The discipline of Human Clinical Nutrition applies principles derived from current biochemical and physiological scientific knowledge for the purpose of promoting optimal health.
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 analysis to determine an educational nutrition program. Assessment also provides the basis for referral to a licensed physician, or other health care professionals.
Nutritional supplements may be recommended if they are indicated by an individual nutritional evaluation and there is research or clinical evidence to support their use. A questionnaire is used to evaluate whether there might be nutritional deficiencies along with the use of varied laboratory assessments. You will keep a record of what you eat for several days so that suggestions can be made about what needs to be increased or decreased for better nutrition and optimal wellness.
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. The requirements include a minimum 19 science course credits and 14 human nutrition course credits, as well as a post graduate studies course in clinical nutrition with 900 hours clinical nutrition internship. Complete the Clinical Nutritionist Certification Board, C.N.C.B. Certification Exam. Complete 20 hours of continuing education annually.
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).
What are some of the laboratory tests that may be used to determine a nutritional program?
Basic Biochemical profile using blood, urine and hair analyses:
Specialized Additional Blood or Urine Tests are available
Stool Analyses
Food Allergy and Sensitivity Analyses
Celiac Profile
Clinical studies indicate the Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase IgA/IgG and Endomysial IgA antibodies as highly prevalent and reliable for non-invasive assessment of Celiac Disease. Our profile includes Total IgA to rule out false negatives in IgA immunodeficient individuals, and the Endomysial IgA as a reflex when indicated. Anti-GLiadin IgA and IgG is available to establish levels and use as a monitoring tool for successful elimination of gluten.