The Day-to-Day Activities of a Dietitian-Nutritionist

Dietitians and Nutritionists perform similar functions in most cases.
However, these two professions have significant differences.

For example, the title of a nutritionist in the United States is not
legally protected.  This means that there is no federal regulating body
that regulates this profession.

In some states, there are standard requirements for nutritionists but in
other states there is little or no regulation at all.  So it would be a
little difficult to verify the professional qualifications of a
nutritionist.

In contrast, a Registered Dietitian is a protected title.  This title is
recognized across the United States and there is a regulating body that
sets the specific standards for professional dietitians.  It is also
illegal to call yourself a dietitian if you do not have the appropriate
license.

It does not mean however that a professional nutritionist is unqualified
to provide sound nutrition advice.  The safest assumption is that each
nutritionist is following a set of principle and accepted practice
depending on the philosophies of professional organization that confers
the title.

However, you need to take note that the functions and activities of a
nutritionist and dietitian are closely similar.  So here is an overview of
the day to day activities of nutritionist-dietitian.

Functions of Dietitians and Nutritionist

A Registered Dietitian normally works in a health care facility.  Clinical
dietitians set the standards and manage the nutritional programs of
patients in a hospital, psychiatric institutions, and nursing homes.

They can perform nutrition management because of their expert knowledge
and skills on the relationship of nutrition and health care.  In a
hospital setting, a dietitian could develop special meal plans for
patients so they can recover quickly from their illnesses.

They can also devise a meal plan for special patients who need unique
nutritional requirements.

Community dietitians normally work in the field coordinating and helping
local community health centers.  They can also hold nutrition workshops,
trainings, and education.

Management dietitians, on the other hand, work with the private sector
managing the nutritional needs of large institutions.  They can also
advise companies on product development especially in the food sector.

All these tasks and functions can also be performed effectively by a
nutritionist.  But in most cases, a professional nutritionist is commonly
found in private health care centers, wellness facilities, gyms, and
upscale weight training institutions.

They also serve as private consultants to individuals, sports teams, and
athletes.  A nutritionist has more flexible time and they can practice as
independent consultants.

About the Author

Amanda Clary writes a non commercial blog focused on her experience on
helping her family and friends to eat healthy. She is a “Nutritionist for
Hobby” and writes on the www.nutritioncertification.net
sports nutrition certification bog to help people learn how to get
certified and learn all the aspects related to this job (Skills,
requisites, everyday problems, upgrading, etc…).