Drumstick leaves as source of vitamin A in ICDS-SFP.
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study is about to assess the feasibility and acceptability of introducing dehydrated drumstick leaves, (DDL) (Moringa oleifera), as a source of vitamin A, into the salty recipes provided by the supplementary food (SF) component of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) along with nutrition communication (NC).


METHODS
An integrated approach was adapted in this study which included comprehensive training sessions for the staff of the ICDS and Non-government organization (NGO) involved in the SF preparations. Prior to the acceptability trials, data were elicited on the socio-economic profile and knowledge about vitamin A, from 60 children of 1-5 year of age attending two anganwadi centres of the ICDS.


RESULTS
From these, 40 children attending one anganwadi were supplemented with pre-tested DDL incorporated recipes (5-7 g DDI/100 g product) along with NC for one month. Spot observations and organoleptic evaluation results indicated high compliance of the DDL-recipes by the children. The results also indicated that the recipes were highly acceptable to the ICDS authorities as well as the NGO staff.


CONCLUSIONS
The pilot study indicated that integration of NC along with the introduction of unconventional DDL, into the ICDS-SF, was feasible and can be endeavoured for a longer duration in the existing national programmes.
Nambiar
Vanisha S
VS
Department of Foods and Nutrition, Faculty of Home Science, M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. vanisha_nam@yahoo.com
Bhadalkar
Kalyani
K
Daxini
Meghana
M
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D029588:Moringa oleifera; D009313:National Health Programs; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*
D028321:Plant Preparations