Dr Swarnim Gupta

Swarnim has worked on various projects exploring the potential of fortification, biofortification and dietary diversification approaches in mitigating iron and zinc deficiencies. As a PhD scholar, she addressed the issues of iron deficiency by formulating a diversified Indian diet high in bioavailable iron. During her post-doctoral tenure, she undertook studies that entailed development of bread fortified with novel yeast cell capable of synthesizing haemoglobin, and of a novel compound for iron fortification. In her current role here, Swarnim is contributing to a BBSRC Global Challenges Research funded study that evaluates the potential of a biofortified (agriculture and agronomic) wheat crop to improve zinc and iron status in a resource limited setting in north-west Pakistan.

Additionally, she is also involved in exploring novel biomarkers for assessing zinc status. Swarnim’s other work involves developing a high throughput method for screening plant foods for iron dialyzability using florescent probe and contributing to delivery of an android application to carry out diet surveys in resource limited setting of rural central India. She also conducted a study to explore stakeholder views and voices in the development of incentive mechanisms for promoting positive dietary behaviours among children in north India.

Swarnim serves on the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Editorial Board of Maternal & Child Nutrition (Wiley), an open-access, international, and interdisciplinary journal (Impact Factor 3.7). Alongside her research activities, Swarnim has lectured undergraduate and postgraduate students at UCLan, delivered lectures externally, served as an invited speaker for talks, and facilitated workshops, showcasing her commitment to education and knowledge dissemination.