Scenario

Let’s now consider what these links between nutrition and medicine look like in practice. Mattia’s case provides an opportunity to reflect on the people you see in your practice, and how you might integrate nutrition into conversations.

Mattia is 16-years-old and has been prescribed lymecycline capsules for acne. He has a history of childhood eczema and asthma. 

When Mattia was younger, he had repeated chest infections and was a fussy eater, so his mum has been purchasing over-the-counter vitamins since he was a young child. 

Mattia’s mum now purchases teenage multivitamin and mineral tablets, which contain a variety of minerals, including iron and zinc. 

What advice regarding Mattia’s health, nutrition and medicines would you like to discuss with him?

• Consider discussing with Mattia his diet in general, what foods he likes to eat and what foods might help his overall nutrition
• Lymecycline has the following cautionary and advisory label: ‘Do not take indigestion remedies, or medicines containing iron or zinc, two hours before or after you take this medicine’
• Mattia should be advised to take the lymecycline at a different time of day to his multivitamin and mineral.