Nutritionist

Nutritionist is a professional who advises others on matters of food and nutrition and their impacts on human health. Different professional terms are used in different countries, employment settings and contexts — some examples include: nutrition scientist, public health nutritionist, dietitian-nutritionist, clinical nutritionist, and sports nutritionist.

Overview

A nutritionist is an expert in the field of food and nutrition. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. They work in many settings, including hospitals, cafeterias, nursing homes, and schools. Some are self-employed with their own practice.

Education and Training

In many countries, a person claiming to be a nutritionist is not required to have any educational background, training, or certification. In fact, the title is not generally protected by law. This is not the case for dietitians. In the United States, for example, a dietitian must earn a bachelor's degree, complete a practice program at a health care facility, food service company, or community agency, and pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Roles and Responsibilities

Nutritionists can work in a variety of settings to analyze diet and potential health risks. They may work in the public sector to influence public health policy, or in the private sector to advise clients about diet and health. They may also work in research, food manufacturing, and other related industries.

See Also

• Dietitian
• Health
• Food
• Nutrition