DIET AS THERAPY: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE INTEGRATION OF MEDICAL NUTRITION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Main Article Content

Salem Mesfer Alzamanan
Masoud Marzouk Ali Zabid
Faris Mohammed Alyami
Hadi Hamad Mana Alkulfut
Ali Ibrahim Muhammad Al Hindi
Mohammad Saleh Alshahi

Keywords

Medical Nutrition, Dietary Therapy, Clinical Practice, Nutritional Interventions, Patient Adherence, Personalized Nutrition, Evidence-Based Outcomes, Healthcare Integration

Abstract

Medical nutrition, an integral component of healthcare, leverages dietary strategies to prevent, manage, and treat diseases. Despite its historical roots, the efficacy and implementation of nutritional therapy in clinical practice remain contentious, necessitating a critical examination. This review scrutinizes the theoretical foundations, practical applications, controversies, and evidence-based outcomes associated with medical nutrition. It highlights the role of healthcare professionals in integrating dietary interventions, examines patient adherence challenges, and discusses the socio-economic factors influencing nutritional therapy. Through an analysis of recent research and clinical trials, the review assesses the scientific support for dietary treatments and identifies research gaps. Additionally, it explores emerging trends like personalized nutrition and the impact of technology on dietary compliance. The review concludes by considering practical strategies for incorporating nutritional therapy into routine care, emphasizing the need for continued research and education to fully realize the potential of diet as therapy in medical practice.

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