‘Dietitian’ is a title that is protected by law in the UK, and is currently the only title that guarantees nutrition training to above degree-level, and adherance to a respected code of conduct. All dietitians have studied nutrition to degree or post graduate level and have additionally undertaken 9 months assessed training in the NHS. This additional training enables dietitians to advise on diet as a treatment in a wide range of serious medical conditions. They are then eligible to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC), who require their members to give advice that is impartial, safe and based on the best evidence available, and to keep up to date professionally. The HPC not only regulates dietitians, but also many other health professions, including physiotherapists and paramedics.
Graduates from a recognised nutrition degree can join the Association for Nutrition (AfN) register, and are well qualified to research and advise on nutrition and healthy eating. Some work in the NHS as nutritionists or dietetic assistants but are not trained to advise on nutrition as a treatment, unless they are supervised by dietitians.
The titles Nutritionist, Nutrition Therapist, Nutrition Doctor and Nutrition Consultant are not protected by law or by any professional bodies, and so anyone can, in theory, use them. Some high-profile nutrition experts use these titles (quite legally) but do not have recognised nutrition qualifications (i.e. a degree from a recognised institution).
Some online sites who make a point of highlighting nutritional tests, advice and professionals that are not as they seem are Quackwatch and the Guardian’s Ben Goldacre.
