Dr. Mian Kamran Sharif

Pakistani population is suffering from a variety of nutritional deficiency disorders which range from protein-calorie malnutrition to micronutrient deficiencies like Fe, Zn, Iodine, and vitamin A. Besides micronutrient deficiencies, non-communicable diseases like hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer are also prevalent among the masses. To overcome the menace, there is a dire need to focus on diet diversification and diet modification. My research interest is in the fortification of foods especially dietary staples like wheat & rice, processed foods (like kheer, noodles, VitaRice, puffed rice), composite flour technology, snacks for school nutrition programs and food allergens. I have developed process-based fortification technology for the production of Fe and Zinc fortified puffed rice bar from preboiled rice and extruded nutribars from the co-products of the rice and soy processing industry. I have developed ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) from locally grown raw materials. I am also working on the production of therapeutic foods for the mitigation of non-communicable and lifestyle-associated health disorders. To promote value food entrepreneurship and cottage industry in the country, I am working on the value addition in agricultural commodities through processing, curtailment of postharvest losses, and preparation of syrups, jams, jellies.