The Real Difference between Dietitians and Nutritionists
Carene "All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians."
We celebrated Dietitians week during the week of 2 to 7 June! Every year the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) organizes this week to recognize the work and impact of dietitians. The common perception of what dietitians do is often centered around weight loss, but that is simply scraping the surface of what we can do. We are often dubbed the educators of the health care field, turning evidenced-based science into everyday practical implementations. Imagine if a scientist, chemist, doctor and chef had a baby…that’s a Dietitian!
Health, food, and wellness, is something a lot of people strive towards. While there are many ways to skin a cat, finding expert advice may be to your greatest advantage, especially if you suffer from a medical condition. When researching to find support with your diet, you might find a weird and wonderful mix of options. From Registered Dietitians, to Nutritionists, to Wellness coaches or even something called a Dietitian Nutritionist (which I don’t believe exists). The terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” are often used interchangeably, which can create confusion. While both professionals work with food and nutrition to support better health, there are important differences between the two—especially when it comes to qualifications, scope of practice, and regulation.
“Dietetics is one of the world’s fastest growing professions with a key role to play in modern medicine. In both the public and private healthcare sectors, dietitians serve in a wide variety of nutrition fields.”
Before we go any further, I just want to share a little disclosure. Being a dietitian myself, I may naturally have a somewhat biased opinion. I have done my best to share factual information about both parties. So…with that said, let’s unpack the key differences so you can make informed choices when seeking nutrition guidance.
How do we differ in terms of Education and Qualifications?
Dietitians (also called Registered Dietitians or RDs) undergo rigorous education and training. Everything from microbiology to cadaver dissections to masterchef-vibes kitchens! In most countries, becoming a dietitian requires:
- A bachelor’s degree (or higher) in dietetics, nutrition science, or a related field. South-African registration requires Honors to be able to qualify.
- Completion of a supervised internship or practical training, usually within clinical, community, or food service settings. I distinctly remember doing practicals in a wide variety of facilities from public health clinic’s packed with patients waiting to be seen, to academic hospitals with the most rare and complicated conditions, to preparing the food at a mental health facility.
- Passing a national registration exam (e.g., the HPCSA board exam in South Africa or the RD exam in the U.S.).
Nutritionists, on the other hand, can have a wide range of educational backgrounds. Some may have degrees in nutrition science or public health, while others might have completed short courses or online certifications. The Nutrition Institute is one example of a course that provides certification and global accreditation in a nutrition field. In many countries, the title “nutritionist” is not legally protected—meaning anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of formal training. The health and wellness market in South Africa has seen consistent growth, especially in urban and middle-income sectors. This brings about more nutrition and wellness related professionals, products and courses. A recent projection has estimated that the global nutrition market (including supplements, services, and wellness products) is projected to exceed $500 billion by 2027.
Are there any Regulation and Legal Status differences?
Yes. Dietitians are regulated health professionals. This means they are held to strict professional standards, ethics, and continuing education requirements. They can work in clinical settings, such as hospitals or private practices, and are qualified to treat medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or eating disorders through medical nutrition therapy. In South Africa, dietitians must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to legally practice. Maintaining this registration requires a yearly fee, as well as maintaining a compliance status requiring continued professional development (CPDs) points of 25 clinical and 5 ethical in a 12 month cycle. This means that we need to attend workshops and conferences, read articles, submit questionnaires and journal club to accumulate qualifying points.
Nutritionists, unless registered or certified by a professional board (like the Association for Dietetics in South Africa – ADSA or an international body), are typically not legally regulated. This limits their ability to work in clinical or hospital settings, and they are generally not permitted to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
The Scope of Practice is different…
Dietitians:
- Provide evidence-based nutrition advice.
- Work in medical settings alongside doctors and nurses.
- Take anthropometric measurements to assess nutritional status.
- Prescribes specialized diets, medical feeds such as Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) or enteral feeds, and supplements.
- Analyze blood tests to determine nutritional status, organ functionality, nutrient deficiencies or feed efficacy.
- Create nutrition plans for people with chronic illnesses.
- Often specialize in areas like pediatrics, sports nutrition, renal nutrition, eating disorders or lactation (like me 😊).
Nutritionists:
- Often focus on general wellness, healthy eating, and prevention.
- Work in community settings, wellness programs, or the food industry.
- Become wellness and life-style coaches.
- May provide support for weight management, lifestyle changes, or corporate wellness—but usually not clinical care.
- Develop health and nutrition products.
Who Should You See?
If you have a medical condition, are recovering from surgery, or need specialized dietary advice, you should see a registered dietitian. We are trained to assess complex health issues and develop therapeutic nutrition plans.
If you’re generally healthy and want to improve your eating habits, a qualified nutritionist can still offer valuable guidance—provided they have appropriate training and experience.
The Take Home message…
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians. When choosing a nutrition professional, it’s essential to look at their qualifications, experience, and regulatory body.
For reliable, science-based advice—especially if you have health concerns—a registered dietitian is your safest bet.
Did You Know?
In South Africa, dietitians are classified as allied health professionals, and only those registered with the HPCSA can legally use the title “dietitian.” Always check your practitioner’s registration before starting treatment.
And yes…the correct spelling is Dietitian, not Dietician.
Comments (2)
Anel Kirsten
So n cool post ! Verduidelik die verskille so mooi. En thanks vir die spelling van Dietitian🤪
Carene
Dankie Anel, ek waardeer jou comment! Jy is immers n bekende dieetkundige😊