NutriProfiel celebrates its tenth anniversary at the end of May. This innovative collaboration between Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei (ZGV) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) links blood tests to personal nutritional advice. NutriProfiel is therefore a unique example of how science and healthcare practice come together to make nutrition a real part of regular healthcare.
"NutriProfiel is unique, we provide nutritional advice with vitamin diagnostics from the lab. I haven't yet heard of anyone else linking nutritional advice to blood tests for vitamins," says Michiel Balvers, senior researcher from WUR. Based on blood values, such as vitamin D and B12, the patient receives personal advice. "This gives GPs and medical specialists a tool to discuss nutrition in the consultation room," explains NutriProfiel coordinator Anne Slotegraaf.
Eetscore: from awareness to action
A key component of NutriProfiel is the Eetscore, a scientifically validated online questionnaire that provides insight into someone's dietary pattern based on the national dietary guidelines. "Completing the Eetscore in itself already contributes to awareness," says Slotegraaf. "And with the personalised advice, people can actively work on their diet. More than 12,000 people have already made use of this advice." Balvers adds: "I am very proud of that, because with this we are making a real impact in precenting health problems. After all, nutrition is a major part of a healthy lifestyle."
Working together
According to Balvers, the success of NutriProfiel is partly due to the mutual trust between ZGV and WUR: "In the beginning, it took us time to figure out what this should look like. After all, the system links complex IT structures and processes, and that should result in a smooth process for both patient and care provider." It is quite a feat that this system has been functioning well for ten years. "Others have tried to copy it, but end up dropping out: it requires a lot of dedication, expertise and cooperation."
Part of the Alliantie Voeding in de Zorg
NutriProfiel is part of the Alliantie Voeding in de Zorg, in which various parties work together on research, innovation and education for nutritional advice for patients. Slotegraaf: "Within the NutriProfiel team, nutritional scientists, clinical chemists, dieticians and doctors work together. This cooperation is unique, and the role of the Alliantie Voeding in de Zorg as a link between the parties is indispensable in this."
The approach shows that tailored nutritional advice - scientifically substantiated and practically applicable - has real impact in healthcare today and in the future.
