“What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietician?”
Suzie Sawyer, clinical nutritionist, answers.
This is a frequently asked question and one that often creates confusion. There are actually more differences than at first might appear. Even more confusing is that there is a difference between a nutritionist and a nutritional therapist! However, one thing we do know is that all three of these professions are connected with food.
As it currently stands, dieticians are the only nutritional professionals who are regulated by law. Nutritionists tend to be voluntarily regulated by organisations such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
In general terms, a nutritionist looks at the body holistically and understands which foods, and specifically, how nutrients within certain foods can be used to bring the body back to health. A dietician’s role, however, is to analyse foods for their macro and micro nutrient content in order to recommend a suitable diet for their patients. So, dieticians frequently work within hospitals or other medical establishments.
DIETICIAN
Just like nutritionists, dieticians aim to help us make educated decisions about our food and lifestyle choices in order to achieve better health. Dieticians frequently work in the NHS, or in public and community health roles. They may also see patients on an individual basis, often people that need special diets for medical reasons such as diabetes or cancer. Legally, dieticians are allowed to dispense certain prescription-only medicines such as insulin.
NUTRITIONIST
Nutritionists often work within industry or for organisations where they are advising on all health matters. They may frequently work in food production, specifically for food/drink producers or within research facilities. They cannot issue medical prescriptions but will frequently suggest food supplementation. If they are advising individuals, they are able to make recommendations about diet that will help alleviate digestive issues, for example, as well as preventing more serious illnesses. Unlike dieticians, they are not legally regulated, but are often registered with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, or as a Registered Public Health Nutritionist.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST
Again, there is no legal requirement for registration; however many are registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), which has Government support to help regulate the industry. Essentially, nutritional therapists work in private practice with one-to-one clients, sometimes gaining referrals from other medical practitioners. They may be working with individuals to prevent disease, helping with weight management, alleviating more serious health issues or perhaps with athletes wanting to improve performance. An individual dietary and lifestyle programme is normally formulated to help them meet their health goals.
So you can see that each has a specific role but there will always be some crossover.
