Formulation of iron and calcium rich health mix for supplementation in women suffering from prementrualsyndrome

Consumption of refined and fast foods along with the lifestyle modification and stress has compounded to the problem of premenstrual syndrome in majority of women of reproductive age. Various studies have pointed out that there is alteration in the iron, calcium and magnesium levels among women with and without premenstrual symptoms. The present study was aimed at formulating a health mix cookies made of locally available cereals and pulses that supply good amount of minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. Materials and methods: The ingredients used were sprouted ragi, horse gram, soaked and dried soya bean, roasted bengal gram dhal, rice flake and gingelly seed. All the ingredients were roasted and powdered in to flour separately. Different quantities of these flours are combined into five variations and made in to cookies by adding butter, coconut oil and vegetable oil. The five variations of health mix cookies were analysed for the nutrients (calorie, protein, fat, iron, calcium, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin-C). Sensory evaluation of the five variations of health mix cookies was conducted by a panel of sensory evaluators. The variations which secured high score was considered as the best sample and used for further intervention study. Results: The variation V had the highest amount of iron, calcium and magnesium content and scored highest in the sensory evaluation apart from having adequate amount of essential fatty acids and amino acids. Conclusion: Hence the variation V can be taken as supplement in women suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome.