What's the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
When seeking out support around nutrition and eating habits, you might notice there are a variety of professionals that advertise they can support you. Two of the designations we see most frequently are “dietitians” and “nutritionists.” What’s the difference? Is one better than the other? Who should you see if you’re looking for support? We’re here to help answer these questions.
What is a dietitian?
Registered Dietitians are the only regulated nutrition professionals in Ontario. What this means is that they must meet rigorous practice standards including an accredited 4-year or equivalent degree with appropriate courses in sciences and nutrition, administration and humanities. They must also complete an accredited dietetic internship or equivalent supervised practical training, and successfully complete a registration examination. They are then able to register with the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
During their training dietitians are taught to translate medical and nutritional information into healthy eating habits for individuals, families and communities. They provide individualized nutrition advice and planning around nutrition concerns including food sensitivities and allergies, disease-specific nutrition care plans and creating healthy meal plans. They also receive training on how to incorporate culture, traditions, values, beliefs, family and personal lifestyles. They may also recommend vitamin or mineral supplements to support client health needs.
What is a nutritionist?
In Ontario, Nutritionist is not a regulated profession, which means anyone may practice under this title and call themselves a nutritionist. (This is not the case in all provinces or countries, as some places outside of Ontario do regulate nutritionists - please consult this page if you are looking to learn about professional nutritional designations across Canada.) While someone calling themselves a nutritionist may have completed similar schooling or training to a dietitian, there is no guarantee of this so it’s important to speak to them about their past experience and training before choosing to work with them.
Nutritionists generally work in similar areas of practice to dietitians, focusing on helping to create healthy dietary habits and plans with clients. They may provide nutrition advice, meal planning and consultation to clients.
When it comes to choosing if you should see a Registered Dietitian or a Nutritionist, the most important thing is making sure they are competent to support you, and that they are a trained professional. In Ontario there is an added layer of safety in seeing a Registered Dietitian because of the rigorous registration requirements.
At The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre we employ Registered Dietitians such as Heather Bray, RD, to work with our clients, as we know they have the training and experience to support our clients with heavy topics like eating disorders, chronic pain and illness, perinatal health and more. When it comes to finding support for your physical and mental health it’s important to find someone who understands you and who you can trust to support you, so if you’re deciding between professionals we encourage you to do consults with as many as you need to ensure you find the right fit, whether they are Nutritionists or Registered Dietitians.
If you or someone you know would like to explore the ways that Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre can support you on your nutritional journey, please contact our intake and administration team to set up a free consultation with Heather Bray, Registered Dietitian to see if she’s the right fit to support you.
About the Author
Katherine Hall, MSW RSW, is the Clinic Director at The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre. She feels strongly that the best work is done when you find a practitioner that fully understands you, and who you feel safe and able to be open with.