Dietitians vs Nutrition Therapists
With so many 'professional' available today - countless sources claiming to be 'experts' in their chosen profession - and daily reports on what we should and should not eat - just how do we know which ones to believe?
The New Year has barely started and already the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has experienced a significant increase in calls from the media asking them to debunk various food claims - from many sources.
In addition, Which? Magazine has launched a report outlining, what they say are, dangerous practice by some nutrition therapists working in the UK.
It's time to start 2012 with a clean slate and make it absolutely clear what the difference is between a dietitian and a nutrition therapist.
In a nutshell, members of the public should be aware that anybody, overnight, can set up shop as a nutrition therapist, with no qualifications and no regulatory body to monitor how they work.
Registered dietitians working in the UK are educated to degree level and MUST be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) to ensure public safety by adhering to standards of professional training, performance and conduct. In addition, the working title 'dietitian' is a legally protected title and cannot be used by anyone else who has not met the education and HPC standards.
Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition into practical evidence-based advice for people while nutrition therapists do not use evidence in a robust fashion and their advice is often based on personal opinion.
Dietitians in the UK are very keen for these differences to become widely known and understood by members of the public and, indeed, the media. I urge anyone with an interest in health and nutrition to read this leaflet.
Siân Burton, BDA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the BDA's Communication and Marketing Board
The BDA has produced a comprehensive leaflet explaining the major differences between a dietitian and nutrition therapist that you can view and download for free. 
The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
It is the nation's largest organisation for food and nutrition professionals.
www.bda.uk.com