By: Kristy Richardson, MS, MPH, RD, CSSD, CHES - Registered Dietitian in CA - www.ocnutrition.com

Did you know that in California anyone can call themselves a “Nutritionist”? Most states require licensing, but Section 2068 of California’s Business and Professional code allows anyone to call themselves a Nutritionist, regardless of education. People have taken advantage of this loophole to market themselves as nutrition experts. Many of these unqualified nutritionists are salesmen with illegitimate credentials obtained through diploma mills (organizations granting degrees which are fraudulent or worthless due to lack of proper standards). According to the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF), these unqualified “nutritionists” charge counseling fees for questionable advice; utilize unproven “tests” to assess nutritional status; and often profit personally from the sale of supplements they prescribe.

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a professional credential, just like a Registered Nurse (RN) or Medical Doctor (MD). The title is legally protected and can only be used by those authroized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association. Individuals who are Registered Dietitians have 1) received a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from an accredited college or university; 2) completed at least 900 hours of internship experience at an accredited institution; 3) successfully completed the Registration Exam for Dietitians; and 4) maintained recertification by obtaining at least 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years.

While many illegitimate nutritionists provide advice that is not backed by sufficient research, Registered Dietitisn are trained to critically evaluate research studies and base their advice on the most up-to-date research. By looking at your medical history, medications, supplements, and eating and exercise habits, a Registered Dietitian can provide you with safe and effective nutrition counseling to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

To help protect you against unqualified nutritionists, the NCAHF recommends that you check out the accreditation status of any unfamiliar degree-granting institution and verify a nutritionist’s credentials by checking with the local, state or national dietetic association.

This information was brought to you by OC Nutrition, Your Trusted Source for Health & Nutrition Advice. OC Nutrition offers nutrition counseling services over the phone or in person in Irvine, Orange, Anaheim Hills and Chino. To contact us please visit our website - www.OCnutrition.com

By: Kristy Richardson, MS, MPH, RD, CSSD, CHES - Registered Dietitian in CA - www.ocnutrition.com