The discipline of Human Clinical Nutrition applies principles derived from current biochemical and physiological scientific knowledge for the purpose of promoting optimal health.

What is the difference between a dietician and a clinical nutritionist?

A dietician is a person trained in nutrition, food science and diet planning. (Glossary, Chapter 1, Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition 5th edition, Whitney, Cataldo, Rolfes, 1998, pg. 30)

The Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), while recognizing biochemical individuality assesses a person’s nutritional needs to achieve optimal physiological function. Assessment includes the use of appropriate tests and observations such as case history, anthropomorphic measurements, physical signs, laboratory tests, and nutrition/lifestyle analyses to determine an educational nutrition program. Assessment also provides the bases for referral to a licensed physician, or other health care professionals. The educational protocol may include among other information, nutrition/lifestyle modification, nutritive supplementation, physiological/biochemical pathways, and the evoking of regenerative processes.   (Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) Professional Practice Guidelines and Disciplinary Procedures, Drafted from the National Nutrition Consortium, September, 1977 definition).

Eligibility requirements to be certified as a CCN are as follows: a minimum Bachelors Degree in Science and Nutrition from one of the accredited bodies of The Council on Post Secondary Education. A minimum 19 science course credits and 14 human nutrition course credits, with 900 hours clinical nutrition internship. Complete the International and American Association of Clinical Nutrition, I.A.A.C.N. Certification Exam.  Complete 20 hours of continuing education annually.

What are some of the laboratory tests that are used to determine a nutritional program?

Basic Biochemical profile using blood, urine and hair analyses:

• Comprehensive Metabolic Profile
• Complete Blood Count
• Lipid Panel
• Thyroid Panel
• Ferritin
• Magnesium
• Uric Acid
• ABO and Rh type (blood type)
• Standard Urinalyses
• Hair analyses

Special Additional Blood or Urine Tests are available

• Adrenocortex Stress Profile
• Bone Resorption Assessment
• Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment
• Comprehensive Detoxification Profile
• Comprehensive Vitamin Profile
• DHEA Assay
• EFA, Essential Fatty Acids
• Female or Male Hormone Profile
• Free T3 / TSH (special thyroid assessment)
• HGH Profile   
• Melatonin Profile   
• Metabolic Dysglycemia Profile     

*Custom Vitamin Formulation Urinalyses – Custom Essentials
*Custom Weight Loss Program Urinalyses – Fit Test

Stool Analyses

• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analyses
• Comprehensive Parasitology Analyses
• Intestinal Permeability Assessment

Food Allergy and Sensitivity Analyses

• ALCAT Test (food allergy and sensitivity blood test)
• Comprehensive Antibody Assessment