Nutritional Therapist, Nutritionist & Dietician
These are three terms that many use interchangeably, which can be very confusing. Although these titles may all conjure up a similar picture they are in fact professionally quite different.
A fourth term 'nutritionalist' is also sometimes used - this is a mis-pronounciation that invariably refers to a nutritional therapist.
Nutritional Therapist
Generally community based, a nutritional therapist puts together individually tailored programmes encompassing diet, lifestyle changes and supplements in order to improve an individual's health profile, moving them towards optimal health.
Many are now turning to nutritional therapy for solutions to their health issues, particularly those that are challenging to the medical profession such as hormonal imbalances, digestive problems, weight management, fatigue and stress.
A Nutritonal Therapist should meet the requirements of The National Occupational Standards for Nutritional Therapy. Further, membership of the main body BANT demonstrates a high level of theoretical and clinical competence - practising therapists are currently undergoing a stringent re-registration process, which should be completed by the end of 2007; and all courses must now meet the requirements of the Nutritonal Therapy Council's Core Curriculum if their graduates are to gain membership.
For more information on becoming a Nutritional Therapist refer to our distance learning Nutrition Courses.
Nutritionist
The vast majority of Nutritionists work in public health educating and promoting health and wellbeing, in the food and drinks industry developing products and consumer messages, or in research and academia. Thus, whilst qualifed to give advice to the public about food and healthy eating, Nutritionists do not formulate individualised therapeutic programmes to address specific health issues. (A Nutritionist may work within a clinical context but only as a dietetic assistant in a hospital Dietetic department.)
Generally when someone is considering seeing a Nutritionist about dietary advice or a specific health concern, they are referring to a consultation with a Nutritional Therapist.
For more information on the role of a Nutritionist click here.
Dietitian
A dietician works principally within the NHS where much of their work involves patients who require special diets. Working within a hospital environment allows them to specialise within various areas e.g. gastroenterology or paediatrics. The position of the British Dietetics Association is that a good quality, balanced diet will meet most people's nutritional needs. Dieticians do sometimes use supplements, but within very strict guidelines.
For more information on the role of a Dietician click here.