Stephen Barrett, M.D.: Where To Get Professional Nutrition Advice

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Where To Get Professional Nutrition Advice

Stephen Barrett, M.D.

If you have a question about nutrition, the most convenient source of information may be your physician…

If your doctor is unable or unwilling to provide what you need, you can be referred to someone who will—usually be a registered dietitian – RD.

Nutrition Credentials

Many accredited universities offer nutrition courses based on scientific principles and taught by qualified instructors. A bachelor’s degree in nutrition requires four years of full-time study that qualify a graduate for entry level positions in dietetics or food service, often in a hospital. A master’s degree, which can widen career opportunities, requires two more years of full-time study beyond the undergraduate level. People who wish to become nutrition researchers usually pursue a doctorate (Ph.D.) in biochemistry, which requires at least two years of additional study plus a thesis based on original laboratory research. Those wishing to concentrate on teaching or educational research usually seek a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree in nutrition education.

In addition to an academic degree, most legitimate nutritionists seek professional certification.

Active membership in the American Society for Nutritional Sciences (ASNS)—formerly called the American Institute of Nutrition—is open to those who have published meritorious research on some aspect of nutrition and are presently working in the field. The clinical arm of ASNS is the American Society for Clinical Nutrition (ASCN), which has similar requirements but specifies clinical research.

Nutritionists at the doctoral level may also seek certification by the American Board of Nutrition as specialists in clinical nutrition (M.D.’s only) or human nutritional sciences (M.D.’s and Ph.D.’s). Board certification requires passage of comprehensive examination. Most board-certified nutritionists are affiliated with medical schools and hospitals, where they conduct clinical research and offer consultation to primary-care physicians.

Registered Dietitians (RD) are specially trained to translate nutrition research into healthful, tasty diets. The RD. credential is available to individuals who obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), complete an ADA-approved dietetic internship, and pass a comprehensive written test covering all aspects of nutrition and food-service management. To maintain their credential, they must also participate regularly in ADA-approved continuing-education programs. Although completion of a masters degree or Ph.D is highly desirable for nutrition professionals, it is not required to become a registered dietitian.

Most active RDs work in hospitals. Typically, they counsel patients and conduct classes for pregnant women, heart and kidney patients, diabetics, and other persons with special dietary needs. Dietitians are also employed by community agencies such as geriatric, day- care, and drug/alcohol abuse centers. Some dietitians do research. Others engage in private practice where they counsel physician-referred clients. The ADA also has a certification process for advanced-level practitioners and for specialists in renal (kidney), pediatric, and metabolic nutrition.

The Certification Board for Nutritional Specialists was founded by the American College of Nutrition in 1993. It offers a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential to professionals with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree who have clinical experience and pass an examination. Its requirements are substantial but less than those of the American Board of Nutrition and it does not screen its members as carefully…

Consultation with an expert can also be worthwhile for pregnant and lactating women, competitive athletes, and individuals who feel confused about nutrition…

Read the full article at:

http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/nutritionist.html

RDs now accessible on-line

Comment by Alon Cohen:

RDs are now accessible on-line via the BitWine site at:

http://nutrition.BitWine.com

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