Research Profile
History and Background
Since its establishment, the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University (INMU) has continued to conduct research to support the government in solving the nation’s nutritional challenges. These challenges have evolved over time due to changes in the economy, society and the environment. Results of the Institute’s research studies have been transferred to responsible local, national and international organizations to be used for addressing their malnutrition and food safety problems. Information is also shared through mass media to encourage a better public understanding of food and nutrition and promote a better quality of life for people living in Thailand.
First Decade (1977-1986)
In its first decade, the Institute focused on tackling severe malnutrition among low-income mothers and children living in rural areas. The studies that had the greatest impact on people’s health and the development of the country and region were as follows:
Bladder Stone
Low protein along with consumption of high oxalate vegetables can cause an excessively high accumulation of oxalate crystals which form into stones in the urinary bladder. Research showed that this problem could be solved by drinking more water and consuming high protein foods, such as meat and legumes that are high in phosphorus.
Nutrition Health and Human Resources in Village Level Project (Nong Hai Project)
Appropriate measures for solving the nutrition problems of mothers and children living in rural communities were developed through the collaboration of four main agencies: the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of the Interior. The project resulted in sustainable community development and has been used as a model for other villages throughout the country.
Development of Complementary Food for Communities
An appropriate measures for solving the nutrition problems of mothers and children living in rural communities were developed through the collaboration of four main agencies: the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of the Interior. The project resulted in sustainable community development and has been used as a model for other villages throughout the country.
Eating habits of the Thai people
Eating cultures and beliefs were studied in order to develop healthy consumption habits and improve the quality of life of the Thai people. Through cooperating with academics in the region, we gained a better understanding of the causes of prevailing food beliefs and could then efficiently correct improper eating habits.
Anemia in pregnant women
Iron supplementation at 120 mg/day during the middle period of pregnancy could prevent anemia in pregnant women. This successful program’s goals were achieved through nutrition education with the cooperation and assistance of village health volunteers.
Second decade (1987-1996)
The change from an agriculturally-based economy to an export-driven industrially-based one led to the urbanization of Thai society. This change also led to an increase in over-nutrition among children and adults on the one hand, along with micronutrient deficiencies on the other. The co-existence of these two nutritional problems is known as a “double burden”. People also became more interested in foods that have physiological functions.
Food fortification and nutrient bioavailability
Food products fortified with nutrients, such as vitamin A, iron, iodine and calcium, were developed to solve micronutrient deficiency in the Thai population. Furthermore, the fortified products were tested for nutrient bioavailability both in vitro and in vivo.
Food product development to solve the overnutrition problem and its effect on the body
To help combat overnutrition, food products and ingredients containing low sodium, low sugar, low calories, high fiber and modified fatty acid profile were developed and tested for their efficacy in humans. Some of the technologies developed have since been transferred to industry for commercial production and distribution.
Food safety
Food additives suspected of being related to cancer, as well as preventive measures for mutagenicity, were investigated using the Ames’ Test. Additionally, research studies were conducted on practical ways of solving food safety problems in products developed by small and medium producers.
Nutrition labeling preparation
The Institute of Nutrition became the first agency in Thailand capable of providing a complete analytical service for US nutrition labeling. This later led to research for developing nutrition labeling in Thailand.
Database of nutritional values of Thai foods
As the Center of ASEAN Network of Food Data System of ASEANFOODS, under the International Network of Food Data System: INFOODS, the Institute compiled a database on the nutritional values of foods in Thailand and other ASEAN countries and systematically developed print and electronic databases of them.
Communication for nutrition development and promotion
The social marketing of vitamin-A-rich foods using locally-available products and practical methods of effective communication was a hallmark of INMU’s research history. Using an applied research perspective, the focus was on research for action, one that continues today in Thailand and other countries in the region.
Third decade (1997-2006)
In line with the National Economic and Social Development Plan, the Institute emphasized human development, especially in very young children, to promote “health for all” in Thailand and to improve nutrition literacy.
Application of a multidisciplinary approach in solving Thailand’s “double burden” was used and demonstrated through many in-depth research studies.
Application of a multidisciplinary approach in solving Thailand’s “double burden” was used and demonstrated through many in-depth research studies.
Evaluation of nutritional status
The Institute conducted a National Food Consumption Survey as a means of evaluating nutrition sufficiency and the risk of food safety. In addition, a software program was developed as a tool for evaluating nutritional status.
Thai food research
The Institute conducted complete research on “Thai Food”, from nutritive values and phytochemicals to healthy recipe development and the selection of healthy menu sets, including their role in preventing non-communicable chronic diseases.
Communication and nutrition habit improvement among children and teenagers
This research study focused on improving overall nutrition among young people with an emphasis on communication and food habit improvement. The project received an award for benefiting community health, presented by the National Health Foundation, The Thai Research Fund, and the World Health Organization.
Proactive food and nutrition
The Institute, in cooperation with the Nutrition Division of the Ministry of Health, established a network focused on proactive food and nutrition to promote the nutritional status of infants and children so that they might achieve their full physical and mental potential. In addition, the project aimed to prevent the risk of overnutrition in children, as well as promoting healthy eating habits to prevent chronic diseases in the general population.
Current research studies
In its fourth decade (2007-2017), the Institute is still conducting many research studies that have carried over from previous decades in order to add new knowledge and to promote sustainability. In addition, the Institute is responding to the needs of Thailand’s ever-aging population. Research studies in this decade are focused on offering appropriate guidance for the elderly in terms of improving their nutrition and quality of life so that they can continue to be valuable contributors to their own and the nation’s development.
As always, the Institute cooperates with government and private sectors to undertake research studies on food and nutrition security within the food chain, paying special attention to food quality, nutritive values, food safety and food/nutrition education. Our research studies respond to government policy to solve the prevailing national food and nutrition problems in order to improve the quality of life of our population and to promote the nation’s food exports.
As always, the Institute cooperates with government and private sectors to undertake research studies on food and nutrition security within the food chain, paying special attention to food quality, nutritive values, food safety and food/nutrition education. Our research studies respond to government policy to solve the prevailing national food and nutrition problems in order to improve the quality of life of our population and to promote the nation’s food exports.
Current research studies are categorized into five main groups, namely:
- Thai food/health food,
- Nutritious food product development,
- Food safety, toxicology and safety management systems,
- Nutrition and Dietetics for combating malnutrition’s Double Burden, and
- Lifestyle, behavior and communication related to nutrition.
- Thai food/health food,
