Dietetics

Dietetics is the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to the diet. It involves the study of the nutritional needs of individuals in various stages of life, and the planning of meals that meet those needs. Dietetics also includes the management of food services in institutions such as hospitals and schools.

History

The field of dietetics has a long history, dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The term "dietetics" comes from the Greek word "diaita," which means "way of life." In ancient times, dietetics was closely linked with medicine and philosophy. The famous Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, wrote extensively about diet and health.

Education and Training

To become a dietitian, one must earn a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related area. This is followed by a period of supervised practice, typically in the form of an internship. After completing their education and training, dietitians must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). In addition, many states require dietitians to be licensed.

Roles and Responsibilities

Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and public health agencies. They may also work in food service management, in private practice, or in research. Their responsibilities may include:

• Assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups
• Planning food and meal plans, based on the nutritional needs of individuals or groups
• Supervising the preparation and serving of meals
• Conducting nutritional research
• Educating individuals and groups about nutrition and healthy eating habits

Specializations

There are several areas of specialization within the field of dietetics, including:

• Clinical Dietetics: Clinical dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
• Community Dietetics: Community dietitians work with public health agencies, home health agencies, and health maintenance organizations.
• Management Dietetics: Management dietitians oversee large-scale meal planning and preparation in healthcare facilities, company cafeterias, schools, and prisons.
• Consultant Dietetics: Consultant dietitians work under contract with healthcare facilities or in their own private practice.

See Also

• Nutrition
• Food Science
• Public Health

Dietetics Resources
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