DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF NUTRIENT POWDER FOR PREGNANT AND LACTATING WOMAN

Swati Shirke*, Sohel Mujawar and Madhuri Raskar

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to formulate a nutrient powder from black dates, Halim seeds and Gond Katira for pregnant and lactating women. Nutrient requirement is enhanced during this period. Iron deficit anemia and micronutrient deficiency are commonly encountered during pregnancy and lactation. This deficiency can be recovered by the use of this nutrient powder. From phytochemcical screening it was observed that these ingredients are powerhouse of energy and micronutrients like proteins, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium etc. These ingredients are traditional used during pregnancy and lactation but in today’s rapid world it would be more convenient to formulate these ingredients into powder or tablets which can improve the patient acceptance and convenience to administration. Also studies showed that during formulation moisture content in controlled within limit which can enhance shelf life of product as compared to traditional food products.

Keywords: Nutrient powder, pregnancy and lactation, halim seeds, black dates, gond katira.