Nutrition
Read the article this discussion is about
What is a Nutritionist?
- Kashii
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Jill Harris
» Kashii - Readers Be Careful!!
Let me first apologize, as I have hopped up on a soap box here... but I felt very passionately about these topics!
As a registered dietitian, I was insulted by the blanket stereotype portrayed in this article; not to mentioned concerned for other readers who may be mislead by this article.
My biggest concern may not apply to every US state, as each state has different laws. But in some states, certain titles can be used by anyone. Any Joe or Jane off the street can call themselves a Nutritionist, a Nutrition Wellness Coach, a Dietologist, etc, post a sign, and start their own business. There is no regulation for what sort of education they had, or what training they went through. "Dietitian," however, is protected nationwide. In order to claim that title, you have to have completed a degree at an approved college, undergone an internship with a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice, passed a national registry test, and then continue to do approved continuing education as long as you hold the title. There have been steps to reduce the risk of quack "nutritionists," and it is good to see some sort of Certification. This is not to say that all nutritionists are bad!!! There are some very educated, qualified individuals out there with this title. Just that people should be careful of whom they trust with their time, money, and health. You should feel confident in asking any professional about their education and experience and seeing their credentials.
Not all dietitians are "institutionalized," only treating symptoms. Perhaps clinical dietitians, working in hospitals, veer this way a little more as time with patients is often very limited, and thus a full treatment plan to address multiple issues and goals is often impossible. But please don't lump all dietitians into this setting! There are far more options for dietitians that a hospital setting. Dietitians practice in a vast array of different fields, from schools and community jobs to gyms and spas, or work as an independent counselor. Dietitians who have the opportunity to do more one-on-one counseling will get a much deeper, and more holistic, plan for people.
Also, regarding western medicine... Each dietitian is different, and each with have their own opinions about alternative treatments. Through the American Dietitic Association, there is a dietetic practice group called "Nutrition in Complementary Care" which is made of dietitians who feel especially passionate towards learning about supplements. This group "focuses on complementary therapies that include vitamin and mineral supplementation, botanicals and functional foods as well as diverse therapeutic approaches." And just because a dietitian is not a member of this specific group does not mean they condemn all alternative medicine. It's true, I personally may not always recommend just any old herbal remedy that's on the shelves to a client - but not because I don't believe they can be beneficial - but because there may be no research to support the claim, or perhaps there is research to verify that the supplement may actually be dangerous to one's health (we all remember Ephedra...) Dietary and herbal supplements have minimal quality assurance - as in, the bottle can lie not only about how much of an ingredient is actually in a dose, but about WHAT is actually in it! ABC News posted an article reporting that independent labs tested different products, and found pesticides, lead, arsenic, Viagra, and other prescription medications in "natural" products. (see http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=40... for the full article.) And other drug or nutrient interactions are rarely shared (did you know taking St. John's Wart can negate the effect of some birth control pills?) "Natural" doesn't always mean "safe." So yes, I may be skeptical about certain "natural" remedies at first until more research can be done.
The bottom line is "Buyer Beware!" There are many people out there who may take advantage of consumers who are looking for genuine help, whether they are offering a product or a service. Do your research, and get second, third, fourth... opinions if you need them.
~Kate
Registered, Licensed Dietitian
kcline.rd@gmail.com
-- posted by Kashii
»
Jill Harris
- Readers Be Careful!!
This is a great post, Kate. As nutrition becomes more and more important in the prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases, there are increasing numbers of people trying to capitalize off of those who don't know any better.
In Canada, "dietitian" and "dietician" are also protected term. Only dietitians registered with their provincial body can use R.D. behind their name. Most dietitians (to my knowledge) are also registered with the Dietitians of Canada; though this is not a necissity.
Receiving such certification is difficult - it involves a 4-year undergraduate degree in Nutritional or Applied Nutritional Science coupled with either a Master's program/internship or year-long internship with practical experience in at least three dietary settings (e.g. community, clinical, and food service nutrition).
When allowing someone to make decisions about your health, it is important to be informed and protect yourself against fraudulent practice.
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