Therapeutic Nutrition

Therapeutic nutrition, also known as medical nutrition therapy, is an area of dietetics that involves the use of specific dietary interventions to manage and treat certain medical conditions and diseases. It is based on the relationship between our diet, nutrition and health outcomes.  

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an individualized, evidence-based process that focuses on tailoring nutrition plans to the needs of the patient. It not only educates patients on how their diet and nutrition can support their existing medical condition, but also aims to reduce the risk of new complications arising. 

Nutrition also plays an important role in the recovery of many illnesses or following serious injuries. We work closely with our Rehabilitation team to ensure patients have the necessary nutrients, strength and natural defenses to recover and heal as quickly as possible.  

Personalized treatment that’s tailored to you 

Our registered dietitian considers each patient’s specific health issues, medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals when designing a personalized treatment program. A wide range of medical nutrition therapy strategies are used to address many conditions in both adults and children, including: 

• Aerodigestive disorders  
• Allergies and intolerances  
• Cardiovascular diseases  
• Enteral and/or parenteral feeding 
• Gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, diarrhea, Celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, malabsorption and more)  
• Growth disorders and faltering growth (failure to thrive) 
• Hematological disorders  
• Malnutrition/undernutrition   
• Mental health and eating disorders (picky eating, anorexia, bulimia and more) 
• Neurology (SMA, seizure disorder and epilepsy, cerebral palsy) 
• Overweight and obesity  
• Refeeding syndrome 
• Renal disorders  
• Respiratory distress and pulmonary disorders  
• Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus  
• Weaning diet implementation. 

Managing and treating disease through therapeutic nutrition 

The aim of medical nutrition therapy is to improve the patient's health and quality of life through a meticulously designed diet that supports their specific medical needs. Typically, therapy is continued until the nutrition-related diagnosis is addressed or nutritional goals are achieved.  

The complexity and duration of nutritional therapy varies depending on the condition being managed/treated, ranging from a reduced calorie diet for weight loss through to the prescription of a high protein diet for would healing. Therapy typically involves: 

• Comprehensive nutrition assessment  
• Development of a nutritional diagnosis 
• Development of nutritional goals 
• Development of an individual care plan and specific nutrition interventions  
• Ongoing follow-up visits to support behavioral and lifestyle changes. 

If you or a loved one needs nutritional support, we are here to help. Get in touch with our Dietetics clinic at Mubadala Health Dubai today.