I have studied and researched nutrition, the commercial food industry, and government's and industry's involvement in our food and health for years. Here is the thing, you can only give nutrition advice if you are a registered RD. The organization who licenses these folks is THE voice of the commercial food industry. I've seen two RDs in my life, and both recommended a bevy of PROCESSED foods! Seriously. Clearly, something is going on here. And all of this licensure stuff moves any choice the consumer has. Really, how harmful can recommending a diet of whole foods really be? Colorado, California and Arizona don't think so. Thus, the legislatures of these states did not fall for/get strong armed into changing their laws just to protect the commercial/processed food industry. Wake up folks!
TLof MN11:55AM September 20, 2012
Thanks you for clarifying what a DTR is. I have all of the same education as an RD (a CADE accredited bachelors degree), I simply have not done my internship yet. I too spend much time fixing the damage done by those calling themselves "nutritionists" or "food coaches" because they have no real education in the field.
Melissaof CO3:44PM January 11, 2012
Please also consider the DTR...
In just about every article I read on this topic, writers fail to mention the "little known professional" called a DTR.
"Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) are individuals who have completed a minimum of an Associate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent; completed a minimum of 450 supervised practice hours through a Dietetic Technician Program as accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA); successfully completed the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians; and complied with the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) recertification requirements."
"Dietetic technicians, registered work independently or as a team member under the supervision of registered dietitians in a variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, foodservice and research.
Many work environments require that an individual be credentialed as a DTR. DTRs work in:
Hospitals, HMOs, clinics, nursing homes, retirement centers, hospices, home health-care programs and research facilities helping to treat and prevent disease by conducting screens, gathering data and performing other tasks to assist the registered dietitian in providing medical nutrition therapy as an important part of health-care teams.
Schools, day-care centers, correctional facilities, restaurants, health-care facilities, corporations and hospitals, managing employees, purchasing and food preparation and preparing budgets within foodservice operations.
Women, infant, children (WIC) programs, public health agencies, Meals on Wheels and community health programs, developing and teaching nutrition classes for the public.
Health clubs, weight management clinics and community wellness centers, helping to educate clients about the connection between food, fitness and health.
Food companies, contract food management companies or food vending and distributing operations developing menus, overseeing foodservice sanitation and food safety and preparing food labeling information and nutrient analysis."
Very helpful post. It's wonderful that people are more focused on improving their health; it's scary that misguided advice can steer them down the wrong path.
We all want the security of knowing that when we visit a professional, that they know their stuff. When it comes to our health, understanding the education and certifications of your provider is key.
FoodieMeof MA10:40AM February 23, 2010
One thing to look for instead of spaghetti after the name is referals. A referal from a person that has already had marked success may indicate in many cases, that a person possess more than the run of the mill experience and be qualified. I don't get hired because of an R.D. designation, I get hired because I have 15 + years in the field and people get sent to me after the others "fail" (if there is such as thing) at getting results with that particular client. The mind is where it is at, not the stomach in my opinion. There is no truth, just some evidence. I do not advertise at all except my site which is still in its infancy of less than 3 months. . .people send people who send people who also send people. Results speak, and titles many times mean nothing. Good post that got people talking. . .thank you.
Eric
Newmarket, Ontario Canada
www.topdownwellness.com
Eric Morrison12:10AM February 14, 2010
This is exactly what consumers need to read and pay attention to. Many RDs spend a great deal of time fixing the damage done by those who do not have the education, training, experience, and credentials to help those with nutritional needs. Thank you for the great article.
Debra Indoratoof VA1:00PM February 13, 2010
This is exactly what consumers need to read and pay attention to. Many RDs spend a great deal of time fixing the damage done by those who do not have the education, training, experience, and credentials to help those with nutritional needs. Thank you for the great article.
Debra Indoratoof VA12:59PM February 13, 2010
Thank you for this great article. Most Americans do not know that Medicare and most Health Insurance Companies will cover Medical Nutrition Therapy with a RD. Ask your Physician to recommend a RD if you need advice!
Victoria Weaver MS RD LDof GA7:51PM February 12, 2010
Great article, being an RD is an amazing career with so many oppurtunities. We use evidence based practice to provide the best nutritional care possible for our Clients and Patients. You can trust an RD to find you the best answer because even if we do not know it right off hand we will find it for you, from reputable sources. Most people do not the difference of what an RD can offer, this article explains a lot, thank you.
Valarie Hannahsof OH5:16PM February 07, 2010
As a Registered Dietitian, I was happy to see this article clarify the difference between what it takes to become an RD and others who refer to themselves as nutritionists. I too get this question all the time and I encourage consumers to check the credentials of those who give out nutrition advice. Consumers need information that is backed by science and comes from individuals with the training and credentials to put that science into practice.
Gretchen, RD, CDE in NYof NY11:30AM February 07, 2010
Reader Comments
Back to article
TL of MN 11:55AM September 20, 2012
Melissa of CO 3:44PM January 11, 2012
Amanda Sheldon of FL 10:30AM August 11, 2011
FoodieMe of MA 10:40AM February 23, 2010
Eric Morrison 12:10AM February 14, 2010
Debra Indorato of VA 1:00PM February 13, 2010
Debra Indorato of VA 12:59PM February 13, 2010
Victoria Weaver MS RD LD of GA 7:51PM February 12, 2010
Valarie Hannahs of OH 5:16PM February 07, 2010
Gretchen, RD, CDE in NY of NY 11:30AM February 07, 2010