Namrata Nitin Bagle

Samya
India

Abstract Title:Nutritional Resilience: How One Meal a Day by S?mya India Transformed Child Health Outcomes

Biography:

Dr. Namrata Nitin Bagle is a seasoned academic and researcher with over 15 years of experience. She completed her Ph.D. at SNDT University, fostering a passion for research. Dr. Bagle has held key leadership roles, including General Manager and Head of Department, developing expertise in team management and growth. Currently, she serves as the Lead Health and Nutrition Specialist at S?mya India, overseeing menu planning, quality control, and research development. A recognized thought leader, she has spoken at numerous global conferences and published extensively in esteemed international journals, contributing significantly to her field.

Research Interest:

Introduction Malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge, especially among children in underserved communities. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity and increased the need for nutritional support. In response, S?mya India, an NGO committed to uplifting underprivileged populations, initiated a nutritional intervention. What began as a program providing emergency meals during the pandemic evolved into a targeted effort to combat malnutrition among children attending Anganwadi centres. This pilot study explores the significant impact of this intervention on children’s health and well-being, highlighting its potential to improve nutritional status in vulnerable populations. Methodology & Results Nutritional screening was conducted for 95 children and teenagers aged 4 to 17 years, with consent obtained from Anganwadi centres. Assessment tools included a Body Stat machine for weight, hydration, protein levels, skeletal muscle mass, blood pressure monitors, dynamometers for grip strength, and standard scales for height. After identifying nutritional deficiencies, the meal menu was modified to include high biological value proteins, traditional Indian desserts with reduced sugar, and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables. Portion sizes were tailored to age, adhering to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), with one meal provided daily, allowing minor adjustments based on children's preferences. Initially, 69.4% of the children were underweight, 29.5% were normal weight, and 1.1% were overweight. Following a three-month intervention, follow-up screenings revealed significant improvements in nutritional parameters. Key enhancements included increased protein intake, skeletal muscle mass, and hydration levels, with 70% of underweight children gaining an average of 940 grams. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of nutritional support for children, advocating for expanded programs to ensure comprehensive meal provision. S?mya India remains committed to improving the futures of these children through ongoing efforts.