A Study of Biochemical Parameters (Urinary) in the Assessment of Nutritional Status of School Children (6-12 Years) of Varanasi, U.P.

Evaluating nutritional status by biochemical methods is a more objective and precise approach than the dietary methodology or clinical assessment methods. In recent years, nutritional surveys have seldom been conducted without the inclusion of biochemical estimations. The biological materials (blood/urine/faeces) used for biochemical estimations should be easily collectable, should be stable during transportation and should be unaffected by recent meals. Collection of blood or faeces or 24-hr sample of urine is difficult in a free living population and there are some obvious problems with the collection of random urine sample like size of sample, physical activity, time of collection etc. It leaves overnight or first void morning urine specimen, which would tend to standardize physical activity and liquid consumption prior to collection.