The First Step
Facing the Crisis of Hunger and Malnutrition in Thailand
TRACING OUR 50-YEAR JOURNEY
50-Year Journey Real World Impact in Food and Nutrition
Join the 50th Anniversary Scientific Conference, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University
February 11-12, 2027
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
or Online via Zoom Webinar
50
YEARS OF IMPACT
TRACING OUR ORIGINS
50 Years of Knowledge Creation for Better Nutrition for Thai Peopleand Global Society
The Present Step
Research and Innovation in Food Recognized Worldwide
The Next Step
Retracing our journey and driving the new decade together
“To drive research and innovation in food and nutrition to elevate public health, ensure food security,
and support the development of the nation and the global community.”
AROUND THE YEAR
1977
Thailand faced a severe malnutrition crisis, characterized by high rates of stunting, malnutrition, and child mortality. Concurrently, rural families faced a critical shortage of accessible, high-quality protein sources.
The Bladder Stone Crisis (Northeastern Thailand)
Field research revealed a high incidence of bladder stones among rural children, a consequence of the traditional practice of feeding infants mashed rice mixed with banana too early. The Institute was founded to intervene and promote healthier community dietary practices.
Combating Protein-Energy Malnutrition
During this era, many Thai children suffered from severe Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM), resulting in stunted growth and high mortality rates. The Institute was established to provide urgent support to mothers and young children.
Limited Access to Quality Protein
Rural families lacked affordable sources of high-quality protein. In response, our founders developed the “Rice, Bean, and Sesame Formula”—a sustainable, cost-effective, and locally producible solution that empowered communities to be self-reliant.
Hover over or tap each part of the image to reveal its color and learn more about the challenge.
25 JANUARY 1977
The Origins of the Institute of Nutrition
Co-founded on January 25, 1977, under the 4th National Economic and Social Development Plan, the Institute was established to systematically generate knowledge and address national nutritional challenges.
Professor Emeritus Dr.
Aree Valyasevi, M.D., D.Sc.
“Good food and nutrition are essential for disease prevention.”
THE PIONEERING ERA1977–1981
Professor Emeritus Dr.
Sakorn Dhanamitta, M.D., D.Sc.
“The quality of nutrition from the womb is a determining factor for the future potential of the entire population.”
DIGITAL MUSEUM
Royal Patronage
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening of the Institute’s building. Her Royal Highness has graciously supported the Institute in hosting academic seminars and has honored the Institute with her presence annually for 15 consecutive years to further her academic knowledge.
HISTORICAL RECORD
5 Decades of TransitionHistorical Record
DECADE 1
Research to combat malnutrition and lay the foundation of national nutrition.
RESEARCH
Combating childhood malnutrition, formulating dietary supplements, and conducting multidisciplinary community nutrition research.
NATIONAL IMPACT
Elevating research into national plans, promoting sustainable rural health, and establishing master’s degree programs.
GLOBAL CONNECTION
Elevating research as a regional model and hosting the historic Asian Congress of Nutrition.
- Conducting research to solve malnutrition in the Thai population, particularly protein, energy, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies in children.
- Formulating dietary supplements for children using locally appropriate ingredients and technology.
- Conducting multidisciplinary action research in community nutrition and rural development.
- Utilizing research findings as national plans to address malnutrition.
- Launching the first Master’s degree program in Nutrition in the academic year 1977.
- Hosting the 4th Asian Congress of Nutrition (1983) for the first time in Thailand.
DECADE 2
From addressing malnutrition to preventing diseases and ensuring food safety.
RESEARCH
Shifting focus to preventive research, developing health food products, and establishing a nutrition database linked to industry.
NATIONAL IMPACT
Elevating the Thai food industry, launching a food analysis service center, and developing specialized curricula to meet national needs.
GLOBAL CONNECTION
Globally recognized with international awards and selected as a Joint Coordinating Centre with WHO and FAO.
- Shifting direction toward research on preventing overnutrition and food safety.
- Developing healthy food products and conducting research to modify dietary behaviors.
- Developing Thai and ASEAN food databases, with research commercialized in the industrial sector.
- Launching nutrient analysis services and establishing the Academic Service Office (1989).
- Launching new curricula in Food and Nutrition for Development (1992) and Toxicology (1995).
- In 1992, awarded the Food & Nutrition Silver Medal and designated as a WHO Coordinating Centre.
- Designated by FAO as one of 16 global centers of excellence in food quality and safety.
DECADE 3
Driving food and nutrition policy with empirical evidence.
RESEARCH
Conducting life-course nutrition research, addressing hidden hunger, establishing nutrition labeling, and enhancing the value of Thai staple foods.
NATIONAL IMPACT
Pioneering the nation’s first nutrition labeling and co-driving national food and nutrition policies.
GLOBAL CONNECTION
Collaborating closely with global organizations to drive Thai research into international policy-making and global recognition.
- Conducting comprehensive research on both preventing overnutrition and addressing hidden hunger.
- Conducting food and nutrition research across the life course.
- Surveying the dietary consumption of the Thai population.
- Researching food fortification in popular staple foods, rice for nutrition, and food safety.
- Being the first agency in Thailand to successfully develop nutrition labeling.
- Supporting the formulation of national food and nutrition policies.
- Working closely with international organizations.
- Research findings being applied at the policy level and recognized in international arenas.
DECADE 4
Developing food innovations to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and support an aging society.
RESEARCH
Focusing on R&D of health foods, medical foods, and nutrition databases to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and support an aging society.
NATIONAL IMPACT
Driving national initiatives by revising food laws, campaigning to reduce sweet/fatty/salty diets, and commercializing research with industry.
GLOBAL CONNECTION
Expanding research and database collaborations with domestic and international partners, achieving global recognition.
- Focusing on preventive NCDs research and an aging society, such as developing rice varieties to help control blood sugar and manage weight.
- Developing health foods, medical foods, and specialized diets for the elderly.
- Developing INMUCAL-Nutrients V.3, Thai School Lunch, Thai Food Composition Tables, and Healthier Choice Logo.
- Establishing "Center of Innovation and Reference on Food for Nutrition (CIRFON)" and "Sensory Science for Good Nutrition Research Unit (SSBN)".
- Collaborating with government networks to modernize outdated food laws.
- Campaigning to reduce sugar, fat, sodium, and promoting daily fruit and vegetable consumption of 400g.
- Driving research commercialization in collaboration with the industrial sector.
- Expanding collaborations with public, private, and national/international research organizations.
- Achieving widespread recognition and application of research findings and database systems.
DECADE 5
Research for sustainable well-being and quality of life.
RESEARCH
Conducting proactive research to combat NCDs and support an aging society, developing national nutrition programs, and establishing specialized innovation centers.
NATIONAL IMPACT
Co-reforming food laws, campaigning to reduce sweet/fatty/salty diets, and driving research commercialization.
GLOBAL CONNECTION
Expanding collaborations across all sectors domestically and internationally, driving Thai research and databases toward global recognition.
- Developing Thai Food Composition Database, INMUCAL, KidDairy & Thai School Lunch, and recipe databases to support research, menu planning, and nutritional assessment.
- Applying Big Data, Omics technology, and biomarkers to develop precision nutrition and personalized healthcare.
- Conducting R&D on health foods, medical foods, bioactive compounds, and local food innovations for sustainability.
- Developing nutritional profiling systems, driving sweet/fatty/salty reduction initiatives, and setting national sodium targets.
- Developing healthy food systems, ranging from school lunches for Thai children to diets for patients and specific populations.
- Supporting healthy food product design and elevating laboratory standards for the food industry.
- Driving sweet, fatty, and salty reduction policies and developing national sodium standards for foods.
- Being appointed as a Center of Excellence for molecular food research under the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (The Rockefeller Foundation) - PTFI Center of Excellence (Asia).
- Driving international collaborations with global food and nutrition organizations and world-class universities.
- Serving as a regional hub in Asia for research, training, and technology transfer to foster food security, health, and sustainable food systems.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE
Entering a New Decade
Strategic Roadmap for the Future
SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE INVITATION