The NIH Nutrition Department is a dynamic and progressive organization responsible for food service, clinical nutrition and research support services for both the Clinical Center's inpatient and outpatient service areas. The Nutrition Department provides services from a centralized Main Kitchen as well as a satellite research kitchen. The department's computer system is used to manage the extensive food and clinical services that are essential to the Clinical Center's patients. The Nutrition Department is staffed with Registered Dietitians, the majority of whom have advanced degrees and/or specialized certifications.

The Clinical Research Dietitians are responsible for managing the nutritional care of patients enrolled in the Clinical Center's research trials. As part of the research team, the clinical nutrition staff are involved in the planning and implementation of the nutritional component of the protocols that are currently ongoing at NIH. In addition, the clinical staff assesses each patient for their nutritional needs and provides the appropriate medical nutrition therapy that is required.

The Administrative Dietitians manage the food service aspects of the Nutrition Department including food procurement, preparation, and tray service. Extensive computerization of the food service section has greatly enhanced the services provided from the department's main kitchen.

The satellite research kitchen is a unique aspect of the NIH Clinical Center, Nutrition Department. The research kitchen, staffed by trained employees, provides specialized tray service for research protocols. Each staff member follows precise, standardized procedures for weighing, measuring and serving research diets used in the Clinical Center's protocols.

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