Tomorrow, March 11th is Registered Dietitian day – a seemingly obvious fit for March, National Nutrition Month. In one of his speeches, then president elect Obama mentioned that dietitians and exercise physiologists play an integral role in the plan to turn around our nation’s health. Given that Dr. Ken Cooper and others have preached prevention for 30+ years now, I’m thrilled that our president is keenly aware of need to prevent some of these chronic diseases to help reduce our ever increasing health care costs.
So what is the difference between a dietitian and a “nutritionist”? A dietitian has to complete a 4-year degree and take an exam that qualifies them to practice nutrition. While each state is different regarding who can legally practice nutrition (in my state of GA, only dietitians should be giving specific diet-related recommendations), the bottom line is that the word “dietitian” is the only one out there that has a set of qualifications under it when it comes to nutrition practice. On the other hand, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. The person doesn’t need to know what a saturated fat is, how certain foods affect your blood sugar or anything about food safety.
Now, that being said, nutrition is like nursing or medicine. Not every nurse knows every aspect of nursing and not every dietitian knows every single aspect of dietetics. For example, I haven’t done TPNs (tube feeding orders) since my internship. Likewise, I’m not on top of the latest recommendations for dialysis patients. My main specialty areas are nutrition communications, sports nutrition, weight loss and cardiovascular disease prevention.
So if you are looking for the help of a RD, make sure that person has the experience necessary to help you with your specific needs. And let’s all hope Obama puts some good public health RDs and exercise physiologists to work rolling out a better plan for prevention.