Stanley Zlotkin

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Other Academic and Clinical Appointments

Professor (Cross-Appointment), Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto (2019 - present)

Chief, Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children (2012 - present)

Staff, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children (2008 - present)

Professor (Cross-Appointment), Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto  (2005 - present)

Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto (1993 - present)

About Dr. Stanley Zlotkin

Stanley Zlotkin CM, OOnt, MD, PhD, FRCPC is a Professor of Paediatrics, Public Health Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, a Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute and a Clinician/Scientist in the Department of Paediatrics at SickKids. He received his MD degree from McMaster University, his fellowship training in Paediatrics at McGill and his PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto.

In the late 1990s, Dr. Zlotkin led the development of ‘home fortification’ with micronutrient powders. By partnering with United Nations agencies over the past two decades, essential minerals and vitamins have been distributed to millions of infants and young children globally for the control of nutritional anaemia. His current research and advocacy is focused on preventing malnutrition in children. He was awarded the HJ Heinz Humanitarian Award in 2001 for his international advocacy work for children, the CIHR National Knowledge Translation Award in 2006, the Order of Canada in 2007 and the Order of Ontario in 2016, for his contributions to improving the lives of children. Dr. Zlotkin was appointed as the inaugural Chief of Global Child Health at SickKids in 2012. He has over 150 publications, the majority related to mineral needs of infants and young children.

Research Synopsis

Dr. Zlotkin has focused on research and advocacy to control micronutrient malnutrition in children. It is estimated that as many as 750 million children in developing countries suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. Challenged by UNICEF to come up with a viable and reproducible solution to the problem of micronutrient malnutrition, Dr. Zlotkin and his research team developed the concept of micronutrient powders for “home-fortification” of complementary foods. With support from USAID, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and private foundations, he has completed multi-country research to prove the benefits of home-fortification to control micronutrient deficiencies. Home fortification now reaches over 15 million children every year in more than 50 countries. His current research focuses on delivery science to enhance the implementation of public health programs and products. 

Recent Awards and Distinctions (Selected)

Mining4Life Chair in Mineral Nutrition (2019)

Honorary Doctorate, Simon Fraser University (2018)

Order of Ontario, Province of Ontario (2016)

National and International Committee Memberships (Current)

Member, World Health Organization STAGE group (The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Experts for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition; 2021 - present)

Board Member, Nutrition International (2020 - present)

Co-Vice Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Grand Challenges Canada (2016 - present)

In the News

Ontario couple convicted in child's death to get new trial after fresh evidence uncovered. CTV News. October 1, 2020.

How this U of T pediatrician came up with a solution to treat malnourished children around the world. U of T News. February 5, 2018.