A medical food differs from food for special dietary use by requiring what?

A medical food is designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of patients with certain medical conditions and is intended to be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. This requirement for medical supervision distinguishes medical foods from regular foods for special dietary use, which do not typically necessitate such oversight.

The necessity for medical supervision ensures that the medical food is being used appropriately to address the unique nutritional needs of individuals with specific health issues, such as inborn errors of metabolism or severe intolerances. This oversight is essential for monitoring the patient's response to the medical food and making any necessary adjustments to their dietary plan.

While other concepts, such as government approval or prescription, may apply to medical foods in different contexts, the defining characteristic that sets them apart in terms of usage is the element of medical supervision.