CHENNAI: From prized turf of cola wars to hubs of a new-found health consciousness, several city schools seem to be making the switch from aerated drinks to nutritive beverages.

Whether or not, school managements have woken up to hard facts about soft drinks, and they are now finding merit in providing young students an alternative to fizz. In the first few schools that have put up vending machines dispensing "health drinks", children can exchange coupons for a steaming cup of Horlicks or Boost.

Practice welcome

Ellen Sharma is one of the schools where the practice has been welcomed by children and their parents. The institution has installed two vending machines, which are refilled every week by company representatives.

"Students seem to be quite happy with the beverages which have some nutritive value," said S. Visalakshi, school principal.

Grace Matriculation Secondary School, which has an enrolment of 1,800 students, is already facing the pressure of high demand on its sole vending machine installed a couple of months back. The fortified beverage is provided against coupons during the morning and evening intervals. The health drink is reported to be most popular among the elementary school-goers. "The response has been good. Now, we'll have to look for personnel to operate these machines before we think of installing more equipment," said Elizabeth Samraj, school principal.

The trend towards health drinks will certainly gladden nutrition experts who have been dismayed over widespread deficiency of micronutrients in modern-day school-goers. A recent study conducted by National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) had observed inadequate intake and lower levels of many essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals in Indian school-goers between the age group of 6 and 16 years.

This had potential to impact negatively on the growth and mental functions of growing children. Supplementation with a micronutrient-fortified beverage can significantly improve micronutrient status, the study stated.

Best place

Schools could perhaps be the best place to inculcate calorie consciousness early and avoid health problems in adult life.

These vending machines fit in well with efforts to make children aware of proper nutrition and benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Many institutions already have various health awareness programs like quiz and seminars to infuse a scientific approach towards healthy living.

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