Have you ever wondered what the difference between a Dietitian or a Nutritionist was? A very common misconception is that they are the same thing just with a different name...which is not correct!
Although many countries differ in the way they use the title Dietitian and Nutritionist, I want to specify in regards to the way it is in Canada, since I will be a practicing RD in Canada :)
In Canada, a Registered Dietitian (RD) is a protected title and only those registered with the provincial regulatory body can call themselves a Dietitian. Dietitian's are regulated healthcare professionals, meaning they report to and are under the supervision of their regulatory body (The College of Dietitian’s of Ontario for RDs). Regulated healthcare professionals, like nurses and doctors, are held accountable to their regulatory body to provide safe, ethical, and competent nutrition services.
In most provinces (expect Quebec, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and New Brunswick) "Nutritionist" is not a protected title. Meaning anyone can call themselves one. Your neighbour, the fitness model on Instagram, the person that reads news articles about nutrition can all call themselves nutritionists.
Registered Dietitian's
Dietitian's are required to undergo a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition from an accredited University. In Ontario, there are 4 schools that offer this program. Dietetic students undergo courses in biochemistry, organic chemistry, physiology, food sciences, clinical medical nutrition therapy, metabolism, nutrition pathophysiology, nutrition assessments, professional development, business, optional electives such as exercise nutrition and psychology of food and more.
After undergrad, Dietetic students undergo a 1-year internship and/or a 2-year Master's + internship with 1200+ hours of supervised practical training. Different areas of practical training include clinical nutrition in hospitals and family health teams, management, community nutrition, and speciality areas of interest such as paediatrics, diabetes or sport nutrition.
Once completed, RD interns have to pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) to officially be licensed as a Registered Dietitian. Since this exam only occurs two times per year, The College of Dietitian's of Ontario can grant graduates a Temporary RD license in order to allow them to practice until their exam.
Dietitian's are skilled in translating evidence-based medical and nutrition information into practical healthy eating plans for individuals. Dietitian's work in many different areas, including hospitals, family health teams, public health units, community health centres, food service, and private practice. As well, are able to undergo additional education in certain areas to develop a speciality (i.e. women's health, pregnancy, sport nutrition, paediatrics, diabetes, gastrointestinal health, etc.).
Nutritionist's
There are various titles for Nutritionists including Registered Nutritionists, Holistic Nutritionists, and Nutrition Coaches. Although they may have the word "Registered" in front of it it does not mean these nutrition professionals are regulated by a regulatory body. Thus, if they act unethically or provide incorrect recommendations/advice, there is no regulatory body to hold them accountable. As well, the education/training varies greatly with Nutritionist's ranging from a 2-year program to a 1-week online certificate.
Another important differentiating detail is Nutritionists are not qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy. Disease-specific (i.e. Diabetes, Diverticulitis, IBS, Celiac Disease) nutrition services must be provided by an RD.
Making Informed Choices
I hope this post gives you the tools to differentiate between the many titles of nutrition professionals out there, and to make an informed decision on where you are getting your nutrition information. The ability to identify credible information is extremely important for the safety of the general public, especially for young athletes as they are unlikely to second-guess the information from an older adult claiming to be a “nutrition expert”.
Be sure to check out my instagram @fuelwithstef for more tips and tricks from a Registered Dietitian!