Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
Often, the titles “dietitian” and “nutritionist” gets mistakenly used interchangeably when describing the profession. While seemingly harmless, there is a distinct difference between the two.
In order to receive the credentialing status to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), it requires the minimum of a 4-year bachelor’s degree (typically in science), 1200+ hour supervised internship and associated class work, passing the national board exams, then maintaining licensure by participating in continuing education every year. Dietitians are trained medical professionals that provide recommendations from evidenced-based, scientifically proven research. RDNs are mandated by a governing body (CDR) to provide standards of care within their trained scope of practice, and follow outlined code of ethics in their profession.
RDNs take into consideration an individuals lived experience in the world when providing recommendations including socioeconomic status, cultural food preferences and practices (ie religious fasting), mental health history (including assessment for disordered eating), food allergies/intolerances, medication review (for potential nutrient-medicaiton interactions), and much more. Dietitians use the science of nutrition and metabolism to translate their knowledge into practical solutions to help individuals make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes in the real world.
“Nutritionists” have no legal governing body that regulates how they practice, how they can use the title, or have requirements for education status. Since there are no standard requirements for education, nutritionists have wide variations in their depth of knowledge in the subject. Some can be self-taught whereas others might go through higher level course work. This makes nutritionists recommendations highly inconsistent and even dangerous. That’s not to say “all nutritionists” are practicing unethically, but the lack of standards of care makes it highly variable of what you may receive when working with a nutritionist.
As “nutritionist” is a self-proclaimed title, be suspicious when receiving recommendations for diet protocols and supplements. If a supplement sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Often untested (and potentially unsafe) supplements or herbal remedies get pushed from the practitioner to receive commission despite lack of efficacy . Further, if a nutritionists’ protocols for prescribing diet recommendations align with fad dieting for quick results that do not take into consideration any potential side effects to a person’s physical or mental health, don’t take the bait! Fad diets for quick results also mean temporary results.
While anyone can call themself a nutritionist, it is important to recognize the difference when considering what type of care you are looking for. To receive counseling and education from a top-tier expert, its best to work with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
