The following Course Topic Guidelines lists most of the topics that may be covered in the diplomate examination. You may consider these topics when submitting official transcript hours in the Grandfathering process if you never held a diplomate in nutrition. These topics are covered in nutrition diplomate programs or nutrition courses given through chiropractic colleges or other institutions of higher learning. Many of these topics are covered in continuing education classes which can also generate an official transcript.
Introduction to the Study of Nutrition, Assessment and Evaluation
a. Why is the study of nutrition important
b. Nutrition and its relation to health
c. Trends in the American diet
d. Adequacy of the American diet
e. Cultural, age and economic factors
f. Clinical appraisal of patient, questionnaires and forms
g. Psychological evaluation, stress and other questionnaires
h. Physical examination of nutrition patient - how it differs from medical and musculoskeletal examination examples shown
i. Laboratory testing
j. Information on how to choose supplement companies
k. Risk management issues including the nutrition informed consent
Laboratory I
Introduction to laboratory analysis for the nutrition practice including routine blood chemistries and organ profiles
a. Urinalysis
b. Hair analysis
c. Salivary testing
d. Stool analysis
e. Nutrient level determination
Nutritional Aspects in Gastrointestinal Disease
1. Organs
a. Mouth
Tooth decay
Bleeding gums
Periodontal
b. Stomach
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Ulcers
Hiatal hernia
c. Gallbladder
d. Intestine
Dysbiosis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Malabsorption syndrome
Parasitic infections
Infectious diarrhea
Colitis
Leaky gut syndrome
Diverticulitis
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
2. Functional laboratory testing for GI disorders
3. Diets for specific GI disorders
Nutrient-Nutrient and Drug-Nutrient Interactions, Contraindications and Risk Management
Risk management for the clinical nutritionist includes knowledge of
Nutrient-nutrient interactions and reactions
Nutrient-drug interactions and reactions
Metabolism I
Carbohydrates
General considerations
Dietary significance
Monosaccharide
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides
Digestion and absorption
Fats
General considerations
Composition, classification and characteristics
Functions
Digestion and absorption
Metabolism
Cholesterol, Prostaglandins, phospholipids
Essential fatty acids and triglyceride
Protein
General considerations
Composition, classification and characteristics
Functions
Digestion and absorption
Metabolism
Enzymes
Energy Metabolism
Female Nutrition
Common female diseases and syndromes
PMS
Osteoporosis
Menopause
Vaginitis
Candidiasis
Endometriosis
Cystitis
PCOS
Estrogen Dominance Syndrome
Pregnancy
Lactation
Functional laboratory testing for female disorders
Diets for specific female disorders
Nutrition in Infancy and Adolescence
Infancy
Growth
Nutritional requirements
Feeding considerations
Alternatives to processed baby foods
Supplementary foods
Allergies
Specific health issues
Colic
Ear Infections
Iron deficiency anemia
Adolescence
Growth and development
Evaluation of the child’s nutritional state
Age group need differences
Food habits
School lunch program
Nutrition education
Specific health issues
Dentition and nutrition
Obesity
ADD and ADHD
Autism
Functional laboratory testing for infant and adolescent disorders
Diets for specific infants and adolescents
Nutrition Practice and Risk Management, Research Paper Presentation, and Examination
General nutrition practice management tools will be covered including:
incorporating nutrition into an existing practice
redirecting patient dollars already spent on supplements
risk management
Submit and present 1 literature research paper suitable for publication, typed in proper format with a minimum of 25 references
Musculoskeletal Nutrition
Nutrition consideration should always be included in the complete management of soft tissue injuries or complaints and those of bone tissue also. Satisfactory repair of injured tissue and the maintenance of strong, healthy soft tissue will decrease the frequency and severity of injury.
Soft Tissue Nutrition
a. Acute injury
b. Disc
c. Chronic sprain/strain
d. Myofascial / Fibromyalgia
e. Carpal tunnel
Bone and Joint Nutrition
a. Fractures
b. Osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteomalacia
c. Arthritis
Functional laboratory testing for musculoskeletal disorders
Diets for specific musculoskeletal disorders
The Role of Vitamins, Macro and Trace Minerals as Nutrients, Water
Vitamin
Minerals
Trace minerals
Water
Geriatrics and Longevity
Characteristics of aging including
Vision loss
Hearing loss
Dry skin
Constipation/diarrhea
GERD
Dysphagia
Arthritis
Sarcopenia/osteopenia
Anemia
Physiologic and metabolic changes
Memory loss/Alzheimer’s disease
Multiple medication side effects
Functional testing
BIA, grip strength, albumin, metabolic markers
Nutritional and diet requirements
Obtaining adequate calorie intake
Dentition complications
Drug-nutrient interactions
Hyperimmunity – Nutritional considerations for allergies, autoimmune disorders and dermatology
Allergies
a. Acute and latent allergies
b. Nutritional considerations in autoimmune disorders
c. The role of the GI tract in both problems
d. Food additives and preservatives
Dermatology
Functional laboratory testing for hyperimmune disorders
Diets for specific hyperimmune disorders
Hypoimmunity - Phytochemicals, Immunology, HIV/AIDS, and Cancer
a. Understanding phytochemicals and their role in nutrition
b. Nutritional support for the immune system
c. Nutrition for HIV/AIDS support
d. Diet, nutrition and cancer prevention
e. Discussion on alternative cancer therapies
Herbal Medicine: Introduction and Clinical Applications
a. Basic introduction to and understanding of herbology
b. Understanding the various preparations and when to use
c. Dosage for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients
d. Use of herbs in the treatment of common illnesses
Risk management issues including government regulations, manufacturing practices and standardization, herb-nutrient and herb-drug interactions
Nutrition in Blood Diseases, Infections and Metabolic Disorders
a. Blood disorders
Anemia
Leukemia
b. Acute and chronic infections
Antibody and hormonal response
c. Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic Syndrome
Diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes
Thyroid dysfunction
Adrenal disorders
HPA axis dysfunction
Rheumatoid arthritis
Functional laboratory testing for metabolic disorders
Diets for specific disorders
Stress Management, Research Paper Presentations
Adrenal hormone and stress management protocols including relaxation exercises and techniques
Each participant will be expected to submit and present to the class a written case history in the format given.
Nutritional Considerations in Cardiovascular Health
a. General considerations
Coronary risk factors
Role of diet
Diet prescriptions
Patient education
b. Atherosclerosis
c. Peripheral vascular disease
d. Hypertension
e. Ischemic heart disease
f. Rheumatic heart disease
g. Pulmonary heart disease
Functional laboratory testing for cardiovascular disorders
Diets for specific cardiovascular disorders
Laboratory diagnosis using computer program analysis
Functional approach to tests on blood, stool, urine, saliva to access nutrient recommendations
Show standard clinical as well as optimal nutritional ranges
Profile analysis for
Heart disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Gall Bladder disease
Metabolic disease and diabetes
Reporting, documentation and follow up testing
Use of Homeopathic Preparations in Nutrition Practice
This is an overview of homeopathy and the use of OTC products in clinical nutrition. Risk management issues will be covered including ethics and legalities.
Homeopathic material medica
Potency and frequency
Specific items for constitutional vs first aid
Common preparations used in practice
Sports Nutrition for the Athlete, Bariatrics and Eating Disorders
a. Diet for optimum athletic performance
b. Proper nutritional supplementation for the athlete
c. Anorexia
d. Bulimia
e. Obesity
Functional laboratory testing for sports disorders
Diets for specific sports disorders and training
Nutritional Aspects of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
a. Headache
b. Neuromuscular disorders
c. Toxicity H
d. Depression
e. Hyperactive / manic states
f. Stress management
g. Attention deficit
Functional laboratory testing for neurological and psychiatric disorders
Diets for specific neurological and psychiatric disorders
Diseases of the Urogenital System and Male Problems
Urogenital
a. Glomerulonephritis
b. Nephrosis
c. Kidney failure
d. Principles of dietary treatment
Conditions of the male reproductive organs
a. Prostate
b. Infertility
Functional laboratory testing for urogenital disorders
Diets for specific urogenital disorders
Metabolism III Interrelationships and pathways. Inborn errors of metabolism.
Show anabolism and catabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, redox reactions for energy and antioxidant systems and the integration of metabolism. Integration of endocrine and other messengers for regulation of metabolism including genetic/inborn errors of metabolism will be covered.
X-ray Findings in Metabolic Disorders, Case Histories
Volume 2 Chapter 14 in Essentials of Radiology by Yokum and Rowe or like information.
In addition to the written and practical examinations, each participant in some nutrition diplomate programs will be required to submit three (3) case histories typed in proper format with supporting documentation to present and defend orally.