Nutrition National agencies

National agencies

National Institute of Nutrition (NIN )

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is one of the permanent research institutes of the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was found in 1918 as part of Coonoor Pasteur Institute.

The objectives of National Institute of Nutrition are to :

·         identify various dietary and nutrition problems prevalent among  different segments of the population and continuously monitor diet and nutrition situation of the country.

·         evolve suitable methods of prevention and control of nutrition problems through research, keeping the existing economic, social and administrative set up in view.

·         investigate nutritional deficiencies, nutrient interactions and food toxicities at basic level for understanding the biochemical mechanism involved.

·         provide training and orientation in nutrition to key health professionals.

·         advise Government and other organizations on problems of nutrition.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. Intra mural research is carried out currently through the Council’s 21 permanent research institutes. They do research on specific areas such as tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera and diarrhoeal diseases and viral diseases including AIDS. They also do research on malaria, kalaazar, nutrition and food and drug toxicology, reproduction, immunohaematology, oncology and medical statistics. Research is also done on major metabolic diseases, occupational health and non communicable diseases.

In recent years, the ICMR is also intensifying research in non communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolicdisorders,mentalhealthproblems, neurological disorders, blindness, liver diseases and cancer. Medical information is strengthened to meet the growing needs and demands of the community.