Precision Nutrition and Digital Health Take Centre Stage at NCI–Era University Workshop

Lucknow | 5 November 2026

Highlighting the growing importance of scientific advancements and technological innovation in healthcare, the Nutrition Council of India (NCI), in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Era University, Lucknow, organised a Professional Development Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Nutrition and Dietetics: Precision Nutrition and Digital Health” on 5 November 2026 at Era University, Lucknow.

The workshop was organised in the presence of Dr. Kshitij Bhardwaj, Chairman, Nutrition Council of India, and brought together distinguished academicians, clinical dietitians, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to explore emerging developments in nutrition science and their implications for modern healthcare. The programme was also attended by senior university dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Arvind K. Srivastava, Dean, Faculty of Science; Prof. (Dr.) Siddhartha Chandel, Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Science; Prof. (Dr.) Farzana Mahdi, Hon’ble Pro Vice Chancellor; and Prof. (Dr.) Abbas Ali Mahdi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Era University, Lucknow. Dr. Kankhashan Parvin, Head, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Era University, and Dr. Aparna Srivastava, Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, were also associated with the organisation of the programme.

Centred on the theme “Evidence-Based Practice for Healthier Individuals and Communities,” the workshop focused on the integration of precision nutrition, clinical biochemistry, personalised dietary interventions, and digital health technologies into contemporary nutrition and dietetics practice.

The scientific sessions featured expert lectures addressing key developments in nutrition science and healthcare. Dr. Anjali, Faculty and Course Coordinator, Institute of Food and Nutrition and Health (IFNH), Nutrition Council of India, and Assistant Professor, Dr. Giri Lal Gupta Institute of Public Affairs, University of Lucknow, delivered a session on “Nutrition in the Current Health Landscape.” She highlighted the growing role of nutrition in preventive healthcare, the management of lifestyle-related disorders, evidence-based dietary practices, and public health strategies.

Prof. (Dr.) Rumana Ahmad, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, spoke on “From Biomarkers to Better Health: The Role of Clinical Biochemistry in Precision Nutrition.” Her session explored the relevance of biochemical markers and clinical parameters in assessing nutritional and metabolic status and supporting individualised healthcare interventions.

Dr. Ritu Singh, Registered Dietitian and Chief Dietician, Jagrani Hospital, Lucknow, delivered a lecture on “Precision and Personalised Nutrition,” highlighting individual variations in nutritional requirements, metabolic responses, and the importance of tailoring dietary interventions to individual health needs.

The session on “Digital Health and Nutrition Practice” was delivered by Dr. Preeti Pande, Registered Dietitian and Chief Dietician, Apollo Medics Super-specialty Hospital, Lucknow. She discussed the emerging role of digital health platforms, nutrition tracking tools, digital dietary planning, patient engagement, and technology-enabled monitoring in contemporary dietetic practice.

An interdisciplinary panel discussion brought together experts from neurology, nursing, clinical psychology, dietetics, biosciences, and public health. The panel included Prof. (Dr.) R. K. Garg, Professor, Department of Neurology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College; Prof. (Dr.) Priscilla Samson, Principal, College of Nursing, Era University; Dr. Alpana Rastogi, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Era University; Dr. Induja Dixit, Founder and Senior Dietician, Diet Nature – Therapeutic Diet Clinic, and Dietician, Satyarth Hospital and Cancer Care; and Dr. Shipra Bhardwaj, Chief Scientist, FBRL, Lucknow, and Head, Department of Biosciences and Public Health. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition into multidisciplinary healthcare, particularly in neurological and psychological health, clinical management, patient care, and collaborative healthcare delivery.

A dedicated session on the initiatives of the Nutrition Council of India was conducted by Ms. Varsha Dixit, representing NCI. The session introduced participants to the Council’s work in nutrition education, research, food quality and innovation, public health, and professional capacity building. It also highlighted opportunities for students and professionals through NCI membership, certificate programmes, internships, research activities, conferences, scientific communication, innovation initiatives, and community nutrition programmes.

The workshop provided an academic platform for interaction among students, researchers, academicians, and healthcare professionals, encouraging interdisciplinary learning and the exchange of ideas. The programme was coordinated through the collaborative efforts of the organising teams of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Era University, and the Nutrition Council of India.

The workshop concluded with an emphasis on strengthening collaboration between academic institutions, healthcare professionals, research laboratories, and professional organisations to advance evidence-based nutrition practice. The initiative reflects the commitment of the Nutrition Council of India and Era University towards professional development, scientific engagement, research, and the promotion of healthier individuals and communities.