Clinical nutrition is the study of the relationship between food and health. A clinical nutrition diet is based on scientific research about the intake, absorption, and utilization of foods and supplements by the body. Clinical nutrition diets often include a weight loss program. However, a clinical nutrition diet is also part of a comprehensive program to treat diseases with a nutritional component such as diabetes and heart disease. The professional preparing a clinical nutrition diet for you should have a degree in nutrition from a four-year institution.
Step 1
Prepare a list of all medications and supplements you are taking including dose and frequency to give to your primary care physician.
Step 2
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to get a baseline of your health and specific nutrition related lab tests.
Step 3
Discuss any lab values that are outside the reference range for nutrition related factors with your doctor including basic chemistries, liver function, kidney function, metabolism, glucose and protein absorption.
Step 4
Get a written referral from your primary care physician for a consultation with a clinical nutritionist. Check with your insurance company to find out what clinical nutrition services are covered by your policy and their requirements for certification or affiliation of a practicing clinical nutritionist.
Step 5
Find a clinical nutritionist in your area and schedule an appointment for an initial consultation. To find a clinical nutritionist in your area, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends checking with The American Board of Nutrition, The American College of Nutrition, The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board, or The American Dietetic Association.
Step 6
Prepare for your meeting with a clinical nutritionist by making copies of your lab results and medication and supplements list. Expect to answer questions about your medical history and that of family members as well as your eating habits. You may be asked to prepare a list of the foods and quantities you consume over a baseline 3-day period.
Step 7
Review your recommended clinical nutrition diet with the professional nutritionist. Ask for suggestions on meal preparation, eating times, and allowable substitutes. Ask about benchmarks that you should use to determine effectiveness of the clinical nutrition diet.
Tips and Warnings
- Most states do not have certification requirements for nutritionists. Read more about certification and questionable certification for clinical nutritionists from Steve Barrett M.D.
Things You'll Need
- List of current medications and supplements
- Lab test results
- Referral from physician for clinical nutrition consultation
- List of clinical nutritionists in your area
- Copy of your health insurance coverage
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