International Journal of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics

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Background: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients required for cognitive development, immunity, and overall health. However, inadequate intake and poor awareness regarding omega-3-rich foods are commonly observed among adolescent in rural India. Objective: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nutrition education intervention on knowledge and dietary practices related to omega-3 fatty acids among adolescent girls studying in rural schools of Ludhiana district, Punjab. Methods: An intervention-based study was conducted among 100 adolescent girls aged 16–17 years, equally selected from one Government School (GS) and one Private School (PS). Baseline information on socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, consumption frequency score (CFS), and knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to omega-3 fatty acids was collected using structured questionnaires and dietary pattern and food intake was collected using 24-hour dietary recall method for three non-consecutive days. A nutrition education programme was carried out for 120 days, which included lectures, demonstrations, distribution of pamphlets, quizzes, and counselling sessions. After completion of the intervention, the participants were reassessed using the same methods. The collected data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Baseline findings revealed poor dietary diversity, inadequate intake of omega-3-rich foods, and low awareness regarding omega-3 fatty acids among participants. Intake of nuts and oilseeds was negligible, while omega-3 intake was considerably lower than recommended levels. Following the intervention, significant improvement was observed in KAP scores (p<0.05). Increased consumption frequency of omega-3-rich foods such as flaxseed and nuts along with improved dietary diversity was also reported. Conclusion: The nutrition education intervention effectively improved knowledge and dietary practices related to omega-3 fatty acids among adolescent girls. Schoolbased nutrition education programs may help promote healthier dietary behaviors among rural adolescents.

The present review assesses Seed Cycling as traditional Bhartiya practice of dietary intervention for better management of menstrual irregularity and dysmenorrhea in the contemporary scenario with hormonal imbalances (Estrogen, Progesterone, LH and FSH) increasing because of environmental lifestyle stressors, this research proposes a rhythmic nutritional management strategy. During the follicular period, it is recommended that consume pumpkin seeds and flax seeds. Similarly, during the luteal stage, it is recommended that include sunflower and sesame seeds into diet to help maintain hormonal balance. These seeds contain lignan, phytoestrogen, antioxidants, omega-3, protein, carbs, and a variety of vital minerals such as calcium, manganese, iron, zinc, and copper which reduce inflammation and support hormone production. This methodical seed rotation acts as a noninvasive link between traditional nutritional knowledge and modern reproductive health care The review concludes that seed cycling represents a feasible, reviewbased management strategy for restoring hormonal homeostasis and optimizing holistic wellness among women.

Heavy metal contamination of food via lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr), represents a persistent global public health crisis, with food packaging materials themselves serving as a documented contamination source through diffusion, leaching, and chemical interaction migration mechanisms. This review systematically examines emerging smart and sustainable packaging technologies designed to prevent, detect, and remediate heavy metal contamination. Active packaging strategies (chelating agents, metal-scavenging biopolymer films, adsorbent systems, antioxidant-releasing materials) are evaluated alongside intelligent packaging technologies (colorimetric sensors, nanomaterial biosensors, IoT/RFID real-time monitoring). The role of nanotechnology in amplifying active and sensing performance is critically assessed, with attention to nanotoxicity concerns and evolving regulatory frameworks. Sustainable alternatives such as polylactic acid (PLA), starch, cellulose, chitosan, proteins, and PHAs are evaluated for combined food safety and environmental benefits supported by life cycle assessment. Applications across dairy, seafood, fruits and vegetables, beverages, and processed foods are discussed with reference to experimental findings and commercial case studies.