A novel nutraceutical for childhood malnutrition: Aerva lanata (L.) (Bhadra) fortified goat milk

Abstract BACKGROUND: Childhood malnutrition is a critical issue, especially in countries like India, where 148.1 million children under 5 years suffered from stunting in 2022. A major contributor to this condition is the lack of adequate breast milk, compounded by factors such as stress, poor maternal diet, and insufficient breastfeeding support. This deficiency has fueled a surge in the baby food industry, which often offers products laden with preservatives, artificial flavors, and high sugar levels, posing potential health risks for infants. Consequently, there is an urgent need for safer, healthier, and more effective alternatives. Ayurvedic literature, particularly from Kashyapa Acharya , advocates the use of Aja Ksheera (goat milk) as a substitute for mother’s milk. Arogya kalpadruma suggests enhancing goat milk with Bhadra roots, which are botanically identified as Aerva lanata (L.) A. L. Juss. ex Schultes and administering it with sugar candy to the newborns. This study aims to develop the nutritional profiles of A. lanata ( Bhadra ) fortified goat milk and also to evaluate entire plant as sustainable alternative to the roots. METHODS: Following the recommendations of classical Ayurvedic texts, particularly Arogya Kalpadruma and Kashyapa Samhita , goat milk was processed separately with A. lanata roots and with the whole plant on the principles of Ksheera paka using Dolayantra swedana method. Nutritional analyses were conducted to compare macro-and micronutrient content. RESULTS: Preliminary findings suggest that goat milk fortified with the whole A. lanata plant exhibits a comparable, and in some aspects enhanced, nutritional profile relative to the root-only formulation. The use of the entire plant may offer a more sustainable and equally effective approach without compromising nutritional benefits. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study paves the way for the development of Ayurveda Aahara-compliant pediatric nutrition products. There is a significant potential for integrating such Ayurvedic formulations into the baby food industry, promoting natural and traditional solutions on a broader commercial scale.