What is Medical Nutrition?

Nutrients play a part in every biochemical process in the body. For the body to function optimally, these nutrients need to be present in sufficient quantities, in the right form and in balance with each other. Nutrients include vitamins and minerals.

Ideally, we obtain most of our nutrients through our diet and through processes within the body, including the action of bacteria in the gut. However, there are circumstances – such as disease, stress, etc. – in which sufficient nutrients may not be obtainable through the diet. In such cases, supplementation may be advisable.

Medical Nutrition is the clinical application of the current substantial knowledge about the roles played by nutrients in health and disease. A doctor trained in Medical Nutrition can investigate a person’s nutritional status and can then suggest nutrient therapies which could assist in achieving optimal health, preventing disease or fighting existing disease.

In some cases, the best form of delivery of nutrients is through intravenous or intramuscular injection. This may be because: large doses, if taken orally, may adversely affect the gut; the person may have problems with absorption; the best form of the nutrient may not be well tolerated if taken orally; or a rapid response is needed, which may not be achieved through oral supplementation.

To practice injectable nutrient therapy properly, a doctor needs to have undertaken some study beyond that offered in any medical school in this country. The Australasian College of Medical Nutrition offers such extra, specialised training. The training is based on both published clinical trials and the extensive clinical experience of the faculty members. The training encompasses the theoretical (biochemical) underpinnings of this science and the practical application of these to individual patients in the doctor’s surgery. It includes investigation of nutritional status, relating that to the individual’s state of health and the formulation of a treatment program which may also include available orthodox medicine, such as pharmaceutical drugs.

The trained practitioner of Medical Nutrition is also aware of the interactions which take place between various nutrients and, more importantly, the possible interactions between nutrients and pharmaceutical drugs. Such a practitioner also knows how pharmaceutical drugs use and possibly deplete nutrients in the body and s/he can, through appropriate supplementation, help avoid many of the side-effects of drug therapy.

The practitioner of Medical Nutrition is a holistic doctor, integrating the knowledge and experience of nutrient therapies with orthodox, western medicine. This gives the patient the best that modern medicine can offer, including the avoidance of unnecessary use of pharmaceutical drugs.