Nutrition Software for Dietitians

As a nutritionist or dietitian, the help of an assistant is always recommended. Evaluation of prospective clientele, collection and entry of data, research and database management are but a few of the many responsibilities of a dietitian, thus the benefits of having an efficient assistant. While a personal assistant may be desired, it is not always cost-effective. In this regard, a virtual assistant can serve the same purpose--without the overhead expense. To date, there are several software packages available. Learn what to look for in software for dietitians.

Nutrient Database

• An efficient software program allows nutrient management.

  According to Nutribase, a leading software company for dietitians, "The reliability of a software nutrition package cannot exceed the reliability of its data. What you intend to use the software for will dictate how rigorously the nutrient database's documentation must be." To assure quality in one's choice, Nutribase suggests looking for software that will make quantitative research easier, without compromising quality. An effective and efficient software should be detail-oriented, providing data regarding nutrients, brand-name food items and restaurant guides for comparative analytical purposes; it also needs to provide nutrient data for enteral and parenteral products, among other things.

Intake Management

• Find a software program offering versatility.

  Maintaining an adequate list of all foods consumed by the client is considered "intake management." An efficient software program should provide daily totals and average daily totals, with proper nutrient and caloric calculations included. It should also create food lists, allowing modifications based on personal data specific to the individual client. In this regard, versatility is pertinent. "Versatility in copying work already performed can save you a great deal of time, effort and frustration," advises Nutribase.

Recipe Management

• An efficient software program will manage recipes and allow necessary modifications.

  An efficient software program for a dietitian should also provide recipe management, with necessary modifications. It should allow modification of inputted recipes to accommodate the personal health needs and preferences of each client. It should also allow the dietitian to import and export recipes, according to Nutribase.

Meal Planning

• An efficient program allows versatility in meal planning.

  As per Nutribase, the ability to create meals takes precedence over organizing meals into "meal plans." Therefore the software must be able to create and manage meals and snacks, which are used by dietitians as the fundamental building blocks for "meal plans." A preferred software program is one that allows daily planning for as far in advance as 12 months. Export and import features should also be accessible. An efficient program will allow versatility in meal planning.

Exercise and Client Management

• The ability to manage personalized data, incorporated with exercise regimen, is key.

  Exercise and client management are also important components needed in a dietitian's software. The ability to manage personalized client data, incorporated with exercise regimen and meal plans, is critical. While some software programs offer efficiency in one component, they fail to offer it in another. An all-inclusive package is recommended.

Pricing and Other Information

• Research NAFWA and other sites for resource comparison.

  The cost for dietitian software ranges from zero up to $549. When pricing a software program, consider future upgrades, default options or technical support intervention in case data should become corrupt or lost. Note the costs for such upgrades or replacement options. Also consider the cost of annual subscriptions, and if updates are downloadable from the Internet. Read the fine print.

  NAFWA, a free online site for dietitians and individuals with health concerns, provides an array of resources (exercise, meal planning, weight loss, medical, other). For further information, visit nafwa.org