Ph.D. (Biochemistry) Defense of Dr. Aslam Khan

Dr. Aslam Khan successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis titled "Long-Term Impact of Preventive Food-Based Supplementation on Plasma Micronutrients and Gut Microbiota in Children" at the Prof Dr. Hafeez Ullah Auditorium, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. The defense was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Zia Ul Haq, along with academicians, scholars, and researchers from different institutions across the country.

His external examiner was Professor Dr. Aamir Ali Sha from the Microbiology Department, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, while his internal examiner was Professor Dr. Robina Nazli, Dean IBMS KMU.

Dr. Aslam Khan, currently serving as a consultant Biochemist in the Pathology department of HHM-MTI, attributed his success to his supervisor, Prof Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Vice-Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, for his invaluable support during the research.

The research conducted a clinical trial on children under the age of 5 years in Kurram District. It found that preventive supplements can improve vitamin A, vitamin D levels, plasma zinc, and Hb levels, significantly reducing undernutrition in children. The trial also revealed a notable impact on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), crucial for intestinal health and proper food absorption.

This significant research has been published in two high-impact international journals, namely Frontiers and Nutrients.