Nutritional Services

Navigating nutrition during cancer treatment can be difficult and overwhelming. Oncology Supportive Services provides a Registered Dietitian to meet patient’s nutritional needs and provide education. Whether receiving nutrition from food or by alternate routes, patients can receive assistance with nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment.

What is a Registered Dietitian?

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts with a degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers. RDs apply principles derived from the sciences of nutrition, biochemistry, food, physiology, management, and behavioral and social sciences to help individuals achieve and maintain health. In addition to RD credentialing, the state of Arkansas has regulatory laws governing licensure of dietitians and the practice of dietetics. Only practitioners who have completed specific educational requirements, passed a national exam and continue learning through ongoing education can use these titles and credentials.

There is no specific, standardized meaning for “nutritionist.” Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, and unfortunately, unqualified healthcare recommendations can cause people harm. It is important to check for credentials to ensure you are receiving care from a qualified nutrition expert – a registered and licensed dietitian.

There also are specialty credentials for dietitians who specialize in a specific field. For example, a dietitian specializing in nutrition support is an expert in the management of enteral and parenteral feeding. This includes feeding tubes and IV nutrition. This designation is titled, Board Certified Nutrition Support Clinician, and is an interdisciplinary certification that is also held by other disciplines, such as pharmacists, physicians, advanced practice providers, and nurses.

Food & Nutrition Resources and Information

Abbott Nutrition: Educational resource, recipes, supplement information, tube feeding formulas, patient assistance programs, and more.

The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics: Educational resource and recipes.

American Cancer Society: Assistance programs, assistance services, and information about managing side effects of treatment.

American Institute for Cancer Resources: Educational resources, videos, tools, activities, and cancer prevention information tips.

Chemo Care: Educational resource pertaining to chemotherapy including nutrition help, managing side effects, and educational videos.

Nestle Nutrition: Educational resource, recipes, supplement information, tube feeding formulas, patient assistance programs, and more.

Oley Foundation: IV nutrition and tube feeding resources including supplies, education, and support.

Erin Moore, MS RD LD CNSC

Registered Dietitian / Nutritional Services Manager

Contact the Registered Dietitian Today