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The study covered 326 doctors to map their clinical perception in use of casein containing nutrition supplement Threptin to boost immunity of patients
Medical practitioners in India believe that immunity is crucial in providing protection against invading pathogens, and that protein supplements like casein can help in enhancing the immunity of patients, a nationwide study of doctors has found.
The study was carried out to map the clinical perception of doctors in the use of casein containing nutrition supplement Threptin to boost immunity among patients under their care, as well as to evaluate the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice of doctors.
The findings of the study are based on responses of 326 doctors associated with randomly selected healthcare clinics and hospitals across the country. The study was conducted from May 2 to June 3.
The study was undertaken by a group of Doctors headed by Dr Rahul Badwaik of Raptakos, Brett & Co, Mumbai.
Twenty-five questions, related to the importance of diet, proteins, casein and amino acids in respect of improving immunity were included in the written questionnaire that was given to the participating doctors.
“The respondent doctors displayed excellent confidence in providing nutrition information. A significant number of responders answered in the affirmative when enquired about the role of diet (96%), proteins (95%) and amino acids (94%) in health and disease. Similarly, the importance of casein and arginine in improving immunity was agreed by 92% of the responders,” said Dr Rahul Badwaik.
Casein is prescribed as a protein supplement to improve general wellbeing and immunity. Dr. Badwaik said that some of the respondents highlighted its importance to prevent viral infections.
“Immunity is the main defense mechanism against infectious agents. Casein proteins, as well as casein fragments, function as antiviral and immune regulatory factors by regulating the innate immune response both through up-regulation to enhance killing of viruses, and down-regulation to reduce detrimental conditions such as sepsis. Casein supplements are seen to be safe in clinical practice by practitioners,” he said further.
Of the 326 respondents, 236 or 72% were specialist doctors, and 90 had MBBS or other qualifications. 92 of the doctors were practicing in a hospital set up, while the rest were private practitioners. The ratio of urban and rural doctors was 2.3:1.
Of the 25 questions that were a part of the questionnaire, five questions each referred to nutritional deficiency and health status, with biological effects of casein, the importance of amino acids in nutrition the effect of amino acids in milk protein, and about the effect of Arginine from casein.