Nutrition Professionals - what’s the difference?
When it comes to seeking nutrition advice or guidance, it’s important to understand the different types of nutrition professionals available, as their qualifications, roles, and areas of expertise can vary significantly. In New Zealand and Australia, terms like Registered Dietitian, Registered Nutritionist, Nutritionist, and Nutrition Coach are commonly used, but they don’t all carry the same credentials or responsibilities.
Let’s break down what each of these roles entails, and how they differ from one another.
Registered Dietitian (New Zealand Registered Dietitian/NZRD or Accredited Practising Dietitian - APD)
A Registered Dietitian is the highest qualification for a nutrition professional in New Zealand and Australia. They are health professionals with formal training in clinical nutrition, and they are qualified to diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions through diet. In both countries, Registered Dietitians must complete a university degree in nutrition and dietetics, which typically takes 4-5 years, followed by supervised practical training.
Key qualifications:
In New Zealand, they must be registered with the New Zealand Dietitians Board.
In Australia, they are typically recognised as Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) through Dietitians Australia.
Registered Dietitians are skilled in working with individuals who have specific health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, food allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and eating disorders. They provide medical nutrition therapy and may work in hospitals, clinics, community health settings, or private practice.
What they do:
Develop personalised nutrition plans to manage or prevent chronic conditions.
Provide evidence-based advice on weight management, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies.
Support individuals in navigating complex dietary restrictions (e.g., celiac disease, renal disease).
Work with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including doctors, speech and language therapists, and physiotherapists.
Registered or Clinical Nutritionist
A Registered Nutritionist or Clinical Nutritionist holds a tertiary qualification in nutrition but may not have completed the extensive clinical training required for a dietitian.
These professionals have in-depth knowledge of nutrition science and can provide general dietary advice, but their scope of practice is typically more limited compared to dietitians, especially in managing medical conditions that require medical nutrition therapy.
What they do:
Offer nutrition advice to promote general health and wellness.
Provide guidance on food choices, meal planning, and sustainable weight management.
Educate on the prevention of common health issues like poor digestion, fatigue, or nutrient imbalances.
Some may work in more holistic or naturopathic settings.
While nutritionists can provide helpful advice and education on healthy eating, they are not trained to treat medical conditions like a dietitian would. However, they can be a great option for those looking for general dietary advice or support in areas like improving athletic performance or enhancing overall health.
Nutritionist (Unregistered) or Nutrition Coach
In both New Zealand and Australia, the terms Nutritionist or Nutrition Coach can be used more broadly and may not always refer to professionally accredited individuals. While some nutritionists and coaches may hold formal qualifications, others may have completed short courses or have no formal nutrition education at all. Nutritionist is not a protected title, meaning anyone can technically call themselves one, regardless of their level of training.
What they do:
General dietary advice, lifestyle recommendations, and health coaching.
Support clients in adopting healthier eating habits, managing weight, and achieving wellness goals.
May work in settings like gyms, wellness centres, or corporate wellness programs.
Given the unregulated nature of the title, it’s important to verify the credentials of someone calling themselves a nutritionist. For more specialised or medical nutrition concerns, I would recommend seeing a registered dietitian or clinical nutritionist.
While nutrition coaching can be beneficial for those looking to improve their general health, it’s crucial to recognise the difference between a coach and a professional with a formal nutrition qualification. Coaches without proper training may not have the knowledge to handle complex health issues, and their advice might not always be grounded in evidence-based science.
The Importance of Credentials
Social Media Influencers and the Risks of Unqualified Advice: An increasing concern in today’s world is the rise of influencers who promote nutrition advice without the proper qualifications. Many influencers, bloggers, and online personalities may share nutrition tips or dietary plans with their followers, but without formal education or accreditation, their advice can be potentially harmful. The risk of misinformation is particularly high when influencers promote fad diets or unproven supplements, which can lead to unhealthy behaviours or misguided decisions.
Another issue to consider is that some health professionals, such as doctors or chiropractors, while well-trained in their respective fields, may not have extensive or formal education in nutrition. These professionals might offer dietary advice based on personal beliefs or general knowledge, but without the specialised training in nutrition, their recommendations can also be inaccurate or incomplete.
Other Titles to Watch Out For
In addition to nutritionist and nutrition coach, there are various other titles that some individuals use to describe their work in nutrition or wellness, which may not always indicate formal training. These include:
Holistic Nutritionist
Health Coach
Wellness Consultant
Food Educator
Weight Loss Specialist
While some of these professionals may be highly skilled in their area of expertise, it's essential to ensure that they are qualified to give nutritional advice, especially when it comes to medical or clinical issues.
Choosing the right nutrition professional for your needs depends on your goals and health status. If you're dealing with a medical condition or need specific dietary guidance, a Registered Dietitian or Registered/Clinical Nutritionist would be the best choice. For general health advice or coaching in achieving wellness and fitness goals, a Nutrition Coach or Nutritionist might be more appropriate.