Diet plays a key role in managing many common health conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, eating disorders, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, HIV, and many more. 

A clinical nutrition specialist can provide nutrition education to patients with these medical conditions. An expert in clinical nutrition can also help healthy individuals adopt healthier eating habits by choosing the right foods and changing their eating behaviors. 

There are two main types of healthcare professionals who offer nutritional advice—dietitians and nutritionists. Please continue reading to learn some of the key differences between the two.

What do you mean by medical nutrition therapy?

Before understanding the differences between dietitians and nutritionists, it’s important to understand the term “medical nutrition therapy” or MNT. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines MNT as a key component of diabetes education and management. The term MNT refers to the diagnosis, treatment, and counseling provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) according to established nutrition standards. 

Simply put, medical nutrition therapy consists of focused, comprehensive, and intensive nutritional programs. Nutrition plans that are a part of MNT are developed following an individualized assessment of a patient’s medical conditions and health status. Healthy food choices and behaviors and reinforced by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) over multiple follow-up visits to help a person make lifestyle changes.

What do registered dietitian and registered dietitian nutritionist mean?

Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are the same things. They are healthcare professionals trained to promote health through healthy lifestyles, specifically diet. RDNs are certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The education requirements to earn this certification are:

• A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited U.S. university.
• Coursework approved by government agencies like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• 1,200 hours of supervised practice in an accredited program.
• Passing a national examination administered by a credentialing agency called the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Earning continuing education credits to maintain the RDN registration.

What does a dietitian do? 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook there are nearly 75,000 dietitians and nutritionists in the country. Job openings and occupational employment in this sector are wide-ranging. 

Some clinical dietitians work in the field of food allergies. Other RDNs become community dietitians, offering advice on diet and lifestyle factors to optimize overall health. Registered dietitians work in health maintenance organizations, clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. RDNs can also be self-employed. 

A clinical dietitian may work with a healthcare professional, while a research dietitian may work with a team of scientists. A registered dietician may undertake a dietetic internship and supervised experience through a coordinated program to manage the health needs of people with specific diseases or medical issues. 

Many dietitians work in top industries other than health care. They specialize in things like food production, conduct food service, or work in recipe development or the development of new menus. Many dietitians with organizational skills work in food service systems management, food service operations, or health and safety code implementation. 

What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?

The biggest difference between dietitians and nutritionists is in their education, training, and occupational employment. The role of dietitians is more regulated than that of nutritionists. Dietitians also undergo more intensive and comprehensive education and professional training.

Another difference between dietitians and nutritionists is in the legal restrictions associated with their titles. Dietitians must have certain licenses and certifications before they can practice. Only people who are registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) can legally call themselves registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). 

On the other hand, nutritionists are not as strictly regulated. Anyone, even someone without any professional training, can call themselves a nutritionist and provide additional information or advice on diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. 

Is it better to see a dietician or a nutritionist?

It is better to see a dietician with a registered dietitian nutritionist or RDN title. These are healthcare providers who have completed intensive academic programs and undergone specialized professional training. They are trained and experienced to manage disease and help you meet your health needs.
 

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/dsmes-toolkit/reimbursement/medical-nutrition-therapy.html
2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm