What the heck is “Medical Nutrition Therapy” anyway?
If you want to be a successful dietitian or you are a new dietetic student needing to soak up as much knowledge as possible about being an RD, you need to have a clear definition of Medical Nutrition Therapy! In fact, any healthcare practitioner should have a good grasp on what it is.
Commonly abbreviated as MNT, Medical Nutrition Therapy is integral to the nutrition care provided by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in all types of work settings, including, but not limited to:
Hospitals and ICUs
Long term care (LTC)
Rehabilitation facilities
RDN Private practices
Dietitian entrepreneur businesses
Outpatient Medical Centers
Let’s start with the official definition of Medical Nutrition Therapy!
According the the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the definition of Medical Nutrition Therapy is:
“Nutritional diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services for the purpose of disease management which are furnished by a registered dietitian or nutrition professional.”
The Academy (AND) also says that: “MNT is a specific application of the Nutrition Care Process in clinical settings that is focused on the management of diseases with in-depth individualized nutrition assessment and a duration and frequency of care using the Nutrition Care Process to manage disease.”
Medical Nutrition Therapy can be used by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to treat Diabetes, Cancer, COPD, Cirrhosis, and many other chronic conditions. In the Brilliant Dietitians blog archives, you can find out how to use and apply MNT for each specific medical condition so that you can be a successful dietitian.
Why is Medical Nutrition Therapy important for you?
If you are an RD or Dietetic Student with aspirations of success, becoming an expert in Medical Nutrition Therapy will help you to:
Be a great Registered Dietitian
Become crazy confident in your career
Reduce stress and anxiety on the job
Succeed as a dietitian in any work setting
Increase client happiness and satisfaction
Make more money as a dietitian (and all the RD’s said “Yes!”)
3 Steps to become an Expert in Medical Nutrition Therapy TODAY!
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Read the Brilliant Dietitian Blog to learn more about Medical Nutrition Therapy!
Head over to the Medical Nutrition Therapy Podcast and subscribe!
Hey You, awesome RD or RD-to-be! Do you still have questions about Medical Nutrition Therapy? You can email me directly at brilliantdietitians@gmail.com with your questions and requests and I will get back to you ASAP!
“Have a fantastic day and get out there and BE A BRILLIANT DIETITIAN!"
😀 Bethany, MS, RDN
Your Brilliant Dietitian Coach
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