Abstract
Introduction:
Infancy requires high nutrition, with breast milk sufficient for six months but inadequate afterward. This study evaluates the safety, nutrition, and efficacy of Ayurvedic Nutritive Powder (ANP) as a weaning food to fill this gap.
Methodology
Ingredients were roasted, processed into a powder, analyzed for physico-chemical, phytochemical, and nutritional properties.
Twenty-day-old Wistar rat pups were divided into test and control groups. The test group received ANP at 40 g/kg body weight for 90 days. Histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys were performed, and biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, serum urea, and alkaline phosphatase were measured.
Healthy infants aged 6-12 months visiting Kaumarbhritya OPD were enrolled and randomly assigned to Group A (ANP with home-based food and breastfeeding) or Group B (home-based food and breastfeeding only). Both groups were observed for 45 days, with follow-ups and assessments every 15 days for weight, height, and other growth parameters.
Results & Discussion
This study evaluated the nutritional composition and safety of ANP, a substance containing 81.8% carbohydrates, 12.12% proteins, 7.4 mg/100g iron, and 84.1 mg/100g calcium. Preclinical testing showed no toxicity, with normal histopathology and significant reductions in blood glucose, urea, and alkaline phosphatase. In a clinical study, Group A supplemented with ANP exhibited significantly greater weight gain (450g) than Group B (230g), though height increases were similar. No significant changes were observed between groups in head, chest, or mid-arm circumferences.
Conclusion
ANP is a safe and effective complementary food for infants during weaning. Its high nutritional value supports growth, reduces malnutrition, and promotes healthy weight gain. Preclinical and clinical studies confirm its safety and efficacy in improving infant development.

Key words: Ayurvedic Nutritive Powder, Weaning Food, Complementary Feeding, Infant Nutrition, safety Study.