Who is a Nutrition Specialist?
A Nutrition Specialist is a doctor or trained health professional who helps people eat well to stay healthy, manage long-term conditions, and recover from illness. They assess what you eat, identify nutritional gaps, and create personalised meal plans that suit your lifestyle and health needs. If you have a condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or poor growth in children, a Nutrition Specialist can make a real difference in your health.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Nutrition Specialist
When to See a Nutrition Specialist
You should consider booking an consultation if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- You have been diagnosed with diabetes and need help managing your diet
- You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and want to improve it through food
- Your child is not growing well or is underweight for their age
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to eat well for you and your baby
- You have been losing weight without trying and do not know why
- You feel tired all the time and suspect you may have a nutritional deficiency
- You have been told you are obese and want a safe plan to lose weight
- You have a kidney or liver condition that requires a special diet
- You are recovering from surgery or a serious illness and need to rebuild your strength
- You have digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation related to food
Conditions & Visit Reasons
Select a specific condition to learn more or search for specialists offering directed therapy plans:
Conditions Treated
Common conditions that a Nutrition Specialist can diagnose, manage, or treat:
Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Also known as: STD, sexually transmitted disease
Tiredness
Also known as: loss of energy, malaise, tiredness
Types of Nutrition Specialist Specialists
Clinical Nutrition
Focuses on managing nutrition for patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer.
Paediatric Nutrition
Specialises in the dietary needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including managing malnutrition and growth problems.
Sports Nutrition
Helps athletes and active individuals optimise their diet for performance, endurance, and recovery.
Community and Public Health Nutrition
Works at the population level to address widespread nutritional problems such as stunting, anaemia, and food insecurity.
Maternal and Reproductive Nutrition
Supports the nutritional needs of women during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period.
Obesity and Weight Management
Provides structured programmes to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and lifestyle changes.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, the Nutrition Specialist will ask about what you normally eat, your daily routine, your medical history, and any health goals you have. They may take your weight, height, and other measurements, and may request blood tests to check for deficiencies. You will leave with a clear, practical eating plan that is tailored to your needs and easy to follow in your daily life.
Training & Education Credentials
A Nutrition Specialist typically holds a degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related health science, followed by supervised clinical training and registration with a recognised professional body such as the Ghana Dietetic Association or an equivalent national authority. Some specialists also hold postgraduate qualifications in clinical nutrition or a related medical field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to see a Nutrition Specialist in Ghana?
The cost of a consultation with a Nutrition Specialist in Ghana varies depending on whether you visit a public hospital, private clinic, or teaching hospital. At public facilities, fees are generally lower and may be covered partly by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Private consultations can range from GHS 150 to GHS 500 or more, so it is best to call ahead and confirm the fee before your visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment with a Nutrition Specialist?
Bring any recent medical reports, blood test results, or prescriptions from your doctor, as these help the specialist understand your health condition. It is also helpful to write down what you typically eat in a day, including snacks and drinks, so the specialist can get an accurate picture of your diet. Your NHIS card and a valid ID are also useful to have with you.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Nutrition Specialist?
In many cases, you do not need a formal referral to see a Nutrition Specialist — you can book an appointment directly, especially at private clinics. However, if you are visiting through a public hospital or want your NHIS to cover the cost, your doctor may need to refer you first. It is always a good idea to check with the facility beforehand.
How do I prepare for my nutrition consultation?
Before your appointment, try to keep a simple record of everything you eat and drink for two to three days — this gives the specialist very useful information. Think about your health goals, any symptoms you have noticed, and any foods that seem to cause you problems. There is no need to fast or change your diet before the visit; just come as you normally are.
When should I seek urgent help instead of booking a routine appointment?
If you or your child is severely malnourished, extremely weak, unable to eat or drink, or losing weight very rapidly, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency unit rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Signs of severe malnutrition in children — such as swollen feet and legs, a very thin body, or a swollen belly — also require urgent medical attention. A Nutrition Specialist will be involved in your care once you are stabilised.
Book a Nutrition Specialist
Find verified board-certified Nutrition Specialists on DrDoGood. Compare reviews, check real-time availability, and schedule your appointment online.
All practitioners on DrDoGood are thoroughly vetted for credentials, licensing, and patient satisfaction histories.
Available Nutrition Specialists
Schedule visits with these verified medical providers:
Dr. Abena Boakye
Nutrition Specialist
I'm a certified Nutritionist and Food scientist passionate about optimizing wellness through nutrition. I'm a mission to help you achieve your health goals. With years of expertise, I provide personalized meal plans and evidence-based guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Dr. Daina Darlington
Nutrition Specialist
I have the experience in nutrition screening of patients to ascertain the need for relevant and appropriate nutrition assessment. I provide nutrition care for patients at the out-patient department, renal unit (dialysis), pediatric, surgical and medical wards amongst few, adding to my experience as a clinical dietitian. Through my effective communication and counseling skills I am able to administer appropriate medical nutrition interventions to patient and client.
Dr. Samuel Success
Nutrition Specialist
Dedicated practitioner offering comprehensive medical consultations and personalized care plans.
Dr. Clarice Andoh
Nutrition Specialist
I am training in nutritional counseling using the mind body nutrition
Dr. McCarthy Ephraim
Nutrition Specialist
Busting the myths in the fitness industry whilst helping amazing people lose fat, gain strength, and love life!
Dr. Mrs.Jacqueline Lamptey
Nutrition Specialist
Dedicated practitioner offering comprehensive medical consultations and personalized care plans.
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