About Nutrikik:
Based on the above understanding, SIF has developed certain nutritional supplements using millets and spirulina; viz. Spirulina Peanut Chikki, Spirulina Ragi Biscuits, Moringa Sesame Chikki, Moringa Jowar Biscuit, Spirulina Multigrain energy bites and Moringa multigrain energy bites; to be used as nutritional supplements; and can be given to students as part of their daily meals. Anemic students can be given special attention as far as consumption of these nutritional supplements is concerned.
These nutrition supplementary products contain naturally obtained super foods with more than one nutrient. All the products are carefully designed to keep the nutrients intact and at the same time the taste suits the local palate and therefore, students like them. Some of the products are a technology transfer from CFTRI, Mysore, and all the products are made with ingredients recommended by NIN, ICRISAT and CFTRI. The products have FSSAI Licenses and are tested at NAAC accredited laboratories, under the trademark NUTRI KIK®.
Significance:
As such, it is a well-known fact, and now in the post pandemic era it has become all the more evident that, “If a person’s body doesn’t get enough of the proper nutrients, particularly antioxidants, the person’s immune system will feel the effects. A weakened immune system makes one susceptible to several ailments. Lack of proper nutrients can also affect one’s major organs, leading to — or contributing to — a variety of ailments. For example, one common problem that results from a diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates — a complex form of sugar — is that the pancreas can become overworked.
The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which helps break down sugars in the body. If one’s body doesn’t utilize insulin properly, a diet high in sugars causes insulin production to increase exponentially, which can lead to the pancreas eventually shutting down or limiting insulin production — a condition known as type-2 diabetes. When untreated, type-2 diabetes often leads to other problems, including fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, blurred vision and kidney failure. The body needs a certain number of calories –
– the basic energy unit of the body — to function. Almost all foods have at least some calories, but not all foods have the proper nutrients that the body needs. Sugary snacks, for instance, are often high in calories, but they are “empty calories,” meaning they have none, or very little, of the important nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that you need. Not getting enough nutrients can result in malnutrition, which sets the foundation for of several major ailments.”
Impact:
‘Nutrikik’ program is also in its pilot stage and has covered 603 students from 4 institutions across the state of Telangana, from academic year 2021-22 onwards to till date (i.e., November 2022)
Future Possibilities:
A healthy diet is everybody’s need, more so in the vulnerable groups. Nutritional problems like protein energy malnutrition (PEM), anemia and vitamin A deficiency continue to plague a large proportion of Indian children. The major nutritional problems are protein energy malnutrition (PEM), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The main objective is to fight malnutrition and enhance the habit of healthy eating in all possible age groups. And in the process, SIF’s target is to inculcate healthy eating practices.
Further, the following efforts can be made for greater outreach of the program
- Collaboration with CSR that is committed towards health enrichment for young people.
- Documentation of health improvements in students using the Nutrikik products.
