1. Department name: The Department of Micronutrients, part of the National Institute of Nutrition

2. History of formation:

The Department was established on June 7, 2002, under Decision No. 2194/QD-BYT issued by the Ministry of Health. Since its establishment, it has undertaken numerous projects, research initiatives, and has achieved significant accomplishments: 

2.1. Program and Policy Implementation 

- GAIN Project - Phase 1: Focused on large-scale iron fortification of fish sauce across various ecological regions. Phase 2: Aimed at fortifying condiments (fish sauce, soy sauce, cooking oil, seasoning powder) to prevent micronutrient deficiencies in Vietnam.

- Child Micronutrient Improvement Project (GAIN): Developed a social marketing communication model for a multi-micronutrient powder supplement containing 15 vitamins and minerals, recommended by the World Health Organization for children aged 6-23 months. This model was implemented through the grassroots healthcare network, piloted, and scaled up. 

- Enhanced Complementary Feeding Project: Implemented in 60 districts across 6 provinces, the project targeted children aged 6-23 months at risk of malnutrition in impoverished areas. The project established small-scale production facilities for nutrient-rich powders, ensuring both technical and commercial sustainability. 

2.2. Research and Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiencies and Intervention Solutions

The Department has successfully conducted and approved two national-level sub-projects, three ministerial-level projects, and numerous international and institute-level collaborative research projects. These studies provided crucial data on micronutrient deficiencies through national surveys, serving as a basis for developing the National Nutrition Strategy. Research findings have been published in various specialized scientific journals, both domestically and internationally. 

2.3. Laboratory Development

- The Department of Micronutrients operates a laboratory that meets international standards and quality (CDC, USA). The laboratory is equipped to analyzing various vitamins (A, E, D, carotenoids, B vitamins), minerals and trace minerals (iron, zinc, selenium), and metabolites related to micronutrients (CRP, AGP, Interleukine, Interferone, IgA, IgG), stable isotope analysis (D2O) … 

- The Department has conducted laboratory testing for domestic research projects, national micronutrient surveys, and international collaborative research … 

- The Department staff have received training in stable isotope techniques at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. 

3. Functions and Responsibilities:

3.1. Functions: 

The department's primary function is to research issues related to micronutrient deficiencies and propose intervention and prevention micronutrient deficiencies in Vietnam.

3.2. Responsibilities:        

- Researching the needs and assessing the status of micronutrient deficiencies across various at-risk populations in Vietnam.

- Developing and proposing intervention and prevention solutions to improve the micronutrient status of different population groups.

- Developing its laboratory by applying, developing, and standardizing micronutrient analysis techniques.

- Participating in training, communication, education, and directing lower-level units within its specialized field. Strengthening domestic and international cooperation to enhance professional expertise.

- Providing services related to micronutrients and their related metabolic functions based on demand and societal needs.

- Performing other tasks assigned by the Director of the Institute.

4. Services Offered:

4.1. Laboratory Testing Services:

- Quantification of certain micronutrients in serum/plasma: Retinol (vitamin A), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D), Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), Thiamine pyrophosphate (vitamin B1), Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (vitamin B6), and others.

- Quantification of Retinol (vitamin A) in human breast milk.

- Body composition assessment through quantification of Deuterium oxide in saliva using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

- Quantification of Immunoglobulins in serum/plasma using immunoassay methods (IgA, IgE, IgG, IgM, IgD).

- Quantification of Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), C-reactive protein (CRP), Ferritin, Retinol Binding Protein (RBP), Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP), and others in serum/plasma using immunoassay methods.

- Quantification of Hemoglobin in blood using the HemoCue HB 301 method in the field.

- Assessment of body composition using stable isotope (Deuterium oxide) via FTIR.

4.2. Scientific Research Services:

Research on evaluating the quality, safety, and effectiveness of nutritional products in the community.

5. Featured Photos of Department Activities:

Workshop on Developing a Strategy for Micronutrient Fortification of Condiments in Vietnam (2009)