Dietician vs Nutritionist

Ever wondered what the difference is between a dietician and a nutritionist? I get that question all the time! Understanding the fundamental distinctions will help you understand why choosing a Natural Nutrition Coach and Practitioner (NNCP) is worth serious consideration. The basic differences fall into three categories: education, recognition and approach.

Education

The educational aspect will be the first issue that the dietician will point out. University courses are much more science based, with a particular emphasis on biology and chemistry. A Holistic Nutritionists approach on nutrition has an emphasis on methods and information which one could readily put into daily use. In other words, one is focused on the theoretical, while the other is more practical.
The university gears much of their study to conducting and interpreting food studies and research, global food related problems, organizational aspects of institutional functioning, the intricacies of macro and micro nutrients, and dietary programs based on Canada's Food Guide.
Fundamental to the holistic approach is that everyone is unique with a specific set of circumstances and an individual biochemistry. The Canadian Association Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP) approved institutions instruct on conducting consultations with the use of symptomatology and the incorporation of alternative modalities, building individualized programs and therapeutic dietary approaches. Included in all the programs is the understanding of vitamins, minerals and botanicals as a valuable tool. The overall education is all encompassing, providing a clear exploration of the interplay between emotional and psychosocial aspects of well-being.

Recognition

Dieticians are recognized and regulated, while nutritionists are not. NNCP's however, must meet professional requirements in education, continued education and conduct themselves according to a Code of Ethics and other practice parameters, making the affiliation with CANNP a very important distinction.
Regulation comes with the notion of being monitored by the rules as set by a government body, while a responsive body of peers defining practice policies, is an approach that comes with a great deal of common sense and practical application. Of course, regulation allows dieticians to work in government sectors, such as hospitals while nutritionists concentrate more on the private sector. This also means that presently, nutritionists do not get the same privileges from insurance companies.
The cost of nutritional services may be a deterrent to some, but for most, paying for the individualized nutritional education and positive experience makes it more meaningful and worthwhile. Paying clients often take the information more seriously, becoming more compliant and therefore successful.

Approach

As is typical in the mainstream approach, focus is frequently about chasing disease and reducing its symptoms. In the holistic health world, the concentration is on preventing poor health or reestablishing good health, catching imbalances in the early stages, educating people about what can be done to bring the body into balance. Holistic practitioners are guides who encourage clients to learn, so that they can be in control of their own well-being. Dieticians are "food-based" specialists, often found in hospital settings providing dietary guidelines to patients once they have been diagnosed with an illness. As mentioned, they base their recommendations on the "Canada Food Guide" and depend on scientific research studies. It is shocking that much of what nutritionists know to be helpful to clients is at total odds with what science brings forth. For example, the use of artificial sweeteners, readily encouraged in some circles, is frowned upon by nutritionists who recognize it as a totally unnatural and potentially harmful substance. In many instances we can point out that science is catching up to what nutritionists have know to be true for some time as in the instance of vitamin D through sun exposure, benefits of omega 3 and the perils of plastic bottles.
Nutritional consultants look at the long-term impact and implications of unnatural additives, colourings, preservatives, pesticides, antibiotics, environmental pollution, metal toxicity, allergies and more, and tend to be critical of studies that suggest that these factors are of no or little consequence to health.
Dieticians deal with abating symptoms while nutritionists seek root cause to bring the body into balance. Simple symptom control will often not sustain unless something underlying is shifted. A Natural Nutritional Practitioner adhering to a holistic approach manages the entire person, focusing recommendations and education on food choices, lifestyle changes and supplement suggestions. No cookie-cutter approach is acceptable since no two people are alike.
Despite clear and defining differences, there is room for all types of practitioners. At times we may need a doctor or medication just as, at times a dietician may fill a gap in mainstream care. The essential difference is one of perspective and the benefit to clients is that they have a choice. They can choose the care that resonates with them. Information is the key to success, so understand the differences in these two professions and be confident in choosing the practitioner that can do the best job for your health.