Difference between nutritionist and Dietitian - Docindia.org

Do you feel confused about whether to consult a nutritionist or a dietitian?

When you are conscious of your own health, the foods that you are consuming in your daily diet, and above all, your overall health and wellness, then it is highly important for you to consult a specialist for seeking expert opinion.

Now, there are two types of experts. When it comes to the field of food and nutrition, there are mostly two types of experts whom you may consult -- a nutritionist or a dietitian. It is in this context that many people find it truly confusing regarding which expert to choose and whom to consult.

There is absolutely no need to worry. This article will help you to get a clear idea regarding the differences between a nutritionist and a dietitian, the area each specialises in, and most importantly, which doctor to consult when needed.

Who is a registered dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian (RD), also known as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), is a doctor who is not only specialised in the science of food, but also a food doctor with a clinical degree along with experiential standards. Such a doctor is capable of providing you with medical nutrition therapy. Here is a list of requirements that a person will have to fulfil to be a registered dietitian:

Secure a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in dietetics, public health, or other related branches of science

Should have an internship of at least 1000 to 1200 hours under a credited clinical supervisor

Should pass a national exam to earn their credentials

Should stay updated with recent developments and studies in nutritional science to maintain their license.

Registered dietitians usually receive clinical training, and therefore, because of their medical knowledge, they are often known to work in hospitals and clinics and treat certain types of chronic diseases that require supervision related to regular diet, such as conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, certain types of eating disorders, and so on.

How does a nutritionist differ from a registered dietitian?

A nutritionist, on the other hand, is an expertise that requires a much broader specialisation compared to being a registered dietitian. They usually focus on general health and your overall wellness. This profession does not necessarily require specific fields of education, but it does require a person to have wide knowledge regarding food and nutrition. There are two broad categories into which this profession may be divided:

1. Certified Nutritionists:

As the name suggests, these are nutritionists who usually hold advanced certifications. This might require them to get a Master’s degree in nutrition along with some years of credible experience.

2. General Nutritionist:

These nutritionists usually have a generalised knowledge when it comes to food and nutrition, along with some certificates from online courses or experience from personal experience in health and wellness.

What is the point of difference between the two?

So, the key difference occurs in the fact that nutritionists can help you to undergo healthy weight management, meal planning, and improve your relationship with food, but may not help deciding meals when you have a critical medical condition. In that case, you may have to consult a registered dietitian.

Which doctor should you choose between the two?

It is often difficult to choose whether to consult a registered dietitian or a nutritionist. Here is a proper way to distinguish which expert you must choose and when:

1. Dietitian: You must choose to consult a dietitian when you have a chronic disease, or you are under a medical diagnosis, you are pregnant or facing several types of gynecological problems that require alteration in your daily food habits, PCOD, for example, or when you need clinical intervention for curing reactions of an allergy.

2. Nutritionist: You may consult a nutritionist if you are healthy and want to know and learn how to make your daily eating ‘healthy’ for ensuring your overall health and wellness. You may get advice about your daily dietary lifestyle from nutritionists as well.

Final Thoughts:

To conclude, it can be said that both experts have specialised knowledge when it comes to the matter of food and nutrition. But it is often more credible to consult a registered dietitian for a specific diet advised based on your medical conditions, while you will get a generalised wellness advice from a dietitian.