Background 

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How did AMNEC come to be?

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The need for a support group similar to AMNEC arose back in 2008 when Rocco Di Vincenzo (APD) identified that many private practice dietitians needed help with complex patient cases. Furthermore they needed a platform where they could discuss their concerns and learn from more experienced dietitians on how to deal with such complexities. This platform has evolved over the years in the form of a facebook group led by Sarah Leung (APD), Antigone Kouris (APD) and Rocco DiVincenzo since 2012 and Anca Vereen (APD) in 2018 until 2020. Running parallel with this initiative has been DAA’s Integrative Medicine Discussion Group which commenced in 2012. Antigone Kouris took over as convenor in 2014. In 2019 Michael Hann (APD) was introduced to these initiatives by Antigone Kouris and with Michael came a wealth of experience, drive and vision. In collaboration with the core members Michael helped to establish what is now known as AMNEC, a support and education platform for private practice dietitians interested in upskilling in advanced medical nutrition principles and in growing a successful business.

Letter A/Prof Antigone Kouris wrote to DAA in 2010 with Prof Kotsirilos and Prof Phelps about dietitians and NCs and working closely with pharmacies 

 

Letter A/Prof Antigone Kouris wrote to DAA in 2008 about the changing role of APDs

 

Report A/Prof Antigone Kouris wrote for DAA newsletter about GP conference and NCs
 

What are advanced medical nutrition principles and practices
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Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy principles and practices teach APD's to utilise scientifically validated non drug medicine and nutritional therapies (therapeutic diets, functional foods, nutraceuticals) in assisting with disease prevention and treatment, and optimising wellness and longevity. 

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Why the need for AMNEC?

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Over the last 10 years the technology and evidence for advanced functional nutritional pathology testing, the development of clinical assessment tools and evidence-based nutraceuticals have evolved rapidly, allowing for better clinical outcomes. As such, up-skilling in these areas is now imperative if dietitians are to remain relevant in the health industry.

 

So let’s discuss some of these advances and what Advanced Medical Nutrition is all about
 

• Clinical assessment, laboratory tests and some nutritional supplements are core areas in dietetic Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) training.  Unfortunately, over the last decade, while these areas have substantially expanded their research base, services and products, most APDs now lack the skills and knowledge of advances in MNT.
   

• There have been advances in functional pathology testing like stool testing (microbiome), organic acid testing (OAT), nutrigenomics and biochemical nutritional tests which can improve the way APDs assess patients and assist in managing nutritional diagnoses. These tests can provide specific information for more personalised recommendations. Using these tests alongside traditional pathology testing and advanced holistic assessment methods can enable APDs to help identify physiological drivers and therefore more appropriate treatment options (e.g. such as the use of nutraceuticals to treat identified nutritional insufficiencies, microbiome disturbances and toxin exposure)

 

• There have been major advances in the field of nutraceutical (NC) supplements which may help in the treatment and management of acute and chronic conditions. These NCs not only contain macro and micronutrients which APDs are skilled at using, but also other evidence based bioactive compounds/phytonutrients from herbs and spices, essential fatty acids, digestive (and other) enzymes and probiotics. NCs can be used as short-term, individually tailored and strategic adjunctive therapy along-side diet therapy to assist in the management of various health conditions.
   

• There has been a massive increase in the use of non-drug therapies. Over 70% of Australians are now using NCs regularly and the NC market has grown by $2 billion over the last 5 years. Our patients are actively looking for advice regarding supplementation use to improve their health and as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the need for upskilling in NCs has been driven by the Australian public. Now more than ever there is an opportunity for APDs to extend their training in clinically effective evidence-based NCs and position themselves as experts in this area. 

  • A study by Marks et al (2016) on 231 APDs reported that 81% of APDs believed that APDs should be considered an authority on NCs, 60% were interested in prescribing NCs for specific diseases, and 87% wanted further training. (Marx W et. al. Attitudes beliefs and behaviours of Australian Dietitians regarding dietary supplements. Comp Ther Clin Prac 2016).

 

• Functional foods (which also fall under the definition of NCs) are also increasingly being used by the Australian public as a way to manage their health. This is a rapidly growing area and dietitians require further training in this area. Private practice dietitians working in other sectors would greatly benefit to develop their knowledge base in this area.