What's the difference between dietitians, nutritionists and nutritional therapists?
There are many qualified professionals out there who are considered experts in the field of food and nutrition, but with so many different titles, it can be difficult to establish who does what.
If you are looking for a professional who can help you explore the relationship between food and your health, it may help to understand the differences between dietitians, nutritionists and nutritional therapists. Below we explore the key responsibilities and aims of each professional.
Dietitians
Dietitians are qualified to assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. Often, they work in the National Health Service (NHS) to treat individuals with diagnosed medical conditions. They may also practice in the education, research, media, public relations, and sport sectors.
Dietitians can also offer advice and influence government health and food policies. They are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the title ‘dietitian’ is legally protected.
Nutritionists
Nutritionists have an understanding of the scientific base of nutrition and provide evidence-based information about the impacts of food and nutrition on the health and wellbeing of humans and animals.
Nutritionists tend to work in community settings or in a freelance capacity. On occasion, they are based within health service nutrition and dietetics departments; however, they can only work with very ill/hospitalised patients under the supervision of a dietitian.
The title ‘nutritionist’ is not protected by law; however, nutritionists have the option to join voluntary regulatory professional bodies. These bodies check qualifications and experience to ensure the professionalism of their members.
Nutritional therapists
Nutritional therapists apply nutrition science to promote health and wellbeing. To do this, a nutritional therapist will use a range of tools to evaluate the health of a patient. They can advise on lifestyle and dietary/nutritional practices to maintain good health, reduce the risk of disease, and help support chronic conditions. This is all underpinned by the recognition that every person is unique and, therefore, the programmes they devise are personally tailored to the client.
Nutritional therapists also follow the Functional Medicine Model, which explores how diet, lifestyle and genetics can all play an important part in the makeup of an individual.
It’s important to remember that nutritional therapy is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and if a practitioner identifies any 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate a serious health issue, they will refer clients to an appropriate medical professional.
Unlike the title 'dietitian', 'nutritional therapist' and 'registered nutritional therapist' are not titles protected by law. However, there are certain industry professional bodies and registers that use certain titles to portray registration and a high level of training. Members of the professional body, Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), for example, refer to themselves as 'CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapists'.
Understanding the differences between these titles can help you make an informed choice about which professional might best suit your needs.
Throughout Nutritionist Resource, we will use the term 'nutrition professional' to refer to all of the above professionals, unless stated otherwise. For a more in-depth explanation of the differences, please see our What are dietitians, nutritionists and nutritional therapists? page.
What qualifications should nutrition professionals have?
Although nutritionists and nutritional therapists are not currently regulated in the UK, there are professional bodies and organisations that nutrition professionals can choose to register with. To register and become accredited, they must meet certain requirements set by the organisation, complying with their code of ethics and complaints procedures.
The requirements depend on the specific organisation. Generally, they will involve a high level of training and a certain amount of experience. Some organisations also have different levels of membership, with different sets of requirements; for example, a level of membership for those who are still completing their training.
Find out more about professional bodies on our Professional bodies page.
Training and qualifications
Over the last few years, the number of courses in nutrition has increased dramatically as the profession grows. There are now many undergraduate courses available, ranging from those focused on sport, food, diet, and public health nutrition.
There are also postgraduate courses, which generally give an opportunity to specialise in a particular area.
Find out more about training to become a nutritionist on our how to become a nutritionist page.
Do I need a nutrition professional?
Whether it’s for a specific reason, or just to help stay fit, healthy and confident, a nutrition professional can be invaluable.
With so many conflicting messages about healthy eating, a professional can help sort through what applies to the individual, giving them confidence that they are eating healthily.
Here are some examples of who may benefit from seeking nutrition advice:
- Those who are in training for an event, a marathon, for example, may benefit from a nutrition professional to help them achieve their goals.
- People wanting to manage their weight can turn to a nutrition professional to help them change their habits.
- Those with diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome, can help control and manage their illness by knowing what kind of food is supportive for them, and what isn’t.
- People recovering from a long-term illness often use a nutrition professional as part of the rehabilitation process, building up their fitness in manageable steps.
- Those with specific food allergies or who follow specific diets can seek advice to ensure their body is getting all the nutrients it needs.
Curious about what you could gain from working with a professional? Here we explore the benefits of seeing a nutritionist.
What will happen during the sessions?
How each professional will carry out their sessions varies depending on the professionals themselves, the client, and what the purpose of the sessions is.
Before the first session, the client may be asked to complete a questionnaire, detailing their diet, lifestyle, and any health problems they may have. During the first session, the nutrition professional will likely discuss your questionnaire answers and go into greater detail about your goals for working together.
The professional will also develop a personal plan to be carried out and monitored long-term. This may include meal plans, exercise recommendations, supplement suggestions, and ideas for any alternative therapy which may be beneficial.
The subsequent sessions then monitor progress, amending the plan as necessary, and providing motivation and support. These sessions may take place face-to-face, or some nutrition professionals may offer online, phone and/or email support.
Typically, sessions last from 45-90 minutes.
In this video, nutritional therapist Amie Parry-Jones explains what you can expect in a nutrition session.
How much does a nutrition professional cost?
The cost of working with a nutrition professional will depend on a number of factors, including the type of professional you see. As a ballpark, you can expect to pay anything from £50 to £80+ for sessions (of course, some will offer sessions at a lower cost). Often the initial consultation will be longer and therefore more expensive, while follow-up appointments are typically shorter and cheaper.
Some nutrition professionals will offer packages where you pay upfront for a certain number of sessions at a reduced cost. Some may also charge for tests they carry out to support the work you’re doing together. If you have any queries about the costs involved, don’t hesitate to contact your chosen nutritionist to find out more. Many are happy to offer a free introductory chat to tell you more about their services and how they can help.
Can I have sessions with a nutritionist online?
Lots of nutrition professionals offer dietary support and advice online and over the phone, and this can be beneficial for clients who cannot attend face-to-face sessions.
How do I choose a nutrition professional?
Nutritionist Resource lists professionals from all over the UK. We understand that deciding which to choose may seem daunting. We recommend browsing a few profiles to find someone who best resonates with you. For more help and support, read our not sure where to start? page.
Use our guided search to start your journey.
