1.       Department name: Pediatric exam and nutrition consultation department

2.       History of formation

The department was established on July 29, 2002 with the name of Nutritional Counseling, Rehabilitation and Obesity Control Center. Since 2007 changing to Pediatric Examination And Nutrition Consultation Department under the Nutritional Counseling, Rehabilitation and Obesity Control Center of NIN.

The Department of Pediatric Nutrition Examination and Consultation was established under Decision No. 152/QD-VDD dated March 29, 2010 of the Director of the Institute of Nutrition.

2.1.      Pediatric nutrition examination and consultation

From 2002 to present: The Department of Pediatric Nutrition Examination and Consultation has the function of examining and consulting nutrition for all ages (from 2002 to 2011) and the function of examining and consulting pediatric nutrition (from 2011 to present): has been satisfied and trusted by patients/customers, maintained and developed its reputation in the community, and is the leading professional unit in examining and consulting nutrition for children.

2.2.      Scientific research work

Every year, the Department actively participates in scientific research. Develops and updates standard technical procedures for the treatment and care of sick children. Evaluates disease patterns and nutritional status of children who come for annual check-ups and their relationships with nutritional status of children.

2.3.      Teaching, training, conferences and seminars

The Department cooperates with the Institute of Nutrition Training Center, Medical Universities, Hospitals and medical facilities in provinces nationwide to organize scientific seminars and training for medical staff on nutritional examination and treatment for children within the framework of the Institute's activities.

2.4.      Social media work

Participate in television interviews and seminars on disseminating knowledge of proper nutrition for children on VTV channels, Hanoi television, and the Ministry of Health's Health and Life newspaper. Participate in writing popular articles on the website of the Institute of Nutrition, Nutrition and Food Magazine - Nutrition Association, Health and Life newspaper, etc.

3.       Functions and tasks

-         Direct nutritional examination and consultation: Clinical and paraclinical examination to assess nutritional status, micronutrient deficiencies, metabolic disorders, digestive disorders and nutrition-related diseases in children. From there, a reasonable nutritional treatment regimen is developed, nutritional practice instructions, physical exercise and therapies are provided to restore and improve nutritional status and health.

-         Provide outpatient nutritional care and rehabilitation for at-risk subjects.

-         Participate in training, education and communication and guidance in the field of child nutrition consultation and treatment.

-         Expand cooperation, exchange expertise and coordinate activities with national programs and specialized facilities at home and abroad to develop expertise, improve qualifications and service quality.

4.       Deployment services

4.1.  Consultation and treatment of nutritional diseases for children with a full range of specialized nutritional tests to assess nutritional deficiencies or disorders

-         Anorexia, slow weight and height development...

-         Malnutrition, rickets, anemia...

-         Micronutrient deficiencies: zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency...

-         Overweight, obesity.

-         Vomiting, constipation Acute diarrhea, prolonged diarrhea.

-         Malabsorption syndrome, loose stools.

-         Consulting and building a diet for children according to age and medical condition.

-         Counseling for pregnant and lactating mothers to improve maternal health and increase awareness and practices on child feeding.

4.2.  Examine for patients visiting nutrition counseling clinics:

-         Complete blood cell analysis, blood type, assessment of metabolic disorders (Glucose, HbA1C, protein, albumin, uric acid, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, Triglyceride), liver-bile function (liver enzymes GOT, GPT, GGT, bilirubin), kidney function (urea, creatinine), metabolism of vitamins and minerals (Ferritin, PTH hormone, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, folate), assessment of blood antioxidant status (MDA, TAS),...

-         Stool test: Fecal residue (muscle fibers, fat fibers...), red blood cells, white blood cells, bacterial flora.

-         Urine test: general urinalysis, urinary creatinine, sodium, potassium,...

-         Bone density measurement by DEXA method.

5.       Featured images showcasing the unit's activities

Medical examination and nutrition consultation for children

Technicians are instructing mothers in a nutrition practice class for children under 5 years old.

Dr. Phan Bich Nga lectures to Y4 students of Bachelor of Nutrition at Hanoi Medical University

Online exchange on TV channels about Nutrition and health care for people