Navigating the world of nutrition advice can be overwhelming. With a proliferation of self-proclaimed experts on social media, determining who to trust with your dietary needs is increasingly challenging. While many offer guidance, only Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists (RDNs) possess the standardized education, training and credentials to provide evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
The title Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist signifies a specific level of professional qualification. To become an RDN, individuals must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and coursework accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. What we have is followed by a supervised practice program, ranging from six to twelve months, and successful completion of a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Maintaining the RDN credential requires ongoing continuing education, ensuring practitioners stay current with the latest scientific advancements. The terms “Registered Dietitian” (RD) and “Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist” (RDN) are, in practice, interchangeable. “There isn’t one!” explains Jennifer Bruning, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “The two credential options are identical in their meaning.”
The distinction between an RDN and a “nutritionist” is critical. Unlike the RDN title, anyone can legally call themselves a nutritionist, as the term is currently unregulated. This lack of standardization led to the addition of the “N” to RDN, clarifying the difference for the public. As Bruning explains, “The option to add ‘N’ for ‘nutritionist’ was added to help the public to understand that while all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians.”
Many states have implemented additional licensing requirements for dietitians, denoted by credentials such as LD (Licensed Dietitian), LDN (Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist), or CDN (Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist). These state licenses, while building upon the national RDN registration, ensure practitioners meet specific state standards and are legally authorized to practice medical nutrition therapy within that state.
The scope of practice for an RDN is broad. They are uniquely qualified to provide expert advice on a wide range of nutrition and health topics and are the only accredited healthcare providers who can offer medical nutrition therapy, according to Justine Karduck, PhD, RDN, director of the didactic program in dietetics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This includes guidance on healthy eating basics, tailored diets for weight management, and strategies for managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. RDNs can also assist individuals with food allergies, intolerances, and eating disorder recovery.
While certified health coaches are gaining popularity, their expertise differs from that of an RDN. Health coaches focus on behavioral changes to support health goals, partnering with clients to facilitate self-directed changes. Some health coaches also hold RDN credentials, or certifications from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The type of certification a health coach possesses dictates the scope of diet and nutrition advice they can provide. Prospective clients should inquire about a health coach’s background and certification program to ensure alignment with their needs.
Specialization within the field of dietetics is also possible. The Commission on Dietetic Registration offers seven specialty board certifications, including gerontological, oncology, pediatric, renal, and sports dietetics. These are indicated by a “CS” prefix to the specialty (e.g., CSSD for Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics). Additional credentials in areas like culinary nutrition or functional medicine are typically obtained through specialized programs pursued by RDNs.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a tool to locate a qualified nutrition expert, allowing users to search by location and specialty on EatRight.org. RDNs should be prepared to summarize their skillset and, if they lack expertise in a specific area, refer patients to a more appropriate colleague, according to Dr. Karduck.
Currently, there are no board certifications for RDNs specializing in popular dietary approaches like keto or intermittent fasting. But, RDNs are expected to remain informed about these trends to provide safe and nutritionally sound guidance to patients interested in exploring them.
For individuals with specific health concerns, consulting an RDN with relevant certifications is particularly important. For example, those with diabetes should seek a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), while individuals with chronic kidney disease may benefit from working with a board-certified specialist in renal nutrition (CSR). Those battling cancer may seek out a CSO (Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition). For heart health concerns, a dietitian specializing in CV-WELL (cardiovascular health and well-being) is recommended. Pregnant individuals may benefit from an RDN who is also a certified lactation counselor (CLC). Individuals with eating disorders should seek a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS).
