Nutritional biochemistry is the study of nutrition as a science. While nutritional science is composed of various studies in food components, nutrients, and their function regarding humans and other mammals, nutritional biochemistry specifically focuses on nutrient chemical components, and how they function metabolically, physiologically, biochemically as well as their impact on disease. Nutritional Biochemical research is primarily centred upon defining dietary and nutritional needs in sick and healthy individuals and the reduction of side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. The clinical nutritionist is conceptually driven rather than protocol driven when dealing with disease. This conceptual approach promotes flexibility, innovative thought and experimentation for the evolution of new and better treatments.
Nutritional biochemistry is an integrative form of science as it uses other sciences such as physiology, medicine, microbiology, pharmacology, chemistry and biology and applies these sciences specifically to the study of health, diet, nutrition, disease, drug treatment and the connections that exist among them.
Malnutrition both macro and micro is typically a serious concern for nutritional biochemists. Nutritional deficiencies or over-nutrition are often the cause of disabilities, disease, and other problems. These conditions in particular include diabetes, cancer, birth defects, obesity, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease and even mental health. A nutritional biochemist can develop plans to counteract these afflictions, identifying both nutritional causes as well as preventative measures.
Nutritional biochemical therapy refers to specific nutrition procedures including assessment and interventions in the treatment of an illness, injury or disease condition. Nutritional biochemical therapy procedures define the level, content and frequency of nutrition supplementation that are appropriate for optimal care and nutrition outcomes.
The major goals of nutrition therapy are:
Research shows that nutritional biochemical therapy saves lives, reduces morbidity, improves health outcomes, and reduces healthcare costs and patients' length of hospital stay.
References available on request