IFMNT NIBLETS Nutrition Assessment Differential

Abstract

An integrative assessment and diagnosis of each individual is fundamental to identifying root causes for an appropriate intervention. The NIBLETS assessment was developed as a way to assess factors that are affecting nutrient metabolism. The NIBLETS model is named for its seven components: Nutrient deficiencies/insufficiencies, Inflammation/immunity, Biochemical individuality (genetic/epigenetic influences on chronic disease), Lifestyle factors, Energy, Toxic load, and Stress and sleep. Further descriptions of each NIBLETS component are provided in this textbook. This chapter specifically focuses on NIBLETS and the nutrition assessment. IFMNT skills start with the medical condition or symptoms, and then an assessment is completed using the NIBLETS differential. The evidence gathered is the baseline to consider corrective interventions where nutritional injuries/altered nutrition status have been identified. In order to intervene at the root cause of any condition, the status of the building blocks must first be thoroughly evaluated. Nutrients are the foundation for the body’s metabolic processes that ultimately determine one’s health. Assessing nutritional status through an integrative look at nutrient sufficiency, immunity, biochemical individuality, lifestyle, energy balance, sleep, and stress provides a more complete picture of what interventions need to be made to meet nutritional demands and push a patient toward health and away from disease.