Standing in the grocery aisle or local market, you carefully evaluate the bounty before you. Sniffing, squeezing and visually examining each piece, you try to find the freshest, most flavorful choice of fruits and vegetables. You check the labels on dairy and meat to make sure it is antibiotic free. Maybe you prefer grass-fed meat because it has a better nutritional profile. You travel from farmers market to health food store to gourmet shop to insure the foods you serve are nutritious and tasty, and you may ask the advice of a nutrition professional to help make those choices. But have you examined and selected your nutrition expert with the same care and concern as the foods you buy?
Many people get their nutrition advice from friends, family, colleagues, or the media. It should be easy right? We all eat, and everyone knows something about food. But the messages out there often conflict, and the latest fad is rarely the greatest. Since good nutrition is such a vital component of good health, it makes sense to use the same rigorous standards in selecting your nutrition advisor as you use to choose a doctor, lawyer or even your produce! The options in your “expert” may surprise you. While the title “dietitian” can only legally be used by those who have completed a particular program of education and testing, the term “nutritionist” is unregulated, and can be used by anyone regardless of training or experience. Some nutritionist credentials indicate a solid course of study, yet others can be obtained in a weekend or less.
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Registered Dietitians are the largest group of nutrition experts working with the public. In order to use the RD title, one must be certified through the American Dietetic Association. Becoming certified requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree which incorporates a defined syllabus of clinical coursework including anatomy, organic chemistry and nutrition and food sciences, the completion of a clinical internship, followed by successful execution of a national exam, and maintenance of appropriate continuing education coursework. Many Registered Dietitians also have obtained a Mater’s or PhD. In Connecticut, they are licensed by the state, and are the only nutrition professionals employed by hospitals. While RDs are knowledgeable in the use of dietary modification for a variety of ailments, a sub-group of RDs known as Dietitians in Functional Medicine are experts in the area of integrative nutrition. A DIFM RD can easily be found at www.integrativerd.org.
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
The American College of Nutrition certified the CNS, who must have an advanced degree in nutrition or an allied field, complete 1000 hours of supervised training and sit for a national exam. A number of RDs also have CNS certification, and while many work in academia and research settings, some Certified Nutrition Specialists do maintain a private practice. Continuing education is necessary to maintain credentials.
Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)
A certified Clinical Nutritionist has been certified by the International and American Association of Clinical Nutrition. In order to be certified, a CCN must have a Bachelor of Science degree which includes: clinical coursework in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and nutrition science, 56 hours of additional CCN coursework and successful completion of the CCN exam. Continuing education is required to maintain credentials, and alternative nutrition is the focus.
Diploma in Certified Nutritionist (Dip. CN)
The Huntington College of Health Sciences offers a six course online program in nutrition, after which one can sit for the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board exam. No supervised experience is necessary.
Holistic Health Coach
The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is a licensed vocational school which offers certification as a Health Coach after completion of an online course of training which includes lectures by some well known experts in the field of holistic health. Forty modules of approximately three hours each must be completed, and a test is taken after completion of each set of ten modules. The program does not claim nor imply that any clinical training is provided, but instead focuses on coaching as a way to make positive lifestyle change. No prior education is required, nor is continuing education.
Certified Nutrition Consultant (CNC ®)
The Certified Nutrition Consultant has completed a series of eleven open-book exams pertaining to nutrition. They must have one year of previous education or experience in the field of nutrition at any level to enter the program. The certifying organization is the American Association of Nutrition Consultants, who clearly states that they are not a school, and provide no textbooks or coursework.
While the credentials vary widely among supposed nutrition professionals, there are well trained professionals with whom you may not click, and nutritionists with lesser training who may have gained additional knowledge on their own. Call or meet with your prospective expert and question them on their education and experience, to make sure there is a good fit. In addition, it is important to feel comfortable with your expert, and develop a relationship of mutual trust and respect. While the fragrance of a cantaloupe can tell you when to choose it, selecting your nutrition expert requires a little more research.