• Persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms where diet may influence symptom
patterns
• Metabolic health concerns such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia or
hypertension
• Weight-related health complications including overweight and obesity with associated
comorbidity
• Unintended weight loss, low appetite or signs of malnutrition risk
• Suspected or confirmed micronutrient deficiencies
• Complex dietary exclusion or restrictive patterns that may compromise nutritional status
• Nutritional requirements influenced by medical or surgical conditions
The service assesses and manages a wide range of clinical scenarios where diet plays a
role in symptoms, disease progression or risk profile. This includes:
Gastrointestinal and digestive conditions:
• Irritable bowel syndrome and functional gut symptoms
• Reflux and dyspepsia symptom patterns
• Coeliac disease dietary management
• Post-surgical diet adjustment
• Nutrient absorption concerns
Metabolic and cardiovascular risk
• Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes dietary planning
• Dyslipidaemia and atherogenic risk patterns
• Hypertension and diet-related contributors
• Fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome
Weight and nutritional status
• Overweight, obesity and weight-related complications
• Unintentional weight loss and malnutrition risk
• Age-associated changes in appetite and intake
• Eating pattern optimisation for health outcomes
Micronutrient concerns and dietary adequacy
• Iron deficiency and related intake strategies
• Vitamin D, B12 and folate assessment and planning
• Vegetarian or vegan diet adequacy
• Fibre and fluid balance for bowel regulation
Assessment components may include:
• Detailed symptom and dietary history
• Anthropometric measurements (weight, BMI, waist circumference) where appropriate
• Review of relevant investigations such as blood tests (HbA1c, lipids, iron studies, liver
profile, thyroid function, coeliac serology)
• Interpretation of results in the context of clinical presentation
• Identification of nutritional risk and deficiency states.
The dietitian distinguishes between conditions that benefit from structured dietary
therapy, those requiring medical investigation, and presentations where referral to other clinical services is appropriate. Testing and interpretation are guided by clinical relevance
and UK evidence, avoiding unnecessary panels or non-specific investigations.
Treatments, Procedures and Management Pathways
Dietary management plans are tailored to the individual based on clinical findings, goals
and practical constraints. Interventions may include:
• Therapeutic strategies for symptom control in gastrointestinal conditions
• Macronutrient and meal planning for glucose regulation
• Cardiometabolic risk reduction through dietary patterns
• Weight and appetite management plans that protect overall nutritional status
• Nutrient repletion strategies for identified deficiencies
• Education on practical food choices, portioning and hydration
• Rationalisation of supplements based on clinical need
Multidisciplinary Working and Onward Referral
The Dietetics and Nutrition service collaborates with other clinical teams to provide
holistic care when needed. Collaborations include:
• Gastroenterology for complex gut symptoms or diagnostic pathways
• Endocrinology and diabetes specialists for metabolic risk management
• Cardiology for lipid and blood pressure risk assessment
• Physiotherapy where weight and nutrition affect physical function
• Mental health professionals where eating behaviours and psychological factors
influence nutrition
• Primary care and NHS pathways for shared monitoring or urgent escalation
What Patients Can Expect from an Appointment
Dietetics consultations are structured and clinically focused. Patients can expect:
• A detailed review of symptoms, clinical history and dietary intake
• Clarification of dietary factors contributing to symptoms or risk
• Assessment of nutrient status and risk identification
• Clear explanation of findings and clinical rationale
• A personalised dietary management plan with practical guidance
• Recommendations for monitoring progress and relevant markers
• Follow-up arrangements when needed to adjust plans
Do I need tests before seeing a dietitian?
Not always. Many patients benefit from an initial assessment based on clinical history and dietary analysis. Where tests are needed to guide safe dietary management, these can
be discussed and coordinated appropriately.
Can diet help with bloating and IBS?
Yes. Structured dietary approaches can help identify triggers, optimise fibre and meal
patterns, and improve symptom control without unnecessary restriction.
Is a low-FODMAP approach suitable for everyone?
No. It is a therapeutic approach for specific presentations and should be time-limited and
personalised to avoid long-term restriction.
Can diet lower cholesterol without medication?
Dietary changes can improve lipid profiles, but for some patients diet complements rather than replaces medication depending on overall cardiovascular risk.
Phone: 01623 624137
Location: Nottingham Road Clinic, 195 Nottingham Road Mansfield NG18 4AA
