To elevate the serum vitamin-D levels of the deficient population
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into an agreement with Singing in Kitchen, Ludhiana for commercialisation of vitamin-D enriched mushroom powder technology, to be utilised in food products.
Dr NS Bains, Director of Research and Manjit Kaur, Proprietor, Singing in Kitchen, Ludhiana signed the Memorandum of Agreement in the presence of senior officials of PAU.
This technology has been developed jointly by Dr Sonika Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of Food and Nutrition and Dr Shammi Kapoor, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU.
Dr Kapoor said that vitamin-D enriched mushroom-based recipes are food-based approach that would help to elevate the serum vitamin-D levels of the deficient population. This would have long term benefits with no side effects as compared to health supplements, he added.
Dr Sonika Sharma, Associate Professor, Food and Nutrition, explained that mushrooms (button and oyster) are vegetarian food which contain vitamin-D. The quantity of vitamin-D can be enhanced by exposing the mushrooms to UV radiations and sunlight. The UV treatment button and oyster mushroom powder is rich in proteins, fibre and ash content as compared to other flours, she added.