A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY TO ESTABLISH THE HEALTH BENEFITS (IN-VIVO)OF NUTRI-CEREALS" A WAY FORWARD FOR MAINSTREAMING MILLETS

Millets are rich source of slow digesting carbohydrates, minerals, dietary fibre, essential fatty acids and B-complex vitamins and minerals. Millets have numerous health benefits due to their nutritional composition. Apart from its nutraceutical properties, studies have highlighted its role in gut health and in immune response modulation. However, the nutritional and health benefits of millets have not been explored in athletic population. Hence, the preliminary exploratory study will attempt to  examine effect of millets on appetite hormones, micronutrient status, gut health, immunomodulation, physiological and cognitive performance in athletes.

A randomised controlled trial will be conducted to compare the efficacy of Finger millet on appetite hormones and cognitive performance in athletes  (Study-I; n=60)  and efficacy of pearl millet on micronutrient status, gut health, immunomodulation, physiological and cognitive performance in athletes  (Study -II; n=60). Baseline information such as socio-demographic profile, anthropometry, 3 days dietary intake and activity recording will be done. Biochemical and performance tests will be conducted. Information on cognitive performance will be collected. Based on the baseline information, the athletes will be randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=30) and to the control group (n=30). Finger millet or pearl millet products (1/3rd of the daily cereals will be given to experimental group and rice /wheat-based diet to the control group. athletes for 60 days. End line information will be collected following the similar procedures of baseline on anthropometry, nutrient intake, biochemical tests, cognitive and physical performance.