Pediatric Core Group
About the IAPEN INDIA Pediatric Core Group
Aim: To promote and implement evidence-based nutrition practices for the pediatric population across hospital and community settings, ensuring that every child receives age-appropriate, safe, and effective nutritional care for optimal growth and development.
Vision: To empower every child in India to achieve their full physical, cognitive, and emotional potential by improving nutritional status, preventing malnutrition in all its forms, and fostering a healthier, more resilient future generation.
Mission: To collaborate with and support key stakeholders, including schools, hospitals, communities, Anganwadi centers, and government agencies, across India in strengthening their capacity to deliver and sustain quality pediatric nutrition practices.
Through education, advocacy, training, and standardization, the Pediatric Core Group strives to integrate nutrition into every level of child health care and community outreach, bridging the gap between policy and practice.
Meet Our Team:
Founder
Dr. Lekha Sreedharan
PGCPN, CDE, RD, PhD ,ESPEN TLL certified Teacher
ESPEN LLL certified in Nutritional Assessment, Sports, Cardiovascular Disease ,Cancer, Critical care,
Renal ,GI Disorder, Metabolic Disorder, Diabetes ,Obesity, Approach to Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition ,Pulmonary Disease FODMAP Training –Monash University Australia.
Affiliations:
HOD - Clinical Dietetics
Apollo Children’s Hospitals & Apollo Women’s Hospitals
National Vice President : IAPEN INDIA
Accolades :
- Key note speaker : Infancy conference ,Atlanta USA 2018
- Oral Presentation : Pediatric Inflammatory bowel disease Symposium ,Spain 2017,ESPEN 2025 ,Prague
- Poster : ESPEN 2023 ,2022 (Austria)ESPEN 2021 & 2020 (Virtual ), ESPGHAN 2019 Glasgow
WGO GAT 2018, Thailand ,PENSA 2017,Philippians
AUSPEN 2017,Australia ,WCPGHAN 2016, Montreal, Canada
WCPGHAN2012 Taipei Taiwan
Publication:
- In National &International Journal, Newsletter, Nutrition in disease management update series
- Co Editor-Child Nutrition in Health and Disease
- Co-author in books-
Text book of Pediatric Gastroenterology ,Hepatology & Nutrition
Nutrition and Diet for children simplified
Apollo Pocket book –Pediatrics, Adults & Transplant Nutrition,
Clinical Nutrition book & My food my health
Mentor
Dr. Naresh P Shanmugam
Pediatric Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, Chennai
DCH, DNB(PAED), FRCPCH, DIP.NUT MEDICINE (UK), CCT (UK), CSST (UK)
Affiliations :
- Director- Women and Child Health & Senior Consultant- Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Intestinal Rehabilitation and Transplantation, Dr Rela institute & Medical centre, Chennai.
- Has played a key role in establishing the Comprehensive Paediatric Liver Transplant programme at Dr Rela institute & Medical centre.
- MRCPCH - Examiner
Experience :
25 years experience in Paediatric and Neonates.
Publications :
- More then 100 publications in indexed journals.
- 4 text books
- 1 Medical app
Chief Program Officer
Dr. Priya Chitale
PhD in Nutrition
Current Position :
HOD-Dietetics, Apollo Hospitals, Indore
Experience :
Over 24 years in Clinical Dietetics, Nutrition and Diabetes Education.
Publication:
- Paper Publications , Contributions for Various Nutrition Content for Chapters in books and Health magazines.
- Contribution as subject expert for News papers columns and Radio.
- NHEd based Android Application and Booklet for assisted Nutritional counseling.
Expertise :
Dietetics, Nutrition & Diabetes Management, providing counseling and training to people on Diet & Diabetes Education with active contributions in conducting CS & BMR Studies, establishing clinical standards, SOP’s for Dietetics practices & services.
Additional Qualification :
- Course in Palliative Medicine from Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Medicine
- Certified Master Trainer (IDEP Project HOPE-NGO) for Diabetes Education and Training
- BPNI Certified Lactation Counsellor
- Certified Renal Nutritionist
- NeutroSpect Autism aware nutrition certificate
- ESPEN-LLL Certifications -Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, GI Diseases and Metabolic Syndrome, Peri-Operative Period, Pulmonary Diseases, Nutrition Assessment and Technique, Prevention of Diseases, CIF & Home Parenteral Nutrition in Adult, Nutrition Support in ICU Patient, Obesity ,Diabetes and Dyslipidaemia and Cancer
- Certificate Course in Clinical Research from Symbiosis Pune
- Certificate for Internal Auditor Training to FSSC 22000 Ver 5.0 Requirements
Program Officer
Dr. Jyothi S Krishnan
PhD Food Science and Nutrition
Current Position :
Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Head of the Department , Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics , Believers Medical College Hospital , Thiruvalla
Affiliations
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Believers Medical College Hospital , Thiruvalla
- Member of Board of Studies , St Teresa’s College Ernakulum , Assumption College Changanassesry ( MG university )
- Has worked at/as Senior Dietician at Renai Medicity Cochin , Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences , Cochin , Ahalia hospital and NMC Hospital Abudhabi
Experience :
19 years experience in the field of Clinical Nutrition , Specialty Pediatric Nutrition, Critical Care Nutrition
Publications
- Comparison of Clinical Findings and Nutritional Status in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in 18- 29 and 30-45 Year Age Groups, published in The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, Vol.58, No.3 July –September 2021, ISSN:022- 3174;online ISSN :2348-621X, UGC CARE
- Clinical and Biochemical profile of Polycystic ovarian syndrome among adult women of reproductive age (20-45 years ) Published in Natural Volatiles &Essential Oils 2021 e- ISSN2148-9637 Vol.8,Issue5, page,9043-9055, Scopus indexed
- Effectiveness of Micronutrient rich supplement on the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among Reproductive age women, published in International Journal of Health Sciences,2022e-ISSN:2550-696X, p- ISSN:2550-6978. Vol6, No S1 Pageno:14128-14144.
- Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among Women of Reproductive Age (18-45 years) Published in Research Highlights 2020 ISSN :2231-2374
- Text book : Published a book Titled “Diabetic Delights -Cook and Count”, Healthy -Recipes for managing Diabetes funded by ICMR. ISBN-978-81-992101-1-0
- Symptoms, risk factors and dietary pattern of Women of Reproductive age ( 18-45 years ) having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome published in a book titled “ Food and Nutrition to transform the future” (2020)ISBN 9789385604126
CO –PI ICMR Funded Projects :
- Multidomain intervention for prevention of cognitive decline among older adults with mild cognitive impairment .A cluster randomized trial
- The effect of a multidomain intervention on the behaviour and Cognition in children with hypoglycaemia unawareness in Type 1 diabetes mellitus – A randomised control trial
Advisor
Dr. Anupam Sibal
Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, India
Sr. Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
MD, FIMSA, FIAP, FRCP (Glasg), FRCP (Lon), FRCPCH, FAAP
President, Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO): 2020 -2022
Member of the Regional Middle East International Advisory Board of Joint Commission International (JCI) since 2011
Honorary Clinical Professor at Macquarie University, Sydney in Australia
Member of Institute Body, PGIMER Chandigarh (2009 – 2014)
Major Achievements:
- Helped set up the first successful liver transplant programme in India in 1998 at Apollo Hospitals.
- The Apollo Transplant Program is the busiest solid organ transplant program in the world since 2012.
- More than 4500 liver transplants have been performed of which 551 are pediatric.
- 151 publications, 16 chapters, more than 400 National and International lectures
- Edited a Textbook in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Nutrition published in 2015.
- Author of the National best seller "Is Your Child Ready to face the World”?
Advisor
Dr. Anuradha Khadilkar
MD DCH (London)
Current Position :
- Deputy Director, Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute
- Consultant Pediatrician, Jehangir Hospital and Jehangir Clinical Development Center
Jehangir Hospital, Pune (MH)
Experience :
Over four decades
Research & Publication :
- Over 325 publications in Indexed Journals and 65 awards for research papers
- Over 100 completed research projects
- Over 500 Presentations in State, National and International conferences
- Guide/co-guide to 26+ PhD students
Field Of Interest:
Nutrition, Growth, Endocrine disease, Vitamin D and Bone Health, Type 1 DM.
Advisor
Dr. Malathi Sathiyasekaran
Current Position :
Senior Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist, MGM, Rainbow, KKCTH Hospitals Chennai
Experience :
- Completed MD in 1981 and DM Gastro in 1986
- Served in Tamil Nadu Medical Services for 20 years
Publication :
- Author : Chapters (25) in several textbooks on Pediatric Gastroenterology (UG and PG), Co Editor of 2 books Pediatric Gastroenterology and Pediatric Hepatology
- Faculty in State, national and international conferences. Delivered guest lectures and Orations
- Past President ISPGHAN (2018-2019), Past President Tamil Nadu ISG 2018-2019
Expertise :
- Teaching experience : More than 45 years. DCH, MD ( Ped ), DM ( Gastro ), DNB pediatric and DNB Gastro students.
- Guide for thesis for MD pediatrics, DNB and PhD students.
Executive Member - Research Committee
Dr. Anu K. Vasu
Current Position: Pediatric Gastroenterologist Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician KIMS Health Thiruananthapuram
Qualification:
- MBBS from Govt Medical College, Trivandrum
- DCH from SATH
- DNB Ped from KIMSHEALTH
- PDF Ped Gastroenterology, Hepatology& Nutrition
- PDF Ped Transplant Hepatology
- Trained in Ped IEM from SRMC Porur and Evalina Children's Hospital, London
Experience: 5 Years In Subspeciality
Area Of Expertise:
- Pediatric Liver Transplantation
- Pediatric Hepatology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric IEM
Publication:15 Publications
Executive Member - Research Committee
Dr. Shalini Hegde
Awarded the WOFAPS Foundation Scholarship -2022
Short term ICMR – DHR International Fellowship – 2024
First in the world Challenge grant awardee ICMR – 2025
Co- Principal Investigator – Centre of Advanced Research in Maternal and Pediatric Nutrition -2025-2030
Research Interests: Pediatric Pancreatitis, Hirschsprung disease and Clinical nutrition
Other Interests: Exploring Bangalore lakes, Bird watching, Yoga
Executive Member
Dr. V. Malathi
MSc Food & Nutrition, PHD in Food Science & Nutrition
Current Position:
Consultant - Nutrition & Dietetics
Experience: 27 Years
Publication:
Research paper on functional food management was presented in International conference at all India institute of medical sciences, New Delhi and it was published in ICH AIIMS journal in 2014.
Area Of Expertise:
- Pediatric nutrition specialities like type.1 diabetes management with basic and advanced carbohydrate counting, critical care nutrition in pediatric and adults.
Ketogenic diets in children with refractory epilepsies, childhood and adolescent obesity, failure to thrive and nutrition management of rare disorders in children.
- Experienced in managing obesity, gestational diabetes, type.2 diabetes, handled about 600 type.1 diabetic patients and managed their diets effectively to optimize their blood sugars, thereby preventing complications.
- Certified in insulin pump therapy, paediatric medical nutrition in critical care and early nutrition specialist courses.
certified in diabetes educator course conducted by IDF
Certified complete nutrition course in pediatrics
Awards And Accolades:
- Received certificate of appreciation for oral & poster presentation on nutrition management of phenyl ketonuria & herpes simplex stomatitis, on nov 28th to dec 1st, 2012 in golden jubilee national conference, at national institute of nutrition.
- Received gcc international woman’s day award, for academics category, honored by honorary consul of the republic of maldives in bangalore and chairman, garden city group of institutions in march, 2013
- Participated in nutrition communication project for children between 5-14 yrs at parikrama humanity foundation, bangalore, organized by singapore international foundation.
Additional Qualification:
- Management of bariatric surgery patients.
- Developed and implemented nutrition assessment protocol and care plan for pediatric cardiology patients, 0-5yrs and 5-10 yrs in the year 2005
- Presented posters on childhood obesity at bengaluru in 2004 and pediatric nutrition at national conference, indian dietetic association in 2009 at chennai. Developed nutrition handouts for diet counselling for women during pregnancy and lactation.
- Participated in nutrition communication project for children between 5-14 yrs at parikrama humanity foundation, bangalore, organized by singapore international foundation.
- Participated in pediatric international nutriiton study conducted by dr. Nilesh mehta and team, dept of pediatric critical care nutrition, boston’s children’s hospital.
Executive Member
Dr. Anu Zachariah
Current Position:
- HOD, Chief Dietitian, Ernakulam Medical Centre, Kochi
- Immediate Past President, AEDAN
Experience :
- 40+ years clinical experience
- MSc in Dietetics and Food Service Management
- IAPEN INDIA Excellence Award in Medical Nutrition Therapy (State level) 2025
Additional Qualification :
-Certificate Course in FODMAP for IBS, Monash University, Australia
- Six LLL courses of ESPEN
- NPTEL Certification on Sports and - Performance Nutrition
- Presented papers at national and international conferences
- Regular columnist in popular magazines
- Member, IAPEN Pediatric Core Group
- Faculty, Comprehensive Pediatric Nutrition Course, 2025, IAPEN & PGF
- Contributor, textbook on Child Nutrition in Health and Illness
- Resource person, academic sessions in colleges and universities
Executive Member
Ms. Ayesha Javed Mulani
MSc, RD, CDE, CCN, CPMN, PhD (in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics )
Current Position :
- Pediatric Consultant Nutritionist Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Sarjapur, Bangalore
Experience :
- Consultant Pediatric Dietitian – Rainbow Children’s Hospital (2024–Present)
- Delivered lectures for postgraduate students in Clinical Nutrition at SDUAHER (2021–2024)
- Clinical Dietitian – Marvel Hospital, Dr Mohan’s Centre, Nestlé Nutrition Project
- Presented oral and poster sessions at national and international conferences
- Published research papers in Scopus-indexed journals
- Developed booklets and videos to educate children and families about Type 1 Diabetes
Professional Memberships :
IDA | ISPAE | IAPEN | NSI | ISPAD (Lifetime/Active Member).
Additional Qualification :
- Speaker – ISPAE Workshop, Manipal Hospitals, JSS Medical College
- Oral Presentation – Apollo Clinical - Nutrition Update 2023 (Awarded)
- Poster – ISPAE Conference 2023
Executive Member
Ms. Roshan Kore
Post Graduate Diploma- Dietetics
Current Position :
- Consulting Pediatric Dietician , Registered Dietitian , Founder-Nutrikids by Roshan
Affiliation :
- SRCC Children’s Hospital managed by Narayana Health, Mumbai
- Nutrikids by Roshan Mumbai
KetoKid Project Mumbai
- Core member PRiNT -Paediatric Renal Nutrition Indian Taskforce
- CEO KamalUdwadia Foundation
Additional Qualification :
- International board certified lactation consultant® (IBCLC®)
- Monash University Australia, certified FODMAP dietitian,
- Professional Certification Program in Health Care Management IIM Bangalore,
- Post Graduate Program in Development Management (MBA in NGO Management, SPJIMR, Mumbai)
Executive Member - Academic Committee
Dr. Anees Fathima Thabassum. Z
PhD Nutrition
Current Position :
Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, JSS AHER, Mysore
Experience :
Over 15 years of postgraduate and undergraduate teaching experience
Publication :
- Public health nutrition, women’s health, community interventions, food product development,
stress and nutrition, metabolic risk, paediatric nutrition.
- Ongoing Ph D- 3
- Intramural Projects (PI)
- Protein-rich snacks and postprandial glucose response.
- Ayurvedic vs modern nutrition approaches in PCOS management.
- Intramural Projects (Co-PI)
- School-based nutrition education intervention (KNEIP).
- Vitamin D3 gummies and metabolic markers in obesity.
- Anti-inflammatory properties of lignans (in vivo & in vitro).
- Scientific Publications
- 25+ peer-reviewed publications across nutrition, metabolic health, food science, and public health (IJND, IJHS, IJPHRD, AFJBS, JAZ, Current Nutrition & Food Science, etc.).
- Work cited in national and international journals; includes clinical observational studies, product development research, biochemical studies, and intervention trials.
- Book Chapters
- Contributed chapters on iodine nutrition, autism, grape seed extract, and millet milk in
international nutrition science volumes.
- Conference Presentations
- 20+ oral presentations and 20+ poster presentations at national and international conferences including NSI, ICMR-sponsored conferences, ICESN, USFN, GAPIO, and others.
- Multiple best oral and poster awards for research on women’s health, stress biomarkers, anemia intervention, and product development.
Additional Qualification :
- UGC–Maulana Azad National Fellowship (2011).
- Multiple Best Oral and Best Poster Awards across national/international conferences(2014–2025).
- Certified training: SPSS, research methodology, Ayurveda dietetics, critical care nutrition, AI
in research, biomedical research, systematic reviews/meta-analysis, nutrigenetics, and
teacher development programmes.
Working Committee
Ms. Anushia K
MSc, RD
Current Position :
Clinical Dietitian, ESIC Hospital
Experience :
A registered dietitian with an overall clinical experience of 6.5 years.
Publication :
- E POSTER/ABSTRACT PRESENTATION:
- Presented in ADE-REGCON 2019 got 2nd prize.
- AICNU 2025 -
- Sarcopenia, Frailty And Malnutrition In Patients Awaiting Liver Transplant- A Multi Parameter Evaluation Approach.
- Comparative Study Of Different Nutritional Assessment Tools In Predicting Post Liver Transplant (LT) Hospital Stay (HS) In Children With Inborn Errors Of Protein Metabolism (IEPM) And Biliary Atresia (BA)
Additional Qualification :
- Body composition analysis in medical science and clinical nutrition
- Certified in IT Foundation from Apollo computer education LTD
- Certified in Spoken Hindi from Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Madras
- Certified as cook from Institute of Hotel Management
Activity:
The Pediatric Core Group launched on the 15th of July, 2023 at Chennai. A Pan-Indian representation of eminent doctors and dietitians in the field of Pediatric Nutrition had congregated to celebrate this launch.
Course: Will be coming soon…