Ms. Shruti Bhatt will present her BPS as per the details below:
Date: Friday, 26th September 2025
Time: 1730 – 1830 hrs.
Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1
Title: Formulation, Sequential Processing, and Evaluation of a Plant-Based Fortification Powder to Address Childhood Undernutrition in India
Supervisors: Prof. Satish B. Agnihotri, Prof. Amit Arora
RPC Members: Prof. Parmeshwar Udmale, Prof. K V Venkatesh
Abstract:
This research addresses the urgent challenge of childhood undernutrition in India by developing and systematically evaluating the Dietary Micronutrient Booster (DMB)—an all-natural, vegan, and patent-backed food-to-food fortification powder. DMB is uniquely formulated using a spectrum of plant-based ingredients, selected for their macro- and micronutrient profiles and free from allergens and chemical residues, with formulation stability preserved for up to one year for ease of storage and practical distribution.
A key scientific feature of DMB is its sequential processing protocol, in which each ingredient undergoes carefully selected pre-treatment steps—such as roasting, boiling, drying etc.—designed to systematically reduce antinutritional factors—such as phytic acid, oxalates, trypsin inhibitors etc.—while maximizing the bioaccessibility of critical micronutrients, notably iron, magnesium and zinc. This tailored approach enables the DMB powder to blend seamlessly with common Indian dishes while preserving taste, texture, and overall sensory acceptability, as validated by current literature and empirical acceptability trials.
Field validation conducted with the Chetna Foundation revealed strong community acceptance: in a sensory study, 68 mother-child pairs were served khichdi fortified with the DMB powder, and 85% preferred the fortified version to plain khichdi. This underscores the product's excellent palatability and readiness for real-world nutrition programs, where consistent intake and taste are vital for impact.
From a techno-economic perspective, DMB is both sustainable and profitable to produce at scale. Strategically sourced, natural raw materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes lower environmental footprints and ensure resilient supply chains, while economic modelling supports robust scalability for commercial and public health interventions.
By merging scientific innovation, proven sensory acceptability, and sustainable operational design, Dietary Micronutrient Booster sets a new benchmark for Indian food fortification. Its natural, sequentially optimized composition and efficient production model make DMB a practical, transformative solution for child undernutrition and support broader national health and nutrition goals.