Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Perception Regarding Nutrivigilance among MBBS Students

Abstract

Background: Nutrivigilance is considered as “the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects related to the use of a food, dietary supplement, or medical food”. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FASSI)- a regulatory guideline functioning since 2016 to regulate the adulteration of various foods, its adverse effects, bioavailability of Nutraceuticals. Although medical students understand the clinical and adverse events of these Nutraceuticals, we lack sufficient studies to provide evidences that project the therapeutic success of these foods; hence, it is essential to understand the integration of Nutrivigilance into standard clinical practice. Aim and Objectives: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Perception of Nutrivigilance among Phase-2 MBBS students. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in a medical college involving 2nd year MBBS students using a Semi-structured questionnaireto assess their knowledge, Attitude, Practice and perception of Nutrivigilance and Nutraceuticals consumption. Results: A total of 166 medical undergraduates were recruited, and was observed thatknowledge of FSSAI expansion was 91.57% and that of Nutrivigilance was 86.75%. Adverse effects due to intake of food, nutritional supplements and medical foods were observed in 90.96%. Conclusion:There is sufficient knowledge regarding FASSI and Nutrivigilance among the students, but lack the motive to report due to barriers. There is a need to strengthen the health science curriculum concerning this topic and access to scientific and unbiased information with the aim of producing better-informed future health professionals.