Nutritional biochemistry

The Nutritional Biochemistry laboratory is involved in diverse studies, ranging from finding sustainable ways to improve nutritional status of the population to evaluate and combat arsenic toxicity.

Research includes:

• assessment of the extent of micronutrient deficiency (iron, zinc, vitamin A) and ways to mitigate the problem (supplementation, fortification),
• extent of arsenic toxicity in water and food chain,
• measurement of arsenic toxicity in human body including As metabolites in hair, nail, and urine, and
• extent of lead toxicity in urban areas.

The interest of the laboratory includes

• nutrigenomics, searching novel biomarkers for zinc status at individual level, genetic interaction between environment and health;
• nutrient-nutrient interaction (effect of vitamin A status on iron and zinc absorption);
• foetal and early life exposure to environmental factors including food and toxic elements, e.g. arsenic, and the effects on immune system and bone development in later part of life;
• risk factors for development of rickets in early childhood;
• identifying specific biomarkers of neonatal immune defences against bacterial infections by prenatal dietary interventions (vitamin D);
• dietary factors and biomarkers relating to chronic non-communicable diseases (heart diseases, diabetes) etc.

Other studies include improving micronutrient status of vulnerable populations (such as women and children) by using rice biofortified with zinc and orange fleshed sweet potatoes biofortified with vitamin A. Consuming the biofortified rice, individuals will be able to access 20% more zinc than conventional rice. The biofortified sweet potato provides 580 µg retinol (vitamin A)/100 gm - adequate to meet the daily requirement for preschool children.