What Defines a Nutritionist?

Written by guest blogger Amanda Clary


Although the standards for licensed nutritionists vary from state to state, most states have specific certification requirements and licenses for nutritionists.  Nevertheless, this doesn't stop some unscrupulous “nutritionists” from calling themselves a nutritionist, despite the fact that they have no formal education or training. Usually, these individuals adhere to a certain theory of diet that they advocate to their clients.


Some people selling supplements or offering questionable dietary advice call themselves a nutritionist but do not hold any type of certification.


Alternatively, they may hold a “certificate” from a “professional organization” that is generally not considered reputable in the world of dietetics and nutrition (the AACN is one example of such an organization).


In some states, there are legal consequences to calling oneself a nutritionist without proper certification. But how do you know if you are practicing within the scope of the law or outside of it?


All states have a different view of what a certified nutritionist is and what the scope of their practice should be. Despite the specific differences, the general idea is mostly the same.
Therefore, we'll use the state of North Carolina to examine what constitutes the practice of a certified nutritionist, and what falls outside that definition.


In North Carolina, a certified nutritionist:
* Evaluates and maintains standards in food and nutrition services
* Assesses the nutritional needs of groups and of individuals
* Helps groups and individuals meet dietary goals and objectives, while meeting nutritional needs
* Provides disease counseling from the point of view of diet/nutrition
* Develops and manages nutrition care systems
What falls outside of their scope of practice?
* Selling vitamins or other retail food/supplement items
* Offering nutritional advice not based on current information or scientific principles
* Presenting controversial information without acknowledging that there are legitimate differences of opinion
* Influencing a client towards certain services or products that may indicate a conflict of interest
In the state of North Carolina, practicing nutrition outside the boundaries of official nutritionist certification can lead to conviction of a misdemeanor crime.


At best, the nutritionist who has violated the state's rules will face a probationary period in which the state monitors their activities. At worst, a nutritionist may be permanently prevented from practicing in the nutrition/dietetics field in the state. Considering that forty-eight of fifty states have similar requirements, you should check your qualifications carefully to see if they meet state statutes before advertising your services as a nutritionist.


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 nutrition training blog to help people learn how to get certified and learn all the aspects related to this job (Skills, requisites, everyday problems, upgrading, etc...).