Monica Chilumula

Dr. Monica Chilumula


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 April 2026 in Preprints.org
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MCMonica Chilumula
Monica Chilumula
Abdul Jaleel CPAbdul Jaleel CP
Abdul Jaleel CP
NANimmathota Arlappa
Nimmathota Arlappa
SGSubba Rao M. Gavaravarapu
Subba Rao M. Gavaravarapu
IMIndrapal Meshram
Indrapal Meshram
SCSuryaGoud S. Chukkala
SuryaGoud S. Chukkala
Background: Excess dietary sodium intake is a major modifiable risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) globally. Potassium-Enriched Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS), which partially replace sodium chloride with potassium chloride, are recommended as a population-level sodium-reduction strategy. However, sensory acceptability remains a key barrier to their adoption, particularly in India where discretionary salt use predominates. Objective: To assess whether potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes (15% and 30% potassium chloride) differ from regular salt in perceived saltiness intensity when added to commonly consumed Indian food matrices. Methods: A controlled taste perception assessment was conducted using a screened analytical panel (N = 25) selected according to ISO 8586:2012 standards. Three salt formulations (100% NaCl, 85% NaCl & 15% KCl, and 70 % NaCl+30% KCl) were evaluated across three food matrices representing liquid (buttermilk), semi-solid (dal with roti), and surface-salted (French fries) foods. Saltiness intensity was rated on a five-point ordinal scale. Differences were analysed using Friedman’s test. Results: Across all three food matrices, no statistically significant differences in saltiness intensity were observed between regular salt and potassium-enriched formulations (p > 0.05). Although minor numerical variations in mean ratings and distribution patterns were noted, these differences were inconsistent and did not indicate systematic changes in perceived saltiness. Conclusions: Potassium-enriched LSSS containing up to 30% potassium chloride produced similar saltiness perception to regular salt across representative Indian food matrices when evaluated by trained assessors. These findings support the sensory feasibility of LSSS as a strategy for population-level sodium reduction in India.