Nutritional management of alcoholism
Visocan, B.J.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 83(6): 693-696
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 6643886 Document Number: 211934
The role of the dietitian in nutritional management of alcoholic rehabilitation is discussed. The nutritional hazards of alcoholism include caloric imbalance, alterations in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and maldigestion/malabsorption. Alcoholism is best treated by a comprehensive (health professional) team approach. The dietitian's role is to tailor nutritional care to meet specific nutrition requirements. The process includes: assessing nutritional status (from data collection interview techniques and data analysis) developing a nutrition care plan; implementing the plan; and evaluating the results. This systems approach can be used with inpatients or outpatients. (kbc)