A Registered Dietitian is a health professional who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition from a University, completed a year-long dietetic internship, and written a registration exam. Dietitians are also required to be a member of their provincial College of Dietitians and complete yearly competencies.
The titles “Dietitian, Registered Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist” are protected in Alberta. Be sure to check for these titles when you are looking for reliable nutrition information. However, the term “Nutritionist” is not protected. Nutritionists may have varying levels of training and formal nutrition education, or none at all. For example, the title “Holistic Nutritionist” is becoming popular. Most holistic nutritionists have a 1 year diploma. I have been asked if my practice is “holistic”. While I do take into account other areas of your life that affect your health and nutrition, I also make sure that my recommendations are evidence-based.
Here’s a great article that explains it more.
