Medical nutrition therapy is usually recommended by a healthcare provider and thoroughly assessed by a registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) who works closely with the individual and medical team to establish an individualized nutrition plan.
The first step of medical nutrition therapy is a nutrition assessment, which collects information about the individual’s nutritional status and related health conditions. A nutrition assessment involves obtaining body measurements that can be used to assess body composition, such as height and weight, body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness, and arm or leg circumference. Sometimes, blood tests may be conducted to determine the individual’s nutritional status, such as glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), cholesterol and triglyceride levels, prealbumin, vitamins, and micronutrients (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, etc.). Next, a dietary assessment, including an estimation of the total calorie intake and daily dietary intake, can help the dietitian understand the individual’s eating habits, portion sizes, cooking methods, and overall diet quality. Other factors that can influence one’s diet and may be considered include changes in smell or taste; use of dentures; swallowing difficulties; risk of food aspiration; food intolerances; and taste preferences.
In addition to nutrition assessment, the nutritional professional may consider the underlying disease, choose appropriate nutrition interventions, and subsequently monitor and evaluate the response to treatment over time.
