Support your health.
In a world overwhelmed with nutrition misinformation and fad diets, it can be incredibly confusing to find evidence-based and individualized nutrition advice to support your unique health needs and goals. In honour of March being Nutrition Month, and this years theme “We Are Dietitians”, we thought we would unpack common questions around what exactly the role of a dietitian is and how they can support you.
What is a Dietitian?
A dietitian, commonly referred to as Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) in the US, are regulated health professionals with a dietetic regulatory body in their province or state. Regulated health professionals are held to strict standards of practice including what activities they can perform and their scope of practice.
To become registered, they must complete intensive and comprehensive training and practical job experience. This includes:
- An undergraduate degree in dietetics from an accredited university
- Comprehensive supervised practical training through an integrated undergraduate program or a post-graduate Master’s, diploma, or practicum only program (in British Columbia this is equivalent to a minimum of 1480 hours of training)
- Passing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)
What is the difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?
There are many individuals who claim to be experts in the field of nutrition but unfortunately do not have the same level of training, education, ethical standards, and are not regulated to protect the public.
Registered Dietitians are the only professionals in the field of nutrition that are regulated by law. They must be registered with a provincially regulated body such as the College of Dietitians of British Columbia.
The title “dietitian” is protected across Canada, while the title “nutritionist” is not protected by law in all provinces, meaning anyone may call themselves a nutritionist without formal training in some provinces.
How can I tell if someone is a Registered Dietitian?
The word Registered Dietitian or RD is a protected title in Canada meaning only dietitians can call themselves such and will usually specify on their profile (ie. linkedIn, website, Instagram) that they are a Dietitian or place RD at the end of their name. If you are unsure if someone you want to work with is a Registered Dietitian you can simply ask to confirm.
What is the Role of a Dietitian?
Dietitians translate evidence-based nutrition information into their work with individuals, communities, or populations. The role of a dietitian can be very diverse depending on the practice area they work in. For example Dietitians may work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, private practice, research, long term care and other facilities, food manufacturing, government policy, and community programs to name a few.
Are dietitian services covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies cover the cost of dietitian services. Check with your extended health benefit plan provider to confirm the amount to which you are covered.
How Can One of Your Dietitians help me?
Our team of Registered Dietitians offer in-person or virtual individualized nutrition support services on a variety of topics/health conditions including:
- Mental Health (such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD)
- Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
- Women’s Health (including pregnancy, PCOS, and fertility)
- Plant-based/Vegan/Vegetarian Nutrition
- Intuitive Eating
- Meal Planning
- Digestive Health/Disorders (such as Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome/IBS, Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
- Chronic Disease Management (such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension or High Cholesterol management)
- Overall health and wellness optimization
Whether you’re looking to manage a chronic health condition or improve your overall health and wellness, one of our dietitians would be happy to support you. To book your free consultation call with one of our dietitians today visit: https://journeytohealthsupport.com/meet-our-dietitians
Sources:
Dietitians of Canada. (2023). Dietitians of Canada – Become a dietitian. Dietitians.ca. https://www.dietitians.ca/Become-a-Dietitian/Education-and-Training?Page=1
Unlock Food. (2020, November 30). About Dietitians – Unlock Food. Www.unlockfood.ca.https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/About-Dietitians/Is-there-a-difference-between-a-dietitian-and-a-nu.aspx#:~:text=Titles%20like%20Registered%20Holistic%20Nutritionist
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