Clinical Dietitian & Nutritionist · DietXP Expert
Francina Maria Menezes
MSc Dietetics & Applied Nutrition · Certified Diabetes Educator
Clinical Dietitian — KMC Hospital, Manipal (MAHE) & Aster CMI, Bangalore
Clinical Philosophy & Background
Francina Maria Menezes is a dedicated Clinical Dietitian and Nutritionist with hands-on experience across leading hospitals in India, including KMC Hospital, Manipal (MAHE) and Aster CMI International Hospital, Bangalore. Her clinical philosophy is rooted in delivering personalised, evidence-based nutrition therapy that places the patient's recovery, metabolic health, and long-term well-being at the centre of every care decision.
Holding an MSc in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition from Manipal University and a BSc in Food Nutrition and Dietetics from Mangalore University, Francina brings deep academic grounding to her clinical work. As a Certified Diabetes Educator and a trained specialist in enteral and parenteral nutrition, she has delivered medical nutrition therapy across oncology, nephrology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, and critical care settings — contributing measurably to patient recovery and nutritional compliance.
Beyond the hospital ward, Francina has a strong commitment to community nutrition — having volunteered with a residential school for children with special needs, delivered adolescent anaemia awareness sessions in government schools, and authored nutrition content for academic publications. Currently based in Kuwait, she brings a truly multidisciplinary and culturally informed perspective to clinical nutrition practice.
Areas of Expertise
How Francina Reviews Content
All nutrition content reviewed by Francina is assessed against current clinical evidence, established dietary guidelines, and her hands-on hospital experience across multiple specialities before publication on DietXP.
Cross-checks all claims against peer-reviewed clinical nutrition literature, established MNT guidelines, and specialty-specific protocols from ASPEN, ESPEN, and national bodies.
Ensures all advice reflects safe, current clinical practice — informed by real-world experience in ICU, oncology, nephrology, and gastrointestinal nutrition settings.
Flags any recommendations that may be contraindicated for patients with CKD, cancer, metabolic disorders, or other conditions requiring therapeutic dietary modification.
Translates complex clinical nutrition science into practical, actionable guidance that readers and caregivers can apply safely in everyday settings.
Clinical & Professional Journey
Clinical Dietitian
KMC Hospital, Manipal — MAHE, India
July 2024 — September 2025
Monitored and documented patient nutritional progress to enhance recovery and clinical outcomes. Formulated evidence-based diet plans aligned with treatment goals and clinical guidelines, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to integrate nutrition therapy into holistic patient care. Designed and implemented enteral and parenteral nutrition plans as per medical requirements. Supervised and trained interns and junior dietitians in nutritional assessment, diet formulation, and case documentation. Implemented high-protein dietary protocols for dialysis, cancer, and gastro patients — improving nutritional compliance — and reduced malnutrition in RTF patients through early nutritional interventions.
Clinical Dietitian
Aster CMI International Hospital, Hebbal, Bangalore, India
January 2024 — June 2024
Conducted comprehensive nutritional assessments across ICU, oncology, nephrology, paediatrics, and surgical units. Developed and implemented individualised nutrition care plans tailored to medical diagnoses including special feeds, and delivered Medical Nutrition Therapy for diabetes, CKD, and GI disorders. Led patient education and lifestyle modification sessions. Assisted in updating hospital dietary guidelines and nutrition protocols. Coordinated with food service departments to develop colour-coded allergen notes for allergic patients and incorporated healthy substitutes for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and similar diets.
Clinical Nutritionist — Freelance
New City Hospital, Udupi, India
March 2023 — December 2023
Provided nutrition consultation and medical nutrition therapy counselling to patients on an OPD basis. Delivered disease-specific dietary modifications and personalised meal plans for metabolic conditions including diabetes, PCOD, PCOS, and weight management goals.
Clinical Dietitian Intern
Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, India
January 2023 — July 2023
Conducted nutritional assessments and screening using validated tools including Handgrip, Squegg (for paediatrics), calf circumference, and MUAC. Devised disease-specific diet plans, participated in health clinics and nutrition awareness drives, and developed strong expertise in metabolic and cancer nutrition planning.
Clinical Dietitian Intern
Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore, India
July 2022 — August 2022
Supported inpatient nutrition services including patient counselling, nutritional screening, and feed calculations. Gained hands-on exposure to therapeutic feeding and dietary management across multiple clinical conditions.
Academic Qualifications
MSc Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
Manipal University, India
BSc Food Nutrition and Dietetics
Mangalore University, India
Research Projects
Food Triggers in PCOS
Identified dietary patterns influencing PCOS symptoms with the aim of developing evidence-based preventive nutrition guidelines for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Protein Ball & Pre-Workout Protein Drink
Developed a high-protein snack ball and a pre-workout protein drink formulation targeting fitness-focused consumers — evaluating nutritional profile, palatability, and market suitability as functional food supplements.
Leadership & Community Engagement
Riya Foundation — Residential School for Special Children
Gained hands-on experience in special-needs nutrition, understanding the unique dietary requirements and feeding challenges of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Nutrition Awareness — Government Schools & Community Programs
Conducted nutrition awareness sessions in government schools and community settings, empowering individuals with practical dietary knowledge to support better health outcomes.
Adolescent Anaemia Prevention & Dietary Awareness
Delivered targeted talks on prevention of dietary anaemia in adolescents, promoting iron-rich food choices and evidence-based nutritional strategies for this vulnerable age group.
Nutrition Blogger — Academic Publications
Active nutrition blogger contributing evidence-based nutrition content for academic publications, translating clinical science into accessible public health communication.
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