Nutrition

How can a nutritionist nourish you?

Nutritionists are experts in the science of how the food we eat affects our health^[1] and wellbeing. By learning about your eating habits and lifestyle, and providing nutritional information, a nutritionist can advise you on choosing the right foods for a healthy lifestyle which may help prevent a variety of illnesses.^[2] Nutritionists can identify dietary imbalances that may lead to digestive problems^[3] or seemingly unrelated issues such as your quality of sleep,^[4] and offer advice on how these might be addressed.

Trained nutritionists have tertiary qualifications in fields such as food science, nutrition, public health,^[5] and sometimes research and policy. Some nutritionists consult with individuals and communities to design healthy eating programs^[6] on the basis of nutrition facts, while others might work with businesses in the food service industry to develop nutritious and balanced meal options.

Although a nutritionist and dietitian have similar fields of expertise, these are two distinct professions.^[7] Unlike dietitians, nutritionists are not trained to prescribe medical nutrition therapy or offer medical advice related to diet. In addition to nutritionist qualifications, a dietitian receives specialised education enabling them to provide dietary therapy in a clinical setting^[8] and prescribe diet-based medical treatments for conditions ranging from diabetes to food allergies. Registered practising dietitians are also monitored to ensure they remain clinically competent

In Australia, the title ‘nutritionist’ is not legally protected, so it is possible for a person to provide services related to health and nutrition with only a minimum of training. Check if a nutritionist you are thinking about visiting is registered with the Nutrition Society of Australia,^[9] which rigorously evaluates the qualifications of all practitioners who apply.