There is often confusion about the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist, and while there can be overlap in their roles, there are very important differences. Let’s clear things up.
What is a dietitian?
An Accredited Practising Dietitian is an expert in nutrition whose work is regulated by a professional body, the Dietitians Association of Australia.
An Accredited Practicing Dietitian (that’s Jess!) is qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy or clinical consultations.
When studying dietetics, a significant part of the course is health science. This means dietitians are particularly recommended for advising people with medical conditions such as diabetes, weight management, irritable bowel syndrome and high blood pressure.
Dietitians combine their knowledge of science and human nutrition and translate this into a wide ra
nge of areas with the ultimate aim of optimising health and preventing or treating illness or disease.
What is a nutritionist?
Whilst a nutritionist is also, in theory, an expert in nutrition, there is no single organisation that provides regulation for all those with a qualification in nutrition. This means that there is no “gold standard” to which nutritionists are held accountable.
Don’t get us wrong: there are many nutritionists who are very knowledgeable and can provide wonderful solutions for their clients but the danger is that anyone, with or without qualifications, can call themselves a nutritionist, so you don’t necessarily know the level of care that you are getting.
Nutritionists are also not qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy, providing more general advice.
Conclusion
In Australia, all dietitians are considered to be nutritionists, but nutritionists without a qualification in dietetics are not allowed to work as dietitians.
For medical nutrition advice, you need a dietitian.
