Clinical Nutrition

Definition

Clinical nutrition involves the study and application of nutrition principles to improve or maintain the health of patients, often in a healthcare setting.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Clinical nutrition is a field of medicine focusing on the dietary management of diseases, assessing nutritional needs, creating specialized diet plans, and integrating nutritional therapy as a component of comprehensive healthcare. It involves understanding the biochemical and physiological processes related to nutrient metabolism and its relationship with diseases.

Benefits

• Supports recovery in healthcare settings.
• Improves patient outcomes by addressing nutritional deficiencies.
• Enhances the quality of life for people with chronic conditions.
• Provides personalized nutrition plans that meet the specific needs of individuals.
• Helps in the management and prevention of diet-related diseases.

Examples

• Nutrition therapy for diabetes management.
• Nutritional support for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Dietary interventions for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Additional Information

• Importance: Clinical nutrition is crucial in healthcare because it aids in the effective management of medical conditions, recovery post-surgery, and long-term health maintenance by ensuring optimal nutrient intake.

Related Terms

• Malnutrition

References

• Clinical Nutrition Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals
• The Role of Nutrition in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention