What is the difference between a Nutritional Therapist, Nutritionist and Dietician?

It’s a minefield out there, with many qualified professionals (and unqualified ‘professionals’) out there who are experts in food and nutrition. So, how do you know what each title means and who you should chose to work with?

If you are wanting to work with someone to help you explore how food can impact your overall health then you may find it helpful to read the below, to get a better understanding of which title covers what and the responsibilities and aims between nutritional therapists, dietitians and nutritionists.

Nutritional therapists

Nutritional therapists work to promote optimal health and well-being through the application of nutrition science to an individual case. Nutritional Therapists are trained to use a range of tools to evaluate an individuals health status. They work to create a bespoke plan which focuses on dietary and lifestyle practices that help to promote and maintain good health, reduce the risk of future disease and help in the management of chronic conditions. Nutritional Therapists work is client-focused, meaning that they recognise that every person is individual and therefore, plans are devised to personally tailored to the the individual.

Nutritional therapists also follow the Functional Medicine Model which looks at how diet, lifestyle and genetics can all play an important part in the makeup of an individual.

It’s important to remember that nutritional therapy is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and if a practitioner identifies any 'red flag' symptoms indicative of a serious health issue, they will refer clients on to an appropriate medical professional.

Unlike the title dietitian, nutritional therapist and registered nutritional therapist are not titles protected by law. However, there are certain industry professional bodies and registers that use certain titles to portray registration and a high level of training. Members of professional body the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) for example, refer to themselves as 'CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapists'.

Dietitians

Generally dietitians work within the NHS to treat individuals with diagnosed medical conditions. Unlike Nutritional Therapists, Dietitians can assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level. Other environments in which a dietitian may practice include education, research, media, public relations and sport. Dietitians can also offer advice and influence government health and food policies. They are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the title ‘dietitian’ is protected.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists have an understanding of the scientific base of nutrition and provide evidence-based information about the impacts of food and nutrition on the health and well-being of humans and animals. Nutritionists tend to work in community settings or in a freelance capacity. On occasion they are based within health service nutrition and dietetics departments, however they can only work with very ill/hospitalised patients under the supervision of a dietitian. 

The title ‘nutritionist’ is not protected by law, however nutritionists have the option to join voluntary regulatory professional bodies. These bodies check qualifications and experience to ensure the professionalism of their members.

At the end of the day it is important that you chose to work with someone who has completed an accredited training course and that you have a good working relationship with the practitioner. There are lots of people out there who claim to be ‘experts’ who are not correctly trained to be offering advice on nutrition and lifestyle. The wrong nutritional advice or the wrong supplements can result in damaging effects and therefore it is important to check the qualification of your practitioner.

If you would like to have a free discovery call with me, to see how I work as a nutritional therapist, then please feel free to email me on hello@isabellaosmond.com and we can book in a time that is convenient for you.