Over the past several years, Dr. Poonam Khanna has successfully led and contributed to multiple evidence-based research studies. These projects have focused on maternal and child health, nutrition technology, food safety, and community interventions. The outcomes have informed policy, strengthened public health practice, and enhanced academic understanding.
Project Title: Development and Evaluation of a Smartphone-Based Nutrition App for Under-Five Children
Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Year of Completion: 2023
This project led to the development of the Suposhan App, an innovative mobile platform designed to monitor and improve the nutritional status of under-five children. The app equips mothers with simple, actionable guidance to meet their child’s dietary needs using locally available resources. It also helps frontline workers track growth and development in real-time.
Project Title: Association of TCF7L2, PPARG and FTO Gene Polymorphism with Dietary Intake Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Funding Agency: PGIMER
Year of Completion: 2023
This study investigated the genetic predisposition to Type 2 Diabetes through the lens of diet-gene interactions. It identified FTO gene SNPs as the most prevalent among diabetic patients, providing valuable insights for personalized nutrition strategies targeting metabolic disorders.
Project Title: Community-Based Interventions for Prevention and Control of Anaemia
Funding Agency: PGIMER
Year of Completion: 2021
The study focused on reproductive-age women (15–49 years), involving baseline assessments, focus group discussions, and educational material development. A comprehensive intervention plan was implemented, including community nutrition education, which showed promising improvements in awareness and health behavior.
Funding Agency: Rotary Club & Good Works Institute
Year of Completion: 2020
Conducted across nine villages, this project covered 573 under-five children and used WHO standards to assess and manage malnutrition. Children with severe acute malnutrition were enrolled in nutritional interventions. Post-intervention assessments showed significant improvements in anthropometric indicators, including weight-for-age and weight-for-height scores.