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Certified clinical nutritionists focus on the body’s relationship to food on a biochemical level, with disease prevention as their primary function. They must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, complete a graduate course in clinical nutrition, and 900 hours of supervised practice to qualify for certification. They formulate a diet specific to each patient’s nutritional needs, and integrate holistic care into their practice.
Certified clinical nutritionists are professionals trained in all aspects of nutrition, including food intake, digestion and metabolism. They focus on the body’s relationship to diet on a biochemical level. Disease prevention, not cure, is the primary function of a certified clinical nutritionist.
Nutritionist certification determines the scope of practice and differentiates a certified clinical nutritionist from a certified nutritionist or nutrition coach. All certified clinical nutritionists must have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from an accredited school. Then they must complete a graduate course in clinical nutrition. In addition, a clinical dietitian must complete a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice to qualify for certification. When 900 hours are reached, the nutritionist can take the certification exam. If the exam passes, the person’s title becomes Certified Clinical Nutritionist.
Certified clinical nutritionists consider foods in terms of their nutritional value and how those nutrients affect the body’s functions. By testing a sample of a patient’s blood or urine, a doctor can detect any imbalances in the body. A common example of an imbalance is high cholesterol. Unlike a family doctor who is trained to prescribe medication to correct the problem, a certified clinical dietitian focuses on the cause of the imbalance.
Certified clinical nutritionists apply the science of clinical nutrition. A general theory behind the science of clinical nutrition is called biochemical individuality. The theory was first introduced by biochemist Dr. Roger Williams in the 1950s. The theory of biochemical individuality states that because each human body is biochemically unique, each has its own specific nutritional needs. In other words, there cannot be a single formula for the ideal human diet.
One of the primary roles of a certified clinical nutritionist is to formulate a diet specific to each patient’s nutritional needs. Many common symptoms can arise from nutritional imbalances, such as headaches, fatigue, and nausea. A certified clinical nutritionist can determine what is causing the imbalance and structure a diet to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
Many certified clinical nutritionists are set apart from most practicing physicians because they integrate holistic care into their practice. Not only do they look at how food affects the digestive tract, but they also pay attention to how diet affects the immune system and brain wave function. The theory is that the mind and body are connected and diet affects both.
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