Habit survey of a culturally acceptable mother food in Gujarat, India†

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Abstract
Family sharing of maternal food supplements is a profound problem in feeding programmes. Methipak — a bitter‐sweet energy, protein and iron rich confection of wheat, fat, crude sugar and fenugreek ( Trigon‐ella foenum graecum) was identified as having potential non‐sharing characteristics. A group of 662 Baroda pregnant, lactating and non‐pregnant‐non‐lactating women were interviewed. The practice of consuming Methipak was far stronger in lactation (85%) than in pregnancy (27%). Major benefits in lactation were minimizing body‐aches, galactogogic and strengthening qualities; and in pregnancy, lessening body‐ache, easy delivery and prevention of indigestion. The major negative qualities were its “hot” and aborti‐facient nature. Important reasons for non‐consumption in low income group (main target) were inability to afford it and/or ignorance. It was consumed in the last trimester (for 1–2 months) and 10 days post‐partum (1–2 months), at the level of 50g/day in the morning. Approximately 39% shared it with the family; this was least in the low income group (20 %). It was popular among the entire family members in winter (63 %). Based on these findings, a biscuit type Methipak with long shelf life is being developed for low income group mothers.