THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF MICRONUTRIENT-RICH RECIPES IN ENHANCING IMMUNITY AMONG WOMEN

Women’s health and immunity are profoundly influenced by micronutrient adequacy, dietary diversity, and physiological demands at different life stages. Micronutrient deficiencies—particularly of iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, and folate—are major contributors to compromised immunity, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. This study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of micronutrient-rich recipes designed using affordable, locally available ingredients, within the framework of Home Science and preventive nutrition. A hypothetical 8-week dietary intervention model was constructed using micronutrient-dense recipes incorporating green leafy vegetables, millets, pulses, seeds, nuts, and fortified dairy. Participants (n=60) were divided into two groups: a control group consuming a regular diet and an intervention group consuming formulated recipes providing ≥70% Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for key micronutrients. The hypothetical results showed a significant increase in serum hemoglobin (by 15%), vitamin D status (by 18%), and immune response index (by 22%) among women in the intervention group. These findings suggest that functional food formulation through balanced, micronutrient-rich recipes can be an effective, low-cost strategy to enhance immune competence among women. This study underscores the potential of Home Science-driven recipe formulation in translating nutritional science into community-level health improvement programs focused on women’s immunity, wellbeing, and dietary empowerment.