ANALYSING THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF PANCHAMUTTI KANJI, A SIDDHA DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USING HPLC

Abstract

Malnutrition is a common complication in people of all ages. Nutritional intervention is necessary to promote increased functional status. Protein- and energy-dense oral nutritional supplements are effective for preventing weight loss in malnourished patients. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of such specialized protein rich oral nutritional supplements in promoting health. It is clinically important because under nutrition can lead to decreased tolerance to diseases and increased infectious complications. However these energy supplements are costly and not easily available to remote areas. Hence we aim to investigate the nutritional values of Panchamutti Kanji, an oral nutritional supplement mentioned in classical Siddha texts for malnourished persons. It can easily be prepared by the family of the individual with the available ingredients and hence cost effective.