What’s the difference between a dietician, nutritionist and nutritional therapist?
I get asked this quite often…
In the UK, the roles of dietitian, nutritionist, and nutritional therapist are distinct, each with specific qualifications, governing bodies, and scopes of practice, all 3 professionals practice complementary medicine that is relevant for individuals with chronic conditions, as well as those looking for support to enhance their health and wellbeing. They work with your normal healthcare professionals to support your symptoms and conditions using scientific evidence -backed recommendations.
When looking to engage a practitioner for nutritional support the main research you need to conduct is to ensure that they are currently registered to practice. The registration and membership boards are listed here, I would recommend you search only via these portals for fully qualified practitioners:
For Nutritional Therapists:
For Dieticians:
For Nutritionists:
Nutritional Therapist
Governing Body:
- British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT)
- Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
Education Level:
- To be registered with BANT, practitioners must hold a degree, Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), or MSc in Nutritional Therapy or a related field.
- Must complete 30 hours of CPD (continued professional practice training) each year to remain on the register.
Scope of Practice:
They can assist in managing symptoms caused by illnesses and optimising overall health. Often working with chronic conditions like allergies, digestive and bowel disorders, hormonal imbalances, and obesity, they help individuals achieve their health goals by considering each person's unique dietary needs. They are clinically trained for evidence-based practice.
Dietitian
Governing Body:
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Education Level:
- Bachelor's degree in Dietetics or a related science degree with a postgraduate diploma or master's in Dietetics.
Scope of Practice:
Many work primarily within the NHS and are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They must have at least a university degree. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the sole professional body for dietitians, overseeing the curriculum design. Dietitians typically advise individuals with special dietary needs, such as those with kidney disease, diabetes, or cancer. As regulated healthcare professionals, dietitians are qualified to treat specific medical conditions.
Nutritionist
Governing Body:
- Association for Nutrition (AfN)
Education Level:
- Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or a related field, with many holding further qualifications such as master's degrees.
Scope of Practice:
They often work in research, industry, education, or roles where they apply scientific knowledge to food. While not statutorily regulated, there are several voluntary registers for nutritionists. These professionals are qualified to offer general information about food and healthy eating but are not trained to provide specific guidance on therapeutic diets.
Key Differences
- Nutritional Therapist:
- Registered with BANT and CNHC, provides individualised and evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice and able to practice clinically.
- Requires a degree, PgDip, or MSc in Nutritional Therapy or related field.
- Dietitian:
- Regulated by HCPC, able to work in clinical settings, provides medical nutrition therapy.
- Requires a degree specifically in Dietetics.
- Nutritionist:
- Registered with AfN, focuses on general health promotion, does not work with individuals and is not qualified to consult clinically.
- Requires a degree in Nutrition or a related field.
Each role plays a vital part in the field of nutrition, with dietitians and nutritional therapists having clinical training, while nutritionists primarily focus on promoting overall health and well-being.
Each professional—dietitian, nutritionist, and nutritional therapist—plays a valuable role in the field of nutrition and health, contributing unique expertise and perspectives. While none of these professionals can prescribe or promote medications or claim to treat medical conditions, they all offer evidence-based recommendations to support health and well-being. Dietitians and nutritional therapists, in particular, consult with individuals to create personalised nutrition plans tailored to their specific needs, grounded in scientific evidence from published health journals. These plans are designed to address individual health concerns and promote optimal health outcomes. Nutritionists also play a critical role in disseminating reliable information and promoting healthy eating habits to the public, ensuring that their advice is based on current and credible research.
Together, these professionals enhance public health through informed and scientifically-backed nutritional guidance.