Many people do not know the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist . Some even think that they are synonymous meanings to describe the same professional. However, this type of conception is far from being true.
A dietitian and a nutritionist are specialists in the field of food who fulfill different roles. It may be that at some point both share a common knowledge, but this does not mean that they have the same functions.
Find out what a dietitian does , what a nutritionist does , what conditions they treat and how to differentiate them.
What is a dietitian?
A dietitian is a health professional who is an expert in food and nutrition; that is, it focuses on the process of eating and the act of eating. This certified professional is educated in the area of nutrition and dietetics, so he has the ability to intervene in the feeding of a person or group, where he establishes adequate food and activity guidelines. Taking into consideration factors such as weight, height and purposes.
These professionals can intervene in hospitals, outpatient clinics, research institutions and local communities, among other organizations.
What does it take to be a dietitian?
To achieve this status, the certified dietitian must complete the criteria established by the government agencies of the country where they will practice. Likewise, in other countries the certificate of "registered nutritionist" is synonymous with "registered dietitian", as long as the certification is endorsed by a governing body of the respective country.
How do you get a dietitian credential?
If you are interested in becoming a registered dietitian, the first thing you should consider is obtaining a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree credits accredited by a University or University College. Please note that this major includes subjects in biology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology, without prejudice to specialized nutrition credits.
How to get a dietitian license?
In many countries, a license to practice as a dietitian is required . Obtaining this license usually requires the aforementioned requirements, as well as passing a jurisprudence exam in some cases. This ensures that dietitians practice under a code of conduct that protects public safety.
What are the types of existing dietitians?
Today, there are four main fields for dietitians : clinicians, food service administration, community, and research.
Depending on where they work, dietitians will have their own functions.
- Clinical dietitians treat patients who have been hospitalized and support the medical team in treating illness related to eating disorders.
- They monitor the nutrition of people with serious conditions that require ongoing care.
- They detail a person's medical history and current condition, including lab tests and weight history.
- They provide nutrition education to people with specialized needs, for example, those who have just come out of an intervention.
- They advocate for public policies with a focus on nutrition, food and health issues.
- They oversee the production of nutritionally adequate food that meets food safety guidelines in school districts or a military base.
- They can teach at an academic institution or write about food-related topics.
Likewise, the dietician may specialize in pediatrics or sports dietetics, in addition to other areas.
What kinds of conditions do dietitians treat?
Dietitians, thanks to their extensive training, provide medical nutrition therapy based on the personalized study of the patient. In this way, they are prepared to deal with acute and chronic conditions, such as the following:
- Nutrition problems that can arise from cancer.
- Diabetes prevention.
- Malnutrition problems or those requiring nutrients through feeding tubes.
- They treat people undergoing bariatric surgery or those with kidney problems.
- They treat, together with a team of psychotherapists and doctors, patients with anorexia or bulimia.
- Sports dietitians, for their part, specialize in optimizing nutrition to improve the performance of athletes or artists.
What does a nutritionist do?
In the United States, the term nutritionist does not have a legal character , so there is no established code of conduct or standards of practice to govern and explain it. However, in other countries it is valid to translate the title as "nutritionist" instead of "dietician", this is because their academic training is similar to that of a dietician.
In the US, a person interested in nutrition and diet who has not met the requirements of a dietician, can be called a nutritionist, so they can apply their interest in a food blog. However, it is not advisable in clinical cases, at least in the US, to treat yourself with a person who calls himself a "nutritionist", since he surely lacks the necessary credentials and preparation.
What does it take to be a nutritionist?
In many countries, such as the US, you do not require degrees or credentials to become known as a nutritionist. As already mentioned, this term has no legal character.
As nutritionists are often just curious or interested in the field, they tend to educate themselves in an alternative way, obtaining a diploma that certifies them as a nutrition specialist. But, lacking dietitians, they cannot prescribe nutritional therapy.
Treating conditions without the necessary knowledge and training can have negative consequences on the patient's health, so special care must be taken.
conclusion
Whether you are looking for a dietitian or a nutritionist, since the name of the professional who treats conditions related to the field of nutrition may change, it is important to look for professionals who are certified and licensed to practice, as they are academically trained to deal with these kinds of situations.
On the other hand, if your nutritional condition is mild and what you need is to develop meal plans or portion control, what in this article has been defined as a nutritionist could easily help you, although we insist on the need for you to look for a person who has the qualifications necessary to practice as such.
References
- Wartenberg, L. What's the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist? For Healthline [Revised February 2020]
