Evidence-Based Pharmacist Care: Diet, Nutrition, Enteral Nutrition, and Parenteral Nutrition

This chapter underscores the expanding role of pharmacists in delivering evidence-based care in diet, nutrition, enteral nutrition, and parenteral nutrition (PN). With their expertise in pharmacotherapy and biochemistry, pharmacists are key contributors to patient assessment, counseling, medication-nutrient interaction management, and the formulation of individualized nutritional plans. They play a central role in the selection, preparation, and monitoring of enteral and parenteral nutrition therapies, ensuring optimal safety, efficacy, and alignment with patient-specific needs. The chapter explores the clinical, economic, and humanistic impacts of pharmacist-led interventions—such as reduced complications, cost savings, enhanced patient knowledge, and improved quality of life. It also addresses the facilitators and barriers to pharmacist engagement in nutritional care, advocating for policy support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and specialized training. As healthcare shifts toward personalized, preventive models, pharmacists are increasingly integral to optimizing nutritional strategies that improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.