years) and the Effect of Nutrition Interventions on their Nutritional Status and Nutritional Knowledge
(Avinashilingam, 2024-11) Sai Gayathri H; Dr.A.Thirumani Devi
The research titled "Triple Burden of Malnutrition in Young Adult Women (18-21 years) and the Effect of Nutrition Interventions on their Nutritional Status and Nutritional Knowledge" addresses a pressing global health issue. The Triple Burden of Malnutrition, included the dimensions of underweight, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies. It is expected to affect over 2 billion people worldwide, leading to increased healthcare costs and perpetuating cycles of poverty. The study focuses on young adult women, a neglected demographic in existing research studies, analysing the demographic conditions that contribute to the prevalence of triple burden of malnutrition and educate them about its consequences and develop dietary interventions to improve their nutritional status. The study was carried out in five phases, starting with a demographic study at Mercy College in Kerala, where 570 young women participated. The assessment of nutritional status utilized anthropometric measurements, biochemical estimations, clinical examinations, and dietary intake evaluations. The study developed and validated nutrition education modules and dietary supplements tailored to address malnutrition. The effectiveness of these interventions was evaluated through pre- and post-assessments of nutritional knowledge and health indicators. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to determine the significance of the interventions. Findings indicated a high prevalence of malnutrition among subjects, with notable deficiencies in micronutrients despite adequate macronutrient intake. Three dietary supplements were formulated and tested for acceptability and cost-effectiveness, revealing significant potential for improving nutritional status among young adult women. The results demonstrated that the nutrition interventions in the form of Dietary Supplements and Nutrition Education made an impact on the nutritional status and nutritional knowledge of the selected subjects in the Experimental group as the p value is less than 0.05 for the t test which was carried out for the pre and post values for different parameters (viz) Anthropometric measurements and Blood parameters. The results of KAP study shows that there is an effect of nutrition interventions on the nutritional knowledge of the selected subjects in the Experimental group as the t-test showed a p value which is less than 0.05 for knowledge and attitude. The chi-square test and Karl Pearson Correlation showed an association between different parameters (viz) Nutrient intake, Blood parameters, Anthropometric measurements and Socio-economic profile. Keywords: Triple Burden of Malnutrition, Dietary Supplements, Nutritional intervention

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Browsing Ph.D Theses by Subject "Food Science and Nutrition"

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