About The Doctor

Dr. Dharini Krishnan is a distinguished Registered Dietitian (R.D.) and nutrition expert with a Doctorate in Science (Ph.D.) in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics. With over three decades of experience in clinical dietetics, research, education, public speaking, and digital health innovation, she has been a guiding force in transforming the nutritional landscape in India.

Her pioneering thesis focused on the effect of diet counseling and exercise on individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, laying the foundation for her lifelong dedication to lifestyle-based disease management.

Current Roles

• Consultant Dietitian at her own Nutrition Clinic in Mylapore, Chennai
• Consultant at Laksha Hospitals and Sri Lakshmi Polyclinic, Chennai
• Online Diet Consultant through various health platforms
• Public speaker and media expert featured on TV, radio, and print on diet and wellness
• Former Secretary of EcoScience Research Foundation, advocating organic living
• Educator and trainer using her custom-developed diet software DIGEST
• Running a Nutrition Care Centre supported by Heinz Nutrition Foundation India

Educational Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics
• M.Sc. & B.Sc. in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics
• Registered Dietitian (R.D.) – Indian Dietetic Association
• B.Ed. – Qualified Teacher
• Diploma in Software Systems Analysis and Design
• Certified Genetic Counsellor for Nutrition

Leadership Roles

• Former National President, Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) – 2008 to 2011
• Former Chairperson, RD Board, IDA – 2012 to 2015
• Former President, IDA Chennai Chapter – 2004 to 2007
• Former Director, D.V. Living Sciences Enterprise Pvt. Ltd.

Achievements & Recognition

• DIGEST Software – India’s first personalized diet software for dietitians
• Developed Nutritracs – a mobile app to track calories and exercise
• Authored Appetising Wheaty Treats, promoting wheat consumption in South India
• Published widely in international and Indian journals on nutrition and diabetes

Awards:

• Amio Kumar Bose Award, IDA (2015)
• Aval Vikatan Award for Best Dietitian (2018)
• Mayan Award by Vista India for Visionary Diet Consultation (2018)
• Diaita & Hi9 Award for Contribution to Nutrition & Dietetics (2020)
• Realistic Award for Professional Dietitian (2020)

Publications & Research

• Impact of Diet Counselling on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus – J Diabetes Metab
• Nutrient Analysis of School Lunches – Health Information Science & Systems (2020)
• Gestational Diabetes in COVID-19 – Journal of Diabetology
• Management of Metabolic Syndrome with Lifestyle & Flaxseed – Indian J Nutri
• Macronutrients & Dietary Trends in Asia – Journal of Diabetology
• High Fiber in Diabetes Management – Clinical Research & Reviews (2022)

Global Presence & Speaking Engagements

• Keynote Speaker – International Confederation of Dietetic Associations, Sydney (2012)
• Poster Presentations – ICD Granada, Spain (2016)
• Research Poster – FNCE, Washington D.C. (2018)

Corporate & Institutional Experience

• Corporate Nutrition Consultant for Lanson Toyota and Sify
• Assistant Professor – PG Diploma in Dietetics & Hospital Food Services
• Former Consultant at K.J. Hospital, Chennai
• Research Assistant – U.S. Wheat Associates Project, Women’s Christian College
• Guided numerous Postgraduate Research Students

Media Presence

Dr. Dharini is a trusted voice on nutrition in Indian homes. She is regularly featured on:

• TV talk shows on diet & health (regional and national channels)
• Radio call-in programs addressing live diet queries
• Newspapers and magazines, both English and regional, for expert commentary

“Nutrition is not about eating less, it's about eating right. Personalized guidance can be the most powerful medicine.”
— Dr. Dharini Krishnan