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ICMR recommends closed-lid cooking to reduce cooking time and nutrient loss. Cooking vegetables and green leafy vegetables do change colour but minimise nutrient loss.

ICMR suggests covering food with a lid while cooking, here's why

<h2>ICMR recommends closed-lid cooking to reduce cooking time and nutrient loss. Cooking vegetables and green leafy vegetables do change colour but minimise nutrient loss.</h2>

In its recent dietary guideline, ICMR has suggested closing the lid while cooking. According to ICMR, when cooking is done with lid open, food takes longer to get cooked and exposure to air accelerates nutrient loss.
In closed-lid cooking, food gets cooked quickly and nutrients are better retained because of the shorter cooking time. During closed-lid cooking vegetables and green leafy vegetables do change colour but minimise nutrient loss.
<h3>Why cooking food properly is important</h3>
Safety: Proper cooking kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses.
Digestibility: Cooking makes food easier to digest by breaking down complex proteins, starches, and fibres.
Nutrient Absorption: Proper cooking enhances the bioavailability of certain nutrients, making them easier for the body to absorb.
Flavor and Texture: Cooking improves the taste, aroma, and texture of food, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Preservation: Cooking can extend the shelf life of food by reducing the moisture content and killing spoilage microorganisms.
<h3>Healthy cooking methods</h3>
The ICMR recommends opting for cooking methods such as pressure cooking or steaming over deep frying or roasting, as these methods tend to preserve more nutrients. The guidelines highlight that steaming is particularly effective in boosting the levels of antioxidants and polyphenols in vegetables and greens.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/india-s-aamras-ranks-first-in-world-s-best-rated-dishes-with-mango-aam-chutney-takes-5th-spot-1718258319758">India's Aamras ranks first in world's 'Best-Rated Dishes With Mango', aam chutney takes 5th spot</a>

ICMR in its dietary guideline has advised to use whole spices instead of powdered ones as they are less adulterated and do not get contaminated easily. 

ICMR advises using whole spices instead of powdered ones, know why

<h2>ICMR in its dietary guideline has advised to use whole spices instead of powdered ones as they are less adulterated and do not get contaminated easily.&nbsp;</h2>

Recently, (Indian Council of Medical Research) ICMR launched 17 health and dietary guidelines for Indians. One of them was about the usage of whole spices instead of powdered ones. The guideline said that powdered spices are more likely to be adulterated but whole spices are uniform in colour, size and shape.
<h3>Prefer whole spices for cooking</h3>
The body also said that natural toxins and various chemical residues, present beyond permissible levels, make packaged or powdered products unsafe. Hence, we should prefer whole spices for cooking and also buy certified products only.
ICMR has brought these guidelines amid the time when alot of packaged masala brands have been under scrutiny for adding adulterated chemicals and some health drinks like Bournvita and Horlicks have been accused of adding too much sugar in their products.
Among the 17 guidelines of ICMR, one also stated the right amount of sugar one should consume in a day. The regulatory body has stictly advised to not feed sugar to children below two years old.
Also watch: <a title="No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years" href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/no-sugar-for-kids-aged-2-icmr-nin-issue-new-dieatary-guidelines-for-indians-after-13-years-1715324139251">No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years</a>
<h3>Benefits of consuming whole spices</h3>
According to a report by The Indian Express, there are plenty of benefits of using whole spices in cooking:
<ol>
<li>Whole spices maintain their essential oils and nutrients, delivering superior flavor and health benefits.</li>
<li>Freshly grinding whole spices ensures they remain fresh and potent.</li>
<li>Whole spices contribute depth, complexity, and aroma to dishes, enriching the culinary experience.</li>
</ol>
Also watch: <a title="ICMR's new dietary guideline advises limiting consumption of tea-coffee and avoid alcohol, know here" href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/health/icmr-s-new-dietary-guideline-advises-limiting-consumption-of-tea-coffee-and-avoid-alcohol-know-here-1715684368619">ICMR's new dietary guideline advises limiting consumption of tea-coffee and avoid alcohol, know here</a>

ICMR advises portion control, more vegetables, lean protein, and healthy snacks for women unable to exercise regularly due to many responsibilities.

ICMR guidelines: Recommends dietary plan for working women who do not exercise regularly

<h2>ICMR advises portion control, more vegetables, lean protein, and healthy snacks for women unable to exercise regularly due to many responsibilities.</h2>

Due to many responsibilities and work, many women find it challenging to exercise regularly. &nbsp;While regular exercise is widely recognised as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, not everyone has the time or ability to engage in physical activity consistently.&nbsp; To deal with such situations, ICMR has provided dietary guidelines for women who do not exercise.
<h3>ICMR's guidelines on women's exercise</h3>
<h3>Control Portions</h3>
Portion control is essential to avoid overeating. Keep your food portions limited to prevent consuming excess calories.
<h3>Eat Vegetables</h3>
Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary for good health. Cook vegetables with minimal oil by stir-frying or steaming to retain their nutrients.
<h3>Consume Lean Protein</h3>
Protein helps strengthen muscles and provides energy. Include lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes in your diet.
<h3>Choose Healthy Snacking Options</h3>
Opt for healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, yogurt, and whole grain biscuits. These provide essential nutrients and help avoid unhealthy snacking.
<h3>Stay Hydrated</h3>
Regular water intake is crucial. Staying hydrated ensures all body functions run smoothly and keeps your skin healthy.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/is-there-a-perfect-time-to-consume-proteins-for-best-results-here-s-what-we-know-1716981475899"> Is there a perfect time to consume proteins for best results? Here's what we know</a>

The DG of the top medical body on May 20 said the study had no control arm of unvaccinated individuals for comparing the rates of events between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.

ICMR disassociates itself from BHU study on Covaxin side effects

The DG of the top medical body on May 20 said the study had no control arm of unvaccinated individuals for comparing the rates of events between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.

The Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl on Monday criticised a recently published study on the long-term safety analysis of the Covaxin in adults and adolescents for its poor methodology and design, and clarified the article misleadingly and erroneously "acknowledges" ICMR.
Dr Bahl said the study had no control arm of unvaccinated individuals for comparing the rates of events between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Hence, the reported events in the study cannot be linked or attributed to COVID-19 vaccination.
The ICMR is not associated with the study and has not provided any financial or technical support for the research, Dr Bahl said.
The ICMR DG has written a letter to the authors of the paper and Editor of the journal to immediately remove the acknowledgement to ICMR and publish an erratum.
A research paper, titled 'Long-Term Safety Analysis of the BBVl52 Coronavirus Vaccine in Adolescents and Adults: Findings from a l-Year Prospective Study in North India' stated that nearly one-third of the 926 participants in the study who received Bharat Biotech's anti-Covid vaccine Covaxin reported 'adverse events of special interest,' or AESI.
Dr Bahl said that ICMR was acknowledged for research support without any prior approval of or intimation to ICMR, which is inappropriate and unacceptable. He stated that ICMR cannot be associated with this poorly designed study which purports to present a "safety analysis" of Covaxin due to several critical flaws.
He said the study does not even provide background rates of observed events in the population, making it impossible to assess the change in incidence of observed events in the post-vaccination period. Baseline information of study participants is missing.
The study tool used is inconsistent with 'Adverse Events of Special Interest (AESI)' as defined in the reference provided in the paper for AESI.
The method of data collection has a high risk of bias, he said.
Study participants were contacted telephonically one year after vaccination and their responses were recorded without any confirmation with clinical records or by physician examination, he pointed out.
Dr Bahl also noted that similar acknowledgements to ICMR have been made in previous papers without permission, raising concerns about the authors' practices.
"The authors have been urged to immediately rectify the acknowledgment to ICMR and publish an erratum. Additionally, they are asked to address the methodological concerns raised. Failure to do so may prompt ICMR to consider legal and administrative action," he said.
The Editor has been asked to retract the paper which implicitly makes conclusions on vaccine safety which are not supported by evidence.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Banaras Hindu University from January 2022 to August 2023, stated that nearly 50 per cent of 926 study participants in the study complained of infections during the follow-up period, predominated by viral upper respiratory tract infections.
Serious AESI, which included stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome, were reported in one per cent of individuals, the study, which looked at long-term safety of the BBV152 (Covaxin) vaccine in adolescents and adults, claimed.
The study involved 635 adolescents and 291 adults, who received the BBV152 vaccine.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/risk-of-clotting-due-to-covid-perhaps-100-times-more-than-vaccine-soumya-swaminathan-1716194790673">Risk of clotting due to Covid perhaps 100 times more than vaccine: Soumya Swaminathan</a>

ICMR warns against high fat, sugar, salt in home-cooked meals linking them to obesity, inflammation, hypertension, and kidney disease.

This is the reason why your home-cooked meal is unhealthy, ICMR explains 

<h2>ICMR warns against high fat, sugar, salt in home-cooked meals linking them to obesity, inflammation, hypertension, and kidney disease.</h2>

According to the new guidelines of ICMR, home-cooked meals can be unhealthy if prepared with high fat, sugar, or salt.
Foods that are high in fat and sugar contain a lot of calories and are low in micronutrients and fibre, which can lead to conditions like obesity.
As per the ICMR, high-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet and also increases the risk of hypertension and kidney disease.
The ICMR also urged people to read the information provided on the label to make healthier choices.
<h3>Why high-sugar, salt foods are unhealthy?</h3>
The researchers at the medical panel stated that when foods are high in fat and sugar, they contain a lot of calories that lead to conditions like obesity.
It also deprives one from taking healthy foods that provide essential macronutrients (amino acids and fats), fibre and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bio-active substances," according to the guidelines.
Lack of essential amino acids, fatty acids and micronutrients in the diet can cause conditions like anaemia (when body products less red blood cells), affect cognition (brain function), learning ability, and memory and increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases (such as type 2 diabetes and obesity).
High-fat or high-sugar foods cause inflammation and affect the gut microbiota, which changes quickly with diet. This increases the risk of NCDs. Foods with high salt increase the risk of hypertension and tax the kidneys. Hence, high salt intake is unhealthy," it stated.
Also watch:<a href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/summer-treat-make-this-healthy-mango-oats-pudding-at-home-in-minutes-jot-down-the-recipe-1715769572963"> Summer treat: Make this healthy mango-oats pudding at home in minutes, jot down the recipe</a>

ICMR has introduced new dietary guidelines for Indians. From limiting tea and coffee to alcohol, the guideline advises Indians to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid risks of chronic diseases.

ICMR's new dietary guideline advises limiting consumption of tea-coffee and avoid alcohol, know here

<h2>ICMR has introduced new dietary guidelines for Indians. From limiting tea and coffee to alcohol, the guideline advises Indians to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid risks of chronic diseases.</h2>

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recently released revised National Dietary Guidelines for Indians.&nbsp;
In the 17 dietary guidelines, shared by the regulatory body has guided Indians to limit sugar, salt and also has mentioned how harmful protein supplements are. According to ICMR about 57% of Indians tolerate the burden of diseases due to unhealthy diet.
<h3>ICMR's guide on consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol</h3>
As per the latest ICMR guidelines, drinking tea and coffee should be avoided at least one hour before and after meals. Consuming these beverages just around mealtime interferes with iron absorption and puts one at a risk of developing anaemia.
According to the 'Dietary Guidelines for Indians' consumption of these beverages should be limited. The ICMR advises a daily intake of just 300mg of caffeine.
<h3>ICMR dietary guideline also advises to avoid alcohol</h3>
The guideline states that alcohol consumption in excess hinders with absorption of nutrients and causes various deficiencies in the body.
People are at a higher risk of heart attack and hypertention if they consume more than 60 ml of ethyl alcohol.
<h3>Tips to minimise adverse effects of alcohol</h3>
<ul>
<li>Minismise consumption as much as you can</li>
<li>Have water after every drink</li>
<li>Choose for dilute and lighter drinks</li>
<li>Have hydrating fruits like apples, cucumber alongwith your drinks</li>
<li>Have detox drinks like green tea, infused water regularly to keep your liver safe</li>
</ul>
Also watch: <a title="No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years" href="https://www.editorji.com/lifestyle-news/food/no-sugar-for-kids-aged-2-icmr-nin-issue-new-dieatary-guidelines-for-indians-after-13-years-1715324139251">No sugar for kids, no protein supplements for adults: ICMR's new dietary guidelines after 13 years</a>

A recent study by ICMR revealed that COVID-19 did not increase the risk of sudden death among young adults in India.

ICMR study reveals COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of sudden death

A recent study by ICMR revealed that COVID-19 did not increase the risk of sudden death among young adults in India.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research or ICMR has highlighted that vaccines administered for COVID-19 did not increase the risk of sudden death among young adults in India. They further stated that it was because of the post-Covid hospitalisation, and certain lifestyles that are likely the underlying causes and history of sudden death.&nbsp;
In the study, there was a participation of 47 tertiary care hospitals across India. Other than this, there were also causes of people who were healthy and aged 18-45 years without any co-morbidity, who suddenly died of unexplained causes during October 2021- March 2023.&nbsp;
The study also mentioned, "Lifestyle factors such as current smoking status, alcohol use frequency, recent binge drinking, recreational drug/substance use and vigorous-intensity activity were positively associated with unexplained sudden death."
The study also noted that there is some evidence for the increased risk of death among COVID-19-recovered individuals and among those with breakthrough infections, the evidence for sudden deaths among such individuals is scarce.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/nipah-has-extremely-high-mortality-rate-far-deadlier-than-covid-icmr-dg-1694796321152">Nipah has extremely high mortality rate, far deadlier than COVID: ICMR DG</a>

Prolonged illness, lingering cough: IRMC reveals cause of flu gripping several parts of India

Influenza A subtype H3N2: Prolonged illness, lingering cough: what is this covid-like flu? ICMR explains

Prolonged illness, lingering cough: what is this covid-like flu? ICMR explains

They have also suggested a list of Dos and Don'ts for people to follow to protect themselves from contracting the virus.

A persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever, running through India for the past two-three months is due to Influenza A subtype H3N2, ICMR experts said.
The H3N2, which has been in wide circulation for the past two-three months, causes more hospitalisations than other subtypes, said Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists who keep a close watch on ailments caused by respiratory viruses through the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories network.
They have also suggested a list of Dos and Don'ts for people to follow to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), on the other hand, has advised against indiscriminate use of antibiotics amid rising cases of cough, cold and nausea across the country.
Seasonal fever will last five to seven days, it said.
The fever goes away at the end of three days but the cough can persist for up to three weeks, the IMA's Standing Committee for Anti-Microbial Resistance said.
Viral cases have also surged due to air pollution, it said, adding that it mostly occurs in people aged below 15 and above 50 and causes upper respiratory infections along with fever.
The association also asked doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics.
"Right now, people start taking antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav etc, that too without caring for done and frequency and stop it once start feeling better. This needs to be stopped as it leads to antibiotic resistance. Whenever there will be a real use of antibiotics, they will not work due to the resistance," the IMA said in a statement.
The most misused antibiotics are Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Oprofloxacin, Ofloxacin and Levofloxacin. These are being used for the treatment of diarrhoea and UTI, it said.
"We have already seen widespread use of Azithromycin and Ivermectin during Covid and this too has led to resistance. It is necessary to diagnose whether the infection is bacterial or not before prescribing antibiotics," it said.

"The contents of the ICMR website are safe. The site is hosted at NIC Data Centre, hence the firewall is from NIC which they regularly update. The attack has been prevented successfully," the official said. 

After AIIMS, ransomware attack on ICMR website detected, but foiled

The official said that hackers apparently from Hong Kong tried to attack the website of the Indian Council of Medical Research around 6000 times in a span of 24 hours on November 30.

The official said that hackers apparently from Hong Kong tried to attack the website of the Indian Council of Medical Research around 6000 times in a span of 24 hours on November 30.

Hackers allegedly tried to breach the website of the apex health research body ICMR but their attempts have been foiled, according to a government official.
The official said that hackers apparently from Hong Kong tried to attack the website of the Indian Council of Medical Research around 6000 times in a span of 24 hours on November 30.
The attacks come close to the heels of the alleged ransomware attack that had paralysed AIIMS online services here.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/aiims-delhi-reports-server-failure-suspects-ransomware-attack-1669223924560">AIIMS-Delhi reports server failure, suspects ransomware attack</a>
"The contents of the ICMR website are safe. The site is hosted at NIC Data Centre, hence the firewall is from NIC which they regularly update. The attack has been prevented successfully," the official said.

Days after India's drugs regulator cleared Molnupiravir, the ICMR said that it has not been included in the national task force treatment protocol.

Explained: Safety concerns over Covid drug Molnupiravir. Cleared by DCGI, red-flagged by ICMR

((SHORT OPENING BYTE))
 BYTEDR BALRAM BHARGAVA, DIRECTOR GENERAL, I.C.M.R. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgBLVNGSyxk
&nbsp; (1:03:09 - 1:03:15)
This drug has major safety concerns.
&nbsp;
 ((TESTING, HOSPITAL VISUALS))
 VO: Even as Covid cases see a fresh surge in many parts of India, confusion is spreading about a drug believed to have been an important addition to doctors' arsenal.
&nbsp;
 ((MOLNUPIRAVIR VISUALS)) https://bit.ly/31xZsv2
&nbsp;
VO:&nbsp;Just days after India's drugs regulator cleared Covid medicine molnupiravir, the Indian Council of Medical Research has expressed concerns about its safety.
 VO:&nbsp;The drug, which claims to hamper the Covid virus' ability to replicate inside the patient's body, has been kept out of the recommended treatment protocol.
 VO:&nbsp;Here is what the ICMR chief said.
&nbsp;
 BYTE
DR BALRAM BHARGAVA, DIRECTOR GENERAL, I.C.M.R. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgBLVNGSyxk
&nbsp; (1:02:45 - 1:03:20) JAN 5, 2022 YOUTUBE: PIB INDIA
 The important point regarding Molnupiravir is the following. First of all, the US has approved it only based on 1,433 patients with a 3% reduction in moderate disease when given in mild cases. However, we have to remember that this drug has major safety concerns. It can cause teratogenicity, and what you have mentioned, mutagenicity.
&nbsp;
 ((MOLNUPIRAVIR VISUALS)) https://bit.ly/31xZsv2
 On December 28 last year, the CDSCO had cleared molnupiravir for restricted use in emergency situations.
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - WHAT IS MOLNUPIRAVIR?
 DEVELOPED BY PHARMA MAJOR MERCK AND RIDGEBACK BIOTHERAPEUTICS ORIGINALLY MADE TO TREAT INFLUENZA; REPURPOSED FOR COVID CLAIMS TO INHIBIT&nbsp;REPLICATION OF COVID VIRUS INSIDE THE BODY DRUG INCORPORATES ITSELF INTO THE R.N.A. OF THE COVID VIRUS DRUG CAUSES MUTATIONS IN VIRUS TO PREVENT IT FROM REPLICATING SOME CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT DRUG POSSIBLY CAUSING MUTATIONS WHICH MAKE VIRUS STRONGER CONCERNS ALSO RAISED ABOUT DRUG POSSIBLY CAUSING MUTATIONS IN HUMAN DNA CLINICAL TRIAL SHOWED 30% REDUCTION IN HOSPITALISATION, DEATH OF HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS IN EARLY COURSE OF ILLNESS
 *AS PER REPORTS
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: It was originally developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics to treat influenza but was repurposed for Covid. It claims to inhibit replication of the virus inside the body by incorporating itself into Sars-CoV-2's RNA and causing mutations. However, concerns have been raised about molnupiravir possibly causing mutations which make the virus stronger, and even more significantly, causing mutations in human DNA itself. Clinical trials involving high-risk individuals had shown a 30% reduction in hospitalisation and deaths in the early course of the illness.
&nbsp;
 ((HOSPITAL FILE VISUALS))
 Last month, the CDSCO had recommended a 5-day course of molnupiravir in specific cases.
&nbsp;
 ((GFX)) HEADER - HOW TO USE MOLNUPIRAVIR
 RECOMMENDED DOSE OF 800 MG TWICE DAILY FOR 5 DAYS FOR ADULTS WITH OXYGEN SATURATION ABOVE 93% FOR ADULTS AT HIGH RISK INCLUDING HOSPITALISATION OR DEATH
 *C.D.S.C.O. AS PER REPORTS
&nbsp;
 VO ON GFX: The Indian regulator cleared a 200mg capsule of the medicine with a recommended dose of 800 mg twice daily for 5 days. It was meant for adults with oxygen saturation above 93% who are at high risk of hospitalisation or death due to Covid.
&nbsp;
 ((HOSPITAL FILE VISUALS))
 VO: But the ICMR listed a host of side-effects which it feels outweigh the benefits.
&nbsp;
 BYTE DR BALRAM BHARGAVA, DIRECTOR GENERAL, I.C.M.R. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgBLVNGSyxk
(1:03:21 - 1:03:51, 1:04:00 - 1:04:08) JAN 5, 2022 YOUTUBE: PIB INDIA
&nbsp;
It can also cause cartilage damage and damage muscles also. More importantly, contraception will have to be done for 3 months if this drug is given for male and female, because the child born could be problematic with teratogenic influences. So, it is not included in the national task force treatment.&nbsp;We still have concerns about pregnancy, lactation, children, soft tissue injury, reproductive age group, history of infection, vaccinations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((MOLNUPIRAVIR VISUALS)) https://bit.ly/31xZsv2
 VO: Molnupiravir has also been approved in the UK and US, although ICMR said that it is yet to be included in the treatment plans cleared by the UK and the World Health Organisation.
&nbsp;

<div>Days after India's drugs regulator cleared Molnupiravir, the ICMR said that it has not been included in the national task force treatment protocol.</div>

Even as Covid cases see a fresh surge in many parts of India, confusion is spreading about a drug believed to have been an important addition to doctors' arsenal.
Just days after India's drugs regulator cleared Covid medicine Molnupiravir, the Indian Council of Medical Research has expressed concerns about its safety. The drug, which claims to hamper the Covid virus' ability to replicate inside the patient's body, has been kept out of the national task force's recommended treatment protocol.
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/1-17-lakh-new-covid-cases-in-24-hours-daily-spike-tops-1-lakh-after-9-months-1641528904677" target="_blank">Covid cases in India: 1.17 lakh in 24 hours, daily spike tops 1 lakh after 7 months</a>
 ICMR director general Dr Balram Bhargava, while addressing the media, said, "The important point regarding Molnupiravir is the following. First of all, the US has approved it only based on 1,433 patients with a 3% reduction in moderate disease when given in mild cases. However, we have to remember that this drug has major safety concerns. It can cause teratogenicity, and what you have mentioned, mutagenicity."
 On December 28 last year, the CDSCO had cleared Molnupiravir for restricted use in emergency situations.&nbsp;The Indian regulator cleared a 200 mg capsule of the medicine with a recommended dose of 800 mg twice daily for 5 days. It was meant for adults with oxygen saturation above 93% who are at high risk of hospitalisation or death due to Covid.
 It was originally developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics to treat influenza but was repurposed for Covid. It claims to inhibit replication of the virus inside the body by incorporating itself into Sars-CoV-2's RNA and causing mutations. However, concerns have been raised about Molnupiravir possibly causing mutations which make the virus stronger, and even more significantly, causing mutations in human DNA itself. Clinical trials involving high-risk individuals had shown a 30% reduction in hospitalisation and deaths in the early course of the illness.
 Listing possible side-effects, Dr Bhargava said that the drug can cause cartilage and muscle damage. "More importantly, contraception will have to be done for 3 months if this drug is given for male and female, because the child born could be problematic with teratogenic influences. So, it is not included in the national task force treatment.&nbsp;We still have concerns about pregnancy, lactation, children, soft tissue injury, reproductive age group, history of infection, vaccinations," he said.
 Molnupiravir has also been approved in the UK and US, although ICMR said that it is yet to be included in the treatment plans cleared by the UK and the World Health Organisation.
&nbsp;

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