What distinguishes a dietitian from a nutritionist?
With so much information out there and people claiming to be experts, there can be confusion on what nutrition advice is grounded in fact.
Dietitian
Who they are
A qualified expert and healthcare professional who promotes good health through proper nutritional habits and education in both healthy and sick people
Education & Credentials
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition
An accredited dietetic internship with 1,200+ hours of supervised experience
Required to pass a national licensing examination
Requires 75+ CEUs every 5 years
Legal Status
Legally accepted as a nutrition expert as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) and maintains active status through the CDR
Required to abide by ethics and code of conduct
What does it all mean
Training on nutrient timing and possible interactions with drugs
Experienced in working in hospitals, clinics, and in private practice
Avoids fad diets but will ensure recommendations are customized, safe, and effective based on the latest science
Nutritionist
Who they are
• Someone who uses food and nutrition science, aiming to prevent disease related to nutritional deficiency or other lifestyle goals
Education & Credentials
• Can range from a passion for nutrition with no formal education to quick online certifications to a high-level degree with relevant training
• No standard exam required to demonstrate expertise
• Minimal-to-no continuing education requirements
Legal Status
• No protected title
• Any number of credentials are possible that show some sort of course-based training
What does it all mean
• Recommendations may be anecdotal without substantive scientific backing on safety or effectiveness
• More likely focused on one or two diets they know well
• Most only have training related to healthy lifestyle nutrition and possible weight management
