KOLLAM: Amrutham Nutrimix, a Kudumbashree product, which is a nutritional powder consisting of wheat, groundnut, soya, bengal gram, and jaggery. It provides all the nutritional needs for the healthy growth of a child. This nutrimix secured the prestigious Glenmark Nutrition Award for 2022 in collaboration with the World Food Programme of the United Nations, has shown significant potential in enhancing the health of school-going children in Kerala. However, a recent study has revealed that this nutritious option is not being optimally utilized by mothers to supplement their children’s nutritional needs.

A community study conducted by Athira, a researcher from Benziger College of Nursing in Kollam, revealed an alarming trend. She observed that many children in the Pallithottam area were consuming unhealthy, pre-processed snacks such as chips and similar products, despite being beneficiaries of Amrutham Nutrimix. Upon inquiry, it became evident that a lack of awareness about the nutritive value of Amrutham Nutrimix and how to prepare it properly was a significant issue. “In the preliminary stages of my study, I noted that mothers were unaware of the nutritional value of Amruthum Nutrimix and the different recipes that can be incorporated from it,” said Athira.

In response to this, Athira initiated a study titled “Effectiveness of an Interventional Program on Knowledge Regarding the Use of Amrutham Nutrimix Among Mothers of Under-Five Children in Selected Urban Anganwadis of Kollam, Kerala.” “After my intervention, the mothers started making various food items using this powder. Now, each Anganwadi is conducting cooking demonstration sessions for mothers, wherein they use this powder to prepare a variety of recipes for their children. The Anganwadis maintain a road health chart to track the weight of children, and there are noticeable improvements in the beneficiaries’ anthropometric measurements in that chart,” said Athira.

The interventional program encompassed the following components:

1. A structured teaching program on the proper use of Amrutham Nutrimix.

2. Self-instructional module – a recipe book of Amrutham Nutrimix.

3. Direct cooking demonstration – series of recipe-making sessions with Amrutham Nutrimix.

The study aimed to assess the knowledge regarding the use of Amrutham Nutrimix among mothers of under-five children in selected urban Anganwadis of Kollam. Additionally, it sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventional program on knowledge regarding the use of Amrutham Nutrimix among mothers of children aged 6 months to 3 years. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify any associations between pre-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables.

The study results revealed a significant difference in post-test knowledge scores before and after the intervention, demonstrating a clear benefit for the children.

What is Amrutham Nutrimix? 

Nutrimix, as stated above, provides nutritional needs as well as ensure that it does not cause any problem like constipation or diahorria.

Amrutham Nutrimix is produced in the Kayanna production unit, equipped with a roaster, grinding machine, sealing, and packing units. The production and distribution costs are fully sponsored by the government, making it accessible to all. This nutritional supplement is distributed in 500-gram packets, primarily for children between six months and three years. Each child receives 2.5 kg of Nutrimix per month, tailored to their nutritional requirements.

However, mothers sometimes hesitate to prepare Amrutham Nutrimix due to its perceived monotony. Yet, when used creatively in various forms, it proves to be highly nutritious and beneficial. Nutrimix can be employed to create a range of recipes that not only enrich children’s diets but also add variety. Here are a few illustrative examples:

Amrutham payasam – Dry roast Amrutham powder in a thick-bottomed pan. Add water and cook till done. Add milk and sugar and boil for 5 min. Fry nuts and raisins in ghee and add to it. Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well. Serve hot.

Sweet balls – Slightly roast Amrutham powder. Make jaggery syrup, and add grated coconut and roasted Amrutham powder. Mix well and switch off the heat. Add cardamom powder, mix well, and make into small balls. Garnish with nuts.

Vegetable roll – Fry vegetables with masala and salt in an oiled pan. Then cook Amrutham powder in enough water. Mix well and cook for five minutes. Allow to cool. Shape the Amrutham powder like a chapatti and place fried vegetables in a roll. Deep fry in hot oil till golden brown.

Chocolate shake –  Blend all ingredients together in a mixer and serve it

Onion Vada –  Mix onion [make it as small pieces], salt and curry leaves into the Amrutham powder. Make it into thick dough with water. Place some dough on a wet plantain leaf. Flatten with your hand and make a hole in the center. Slide the Vada into hot oil and fry it.

Kumbilappam – Mix all ingredients with water and make thick dough. Roll the bay leaf like a cone and fill it with the dough. Steam cook till done.

Murukku – Mix Amrutham powder with other ingredients and make a smooth thick dough. Heat oil in a pan. Fill the dough in a murukku press and squeeze the dough in a round pattern over a greased plate. Drop it gently into the hot oil. Deep fry till light brown and place it on tissue.

Steam Cake – Add salt to the roasted Amrutham powder. Add water little by little and mix till it gets wet enough for steaming. Put some coconut into the puttu mould; add Amrutham powder, chopped amaranth leaves, carrot, beetroot, and coconut one layer after another. Close the lid and steam.

Amrutham Nutrimix supports healthy weight gain in children, promotes easy digestion, and prevents constipation. It is provided free of cost through a take-home ration system, making it an affordable and viable nutritional alternative. The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses it as ready-to-use therapeutic food for severe acute malnutrition.

There have been concerns over its quality, which are being addressed by the authorities, but the product continues to be distributed to children through Anganwadis efficiently. The intervention program has successfully increased awareness and knowledge about the proper use of Amrutham Nutrimix among mothers, ultimately benefiting the health and nutrition of children in the region.