What is the difference between a Dietitian and a nutritionist?

A Nutritionist is not a legal title regulated by states. Nutritionists can come from a diverse background, whether nutrition is learned in an online course, or self-taught. Nutritionists may or may not have a bachelors degree in nutrition.

Registered Dietitian is a legal title that is regulated by your state. You will see the credentials: RD or RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) followed by LD if they are a licensed dietitian (recognized by your state). Not all states require licensure and it is within these states that there is higher risk for receiving false nutrition information by a nutritionist. A RD earns a bachelors and a masters degree in dietetics and nutrition as well as experiencing a 1200 hour supervised internship where they learn how to implement their skills in a clinical, community, and food management setting.

Although there are some nutritionists who can provide helpful tips and resources, their background in nutrition is inconsistent and unregulated. It is up to you to chose how to best spend your time, money and trust. For complicated diagnoses and specific questions pertaining to your health and nutrition, it is best to seek advice from a registered dietitian.