“Optimum nutrition is the medicine of tomorrow.”

Professor Linus Pauling, PhD, Nobel laureate

The Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) is a higher education institution founded in 1984 by Patrick Holford with the support of twice Nobel Prize winner Professor Linus Pauling. It is one of the most respected training bodies of its kind in Europe. 

Our flagship Nutritional Therapy courses educate students to become registered Nutritional Therapists on accredited professional qualification programmes. We champion our graduates and the wider nutrition and healthcare industry with our professional CPD courses. Our nutrition clinic and magazine Optimum Nutrition support the public to make a positive impact on their lives with food.

Coronavirus Covid-19 

A message from ION during Coronavirus Covid-19 crisis

Courses and services

Study nutritional therapy

ION courses are designed with flexibility in mind and provide outstanding support. There are courses for everyone: from people with no previous experience, to qualified nutritional therapists, to allied healthcare professionals ready to add personalised nutrition to their practice. As one of the most respected training bodies of its kind in Europe, find out about studying at ION.

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Short courses / CPD

Discover exciting opportunities to deepen your knowledge and support your professional development through a range of short nutrition courses, short health courses, practitioner CPD events and Food Demo Days.

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Open events

Register for an open event, join us online for a webinar (our in person open events are currently on hold) or book a one-to-one appointment phone call.

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Optimum Nutrition magazine

Optimum Nutrition is published four times a year and brings you the latest news, research, updates, forthcoming events, healthy recipes and much more... Sign up today for free digital access.

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Optimum Nutrition Clinic

Our fully qualified Nutritional Therapists work with people every day to improve health and wellbeing, whatever your issue, they will help you find out how to improve your health naturally and safely.

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Online webinars

Latest articles

  • How to keep your New Year's resolution

    January is typically a time when many of us feel overdue for a life review, yet many New Year’s resolutions will be long forgotten by the time February arrives. Here's how to stick to your goals Read more

  • How much sugar is in your food?

    If you want to know how much sugar you are eating, always check the label. But sugar-related claims can be confusing. We look at why we should always check the small print Read more

  • Working With LGBTQ+ Health: Graduate Story with Daniel O'Shaughnessy

    ION alumni Daniel O'Shaughnessy tells us about his journey from addiction therapist to functional medicine practitioner, and the "light bulb" moment that inspired him to focus on health issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community Read more