With thanks to Natasha McLaughlin-Chaisson, Registered Dietitian.
As a Registered Dietitian, I often come across very confused clients who have received nutritional advice and information from different sources. The issue with this is that the information is often contradictory and clients do not know who or what to believe! The following information will help you find credible sources of nutrition information.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Registered Dietitians are healthcare professionals who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Nutrition from an accredited university as well as supervised practical training through a university program. Registered Dietitians must write a professional entry exam in order to qualify for licensing to practice in the field of dietetics in their country and province. Yearly continuing education supported by science evidence-based research is then necessary for yearly re-licensing through provincial regulatory bodies.
Registered Dietitians can be found in the public healthcare system (hospital, extramural, foodservice, etc.) alongside medical doctors, specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists. They can also work in the private industry alongside the same professionals mentioned above as well as athletes, sports teams, etc. In the private industry, fees for consultations are usually covered by most health insurance companies. Registered Dietitians are the experts in all that is nutrition related, including:
Medical/nutrient interactions
Vegetarianism
Sports nutrition
Eating disorders
HypertensionDietitian taking notes
Obesity
Diabetes/hypoglycemia
Cancer
Crohn’s, Colitis and IBS
Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular diseases
Nutrient deficiencies
High cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides