Effect of yoga practices on micronutrient absorption in urban residential school children.

The study was done in one residential school in Pune, India, so the results may not apply to other settings or children. Only 32 children in the yoga group and 31 in the control group were analysed after 3 dropouts. The groups had disproportionate numbers of girls and boys, which the authors note may affect the results. The study lasted 12 weeks and had no follow-up. Diet was not controlled or supplemented; both groups ate school canteen food, and the authors say it mostly comprised fast food. The paper describes the outcome as micronutrient absorption, but the measured variables were serum zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium. The yoga programme included many postures, breathing techniques, and chanting, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. The methods do not describe blinding of participants, yoga teachers, or laboratory assessors.

The paper does not give a funding or conflicts declaration. It states that the study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and Research Advisory Board of Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavla, Pune, and that the yoga module, yoga teacher, and physical examination were provided through Kaivalyadhama.

Do not conclude that yoga improves micronutrient absorption or should replace nutrition care. The trial measured blood mineral levels after 12 weeks in one school, did not control diet, and showed no between-group difference for copper.