Medical nutrition therapy
Medical nutrition therapy

Background

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) includes a wide variety of treatments based on the nutritional status of the patient. The therapies vary greatly, ranging from a few changes in dietary intake, to enteral or parenteral feeding. Probiotics have also been discussed for use in medical nutrition therapy.

Medical nutrition therapy may be used in a number of chronic and acute conditions. While often used as part of a palliative care treatment, healthier people may also use this therapy for minor dietary adjustments. Complementary nutrition therapy optimizes nutritional health in order to enhance medical care and treatment. Medical nutrition therapy is not a cure for terminal illness but may improve a patient's quality of life. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, medical nutrition therapy and lifestyle counseling are integral components of medical treatment for the management of selected conditions.

People use this for...

Medical nutrition therapy has been used in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, eating disorders, heart disease, diabetes, AIDS, cancer, kidney disease, and may other conditions.

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE TO RATE

Diabetes. Clinical research suggests that medical nutrition therapy improves well-being and outcomes in patients with diabetes.

Psoriasis. Preliminary clinical research suggests that using medical nutrition therapy for 6 months in patients with psoriasis may improve disease symptoms. More evidence is needed to rate medical nutrition therapy for these uses.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

    Adverse effects

    Interactions with pharmaceuticals

    None known.

    Interactions with herbs & supplements

    None known.

    Interactions with foods

    None known.

    Interactions with lab tests

    Interactions with diseases

    Mechanism of action

    Diet has a large impact on disease prevention and management. Medical nutrition therapy involves methods for patients to obtain their necessary alimentation, in spite of various impediments, such as a malfunctioning gastrointestinal system.

    Patients with a variety of medical conditions may benefit from medical nutrition therapy. For example, medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian may play a significant role in the treatment and management of eating disorders. Another example is the use of medical nutrition therapy in HIV. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Dietitians of Canada, the goals of medical nutrition therapy in HIV include early assessment and treatment of nutrient deficiencies, maintenance and restoration of lean body mass, and support for activities of daily living and quality of life.

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    This monograph was last reviewed on 11/01/2018 23:26:18 and last updated on 11/01/2018 23:29:21. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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