What are the differences between Nutritionists?
Unfortunately the title Nutritionists is not a protected title, so many people having taken part time courses over several weekends can still call themselves Nutritionists. This is a key reason why there are many mixed messages in the media about food, nutrition and health, as not all are founded on strong, credible scientific and evidence based research.
What is Nutrition?
In order to understand the difference, it is important to appreciate that nutrition is a recognised profession in line with medicine rather than
complimentary/alternative medicine.
Nutrition is a very broad discipline covering a wide range of biological, psychological and food sciences as well as the more familiar dietetics. Dieticians have generally a set role and are mainly based in the NHS and hospitals. Whereas the term Nutritionists (in line with medicine, not complimentary therapies) is much broader and these nutrition professionals can work in a variety of settings including research, health promotion, food industry, legislation, catering, policy setting and can also include dieticians. The training is generally very similar; however the dieticians will have had experience working within the NHS.
complimentary/alternative medicine.
Nutrition is a very broad discipline covering a wide range of biological, psychological and food sciences as well as the more familiar dietetics. Dieticians have generally a set role and are mainly based in the NHS and hospitals. Whereas the term Nutritionists (in line with medicine, not complimentary therapies) is much broader and these nutrition professionals can work in a variety of settings including research, health promotion, food industry, legislation, catering, policy setting and can also include dieticians. The training is generally very similar; however the dieticians will have had experience working within the NHS.
What are the different governing bodies and their differences?
There are various governing bodies of nutrition within the UK. Dieticians are governed by the BDA (British Dietetic Association) recognised by the letters RD. The Nutrition Society was founded to provide a learned society for nutrition as a discipline allied to medicine (similar to psychotherapy or physiotherapy) and so set up the Nutrition Register (UKVRN). This has been taken over by a supporting body, The Association for Nutrition (AfN), who now governs this prestigious register, which has the most renowned nutritionists and dieticians amongst its membership, in addition to highly respected international membership.
The Nutrition Register held by the Association for Nutrition, formerly the Nutrition Society must be distinguished from the British Association of Nutritional Therapists (BANT), Institute of Optimum Nutrition (ION) and others which are associations for nutrition as an complimentary therapy/ alternative medicine. Whilst these alternative therapies have their place and certainly helpful for some people, it is likely that their knowledge of nutrition may be limited or may stray from evidence based knowledge, unknown to themselves in many cases.
Most people in the private setting practice nutrition as a complimentary/alternative medicine (akin to homeopathy and aromatherapy) as they are not qualified to work as a Company Nutritionist in the food industry or health organisations and charities. Some Registered Nutritionists not only work in research, food industry, catering, health organisations, health charities but also do take private clients. I am one of those Nutritionists that like to do a mixture.
The Nutrition Register held by the Association for Nutrition, formerly the Nutrition Society must be distinguished from the British Association of Nutritional Therapists (BANT), Institute of Optimum Nutrition (ION) and others which are associations for nutrition as an complimentary therapy/ alternative medicine. Whilst these alternative therapies have their place and certainly helpful for some people, it is likely that their knowledge of nutrition may be limited or may stray from evidence based knowledge, unknown to themselves in many cases.
Most people in the private setting practice nutrition as a complimentary/alternative medicine (akin to homeopathy and aromatherapy) as they are not qualified to work as a Company Nutritionist in the food industry or health organisations and charities. Some Registered Nutritionists not only work in research, food industry, catering, health organisations, health charities but also do take private clients. I am one of those Nutritionists that like to do a mixture.
How can you recognise if a nutritionist is allied with this prestigious Nutrition Register?
Those on the UKVRN register have the letters RNutr. (Registered Nutritionist) this is a full membership; or ANutr. (Associate Registered Nutritionist) for those building up to 3 years within an appropriate work setting; or Fellow of AfN (RNutr., FAfN) whom is someone who has been a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) for at least five years continuous and has made a significant and sustained contribution to the
advancement of nutrition practice, research or education at a national or international level.
For your Information, I have all the qualifications, CPD and work contributions required to be a Registered Nutritionist and have been since 1999.
advancement of nutrition practice, research or education at a national or international level.
For your Information, I have all the qualifications, CPD and work contributions required to be a Registered Nutritionist and have been since 1999.