The Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

I am often asked about the difference between my title,
“Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” (RDN), and a “nutritionist”. Many people use the two interchangeably, but there are significant differences between them. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist meets rigorous qualification standards and maintains skills through continuing education. In addition, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists abide by a code of ethics and practice under state licensure, like other health providers you may visit. A nutritionist, on the other hand, is not vetted nor held to a unified standard or licensing board. Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. Here’s a breakdown that sums up the differences.

Other Differences Between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist.

Recommendations

It’s important to note that a dietitian’s recommendation is based on scientific information. This information can come
from peer-reviewed articles, medical journals, or other professional sources. In contrast, an unlicensed nutritionist
can get information from anywhere and is not held accountable for using reliable information. When visiting a health professional, you want to make sure that you’re not being sold on the latest, baseless fad, but rather real, scientific, research-based and evidence-backed information that can truly improve your health.

Code of Ethics

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists must abide by a code of ethics that requires them to refrain from giving false or misleading information, protect a client’s privacy like any other clinician,
and assume lifelong accountability and responsibility for personal competence in practice, to name just a few.(You can view the full code of ethics here.) All this is intended to help consumers feel confident that by choosing a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, they’re getting the most professional care that will help them achieve their nutrition goals.