Proper nutrition is the single most important component of preventative health care. Heart disease, diabetes and other ailments are all linked to dietary habits. Accurate nutritional assesment can be a matter of life and death. This study explores the growing number of nutrients that can be evaluated. The author makes a case for the practice and advancement of this health care tool. Nutritional assessment identifies undernutrition, overnutrition, specific nutrition deficiences and imbalances. Diligent assessment determines the appropriate nutrition intervention and monitors its effects.