Nutrition advice is very easy to get.  Everyone thinks they are an expert because they heard for “someone” that…  Although many times the information is not harmful, when you do have a medical problem such as diabetes or reflux, you need scientifically proven information-not what is the latest fad.  After overhearing a person without medical nutrition training tell a person with a medical condition that if she just took a certain supplement she would be fine. I decided it is time to revisit “What Everyone Should Know About Registered Dietitians”. 

A registered dietitian is an individual trained as a nutrition professional and is your most credible, objective source of nutrition information.  They are trained in the use of nutrition to prevent and control disease.  A dietitian’s primary responsibility is to the patient to promote the individual’s good health, not selling any particular service or product.  The R.D. after your nutritionist’s name assures that the practitioner has completed an accredited four-year educational program, has completed an internship or 900 hours of supervised practice and passed a national exam.  Since the science of nutrition is rapidly changing, all registered dietitians are required to take at least 75 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain their national credentials.  As an added protection for the public, dietitians practicing in the state of Florida must be licensed with the Florida State Health Department and acquire 30 hours of continuing education every two years.  This in an additional assurance that the nutrition advice you are receiving is from a qualified individual. 

Some Registered Dietitians have additional certifications in specialized areas of practice.  Additional Commission on Dietetic Registration certifications are currently available in pediatric and renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education.  Certificates are also available in Adult and Adolescent Weight Management. 

Dietitians work in a multitude of different positions related to food.  Some dietitians hold positions in clinical practices in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics.  Others interested in management can be found in restaurants, spas, airline feeding and cruise ships.  Many dietitians see clients in private offices or doctor’s offices and still others work for television, magazines, food manufacturers, universities and food contract companies.