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February 22, 2005
Deciphering Credentials: Whom Can You Trust for Reliable Nutrition Advice?
When you want nutrition information based on sound science, or want to know how food promotes health and fights disease, rely on the most-qualified professionals in the field of food and nutrition: a registered dietitian or dietetic technician, registered.
There are many so-called nutrition advisors out there, sometimes it's hard to tell just who is a qualified expert.
A registered dietitian, or RD, is a highly trained food and nutrition expert who has completed a four-year degree program and a supervised internship program and passed a comprehensive credentialing examination. Registered dietitians must maintain their credentials through career-long continuing education.
A dietetic technician, registered, or DTR, must complete at least a two-year degree and pass a nationwide examination. DTRs also must have supervised practice experience in community programs, health care and food service facilities. DTRs must also take part in continuing education courses throughout their careers.
From the hottest trendy restaurants to school cafeterias, from corporations to day-care centers, the secret is out. The registered dietitian is recognized as the most valuable source of good nutrition.
Many times authors or salespeople for dietary supplements, for example, may call themselves "nutritionists." In reality, they may only be self-proclaimed experts. Anyone could call themselves a nutritionist, so these terms, nutritionist and dietician, are really not interchangeable.
The best place to find a qualified registered dietician is to look on the website. It's American Dietetic Association Web site, www.eatright.org. And you can actually enter your ZIP code and you will find an RD within your local area.
Posted by Lisa at February 22, 2005 10:01 AM
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