Health
DifferenceBetween a
Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
Chad Collins,B,Sc., R.D.
Law protects the title 'RegisteredDietitian', 'Professional Dietitian', and 'Dietitian' so thatonly qualified practitioners who have met education qualificationscan use that title.
Dietitians who have metnational standards for education and training and who are membersof regulatory bodies can use one of the following designations- RD, RDN, PDt or RDt.
Dietitians are uniquelytrained to advise you on food, diet and nutrition. All Dietitianshave a Bachelor's degree specializing in foods and nutrition,and have completed an accredited internship at a hospital or agraduate degree associated with an accredited hospital. Dietitiansare members of a regulated profession that has public protectionas their mandate. Dietitians are held accountable for their conductand the care they provide.
The term Nutritionist isnot protected by law so people with different levels of trainingand knowledge can call themselves a 'Nutritionist'.
A variety of titles havebeen used by unqualified people to describe their involvementin nutrition related practice.
Many use the term 'registered'with a variation of 'nutrition' as a title. You should be carefulto ensure that the person is a qualified nutrition professional.
Typically dietitians workingin a hospital or health care institution will have a job titlethat uses the term 'dietitian' and will focus on clinical careof the patient or manage the food service. Dietitians workingin community or private settings will typically have a job titlethat uses 'nutritionist' and focus on healthy eating and wellnessat various stages of the lifecycle.
Dietitians are qualifiedto provide dietary therapies for diseases and conditions suchas diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, food allergies andintolerances, digestive disorders and diseases, developmentaldisabilities, eating disorders, weight loss, as well as othernutrition related problems throughout a persons life.
In hospitals, communityhealth centers, health care facilities and home care: ClinicalDietitians counsel patients and develop special eating plans forspecific diseases or conditions.
In the community: PublicHealth and Community Health Dietitians or Nutritionists offernutrition programs and healthy eating resources.
In foodservice: Dietitiansmanage food preparation and distribution.
In private practice: Dietitiansconsult to individuals, groups, workplaces, institutions and themedia.
In industry and businesses:Dietitians participate in product development, marketing and consumereducation.
In government, educationand research: Dietitians develop food and nutrition policies,teach others, and make new discoveries about nutrition and health.
Knowing the qualificationsof any health professional is the key to obtaining competent andsafe information and treatment.
Chad Collins
Nutrix Ltd.