IS THERE A NUTRITION ROLE FOR PHARMACISTS?

Pharmacists can help patients on a nutritional level,according to a health expert. The growing focus on preventivehealth and consumer-directed health care is fusingwith the "new frontier" of personalized nutrition, asresearch and genetic innovation in foods open newavenues to improve health."The pharmacist of tomorrowmust look beyond the prescription counter and considerhow the food products that are available in an entirestore should be considered in the development of dietaryadvice for their clientele," said Carl Keen, PhD, during theFood Marketing Institute Pharmacy Conference.

This new role is especially important for supermarketpharmacists. Although the public is accepting the idea offood as medicine, Dr. Keen emphasized that a majority ofindividuals are overwhelmed and confused about thehealth benefits of food. "The confused and increasinglyfrustrated consumer will soon demand sophisticated, tailoredinformation from health professionals. The pharmacistis in an ideal situation to provide this help," he added.