Medical Nutrition Therapy
Newman Regional Health offers medical nutrition therapy for people with a medical diagnosis such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, or a specific nutritional need. Talk to your primary care provider about a referral.
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)?
- MNT is a nutrition-based treatment for various health conditions, both temporary and long-term.
- It involves a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) creating a personalized nutrition plan.
- The plan may include dietary changes, supplements, or specialized nutrition delivery methods like IV (parenteral) or tube feeding (enteral).
- MNT is used to manage existing conditions and sometimes to prevent them or avoid the need for medication.
Conditions Managed with MNT:
MNT is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Digestive system disorders (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, IBS, ulcerative colitis)
- Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, and gestational) and prediabetes
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol, high triglycerides, and dyslipidemia
- Malnutrition (including in cancer patients)
- Overweight and obesity
Who Provides MNT?
- Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are the qualified professionals who provide MNT.
- They have specialized training and provide credible, safe guidance.
- It’s crucial to distinguish RDs/RDNs from general “nutritionists” who may lack the same level of expertise. Insurance may only cover sessions with an RD/RDN.
The MNT Process:
MNT typically involves four steps:
- Nutrition Assessment: The dietitian gathers information about the patient’s medical history, dietary habits, lifestyle, and preferences.
- Nutrition Diagnosis: The dietitian identifies a nutrition-related problem (e.g., inadequate carbohydrate intake). This is distinct from a medical diagnosis.
- Nutrition Intervention: The dietitian develops a personalized plan, including dietary changes, education, and counseling.
- Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation: The dietitian tracks the patient’s progress, adjusts the plan as needed, and collaborates with other healthcare providers.
Duration of MNT:
The duration of MNT varies depending on the individual’s condition and needs. It can last for months, years, or even be a lifelong process.
Benefits of MNT:
- Improved nutrient intake and symptom management.
- Support for conditions where normal food intake is difficult.
- Improved cholesterol, blood sugar, and other health markers.
- Empowerment of patients to take an active role in their health.
Risks of MNT:
- Risks are generally low, but they can vary depending on the specific intervention:
- Parenteral nutrition (IV) carries a risk of bloodstream infection.
- Enteral nutrition (tube feeding) can lead to infection at the insertion site or gastrointestinal issues.
- Dietary changes are generally safe when following an RD/RDN’s guidance
Key Takeaways:
- MNT is a valuable tool for managing a wide range of health conditions through personalized nutrition interventions.
- It’s essential to work with a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) for safe and effective MNT.
- MNT is a collaborative process that involves assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and ongoing monitoring.