In the age of social media, where influencers may be perceived as experts, it can be confusing to know who to trust for diet and nutrition information. It’s especially important to know who is providing nutrition advice when dealing with conditions and medical issues including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), infertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nutrition is a complex science, not simply common sense.

Dietitians are food and nutrition experts. While all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians. The term nutritionist is not regulated, so practically anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.

Registered Dietitians (RD), also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) must:

• complete a four year Bachelor’s degree in nutrition sciences (including but not limited to human anatomy & physiology, biochemistry and medical nutrition therapy) from an accredited university

• complete a 1,200 hour supervised hands-on internship

• pass a national registration exam

• pursue at least 75 credits of continuing education every 5 years to maintain their RD/RDN credential

• adhere to a professional code of ethics

• some RDs/RDNs have also earned Masters degrees (my Masters is in Food Studies so if you ever want to geek out about food, food culture, history, policy, systems or sustainability, I’m here for it!)

In addition to supporting general health and wellness, dietitians are trained and able to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for specific conditions, such as diabetes or gastrointestinal disease.  Some dietitians also specialize in certain areas and pursue continuing education and training in that field, as I (Rachelle) do for reproductive nutrition.

Dietitians can also be involved in professional practice groups to stay current with the research and connect with other healthcare professionals with similar specialties and interests.

Rachelle is a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics’ Women’s Health dietetics practice group (DPG) and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Nutrition Special Interest Group (SIG).

Finally, dietitians can be a part of your holistic health care team, communicating as needed with your doctor(s) and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

While physicians and nurse practitioners are incredibly skilled and knowledgable, they receive little to no education in nutrition in their medical training.

They also don’t have the time to spend an hour-long appointment only discussing food and nutrition with you with the nuance and experience that a dietitian does. Working with a dietitian in addition to your medical or mental health providers (primary care physician, OB/GYN, midwife, reproductive endocrinologist, therapist, etc.) ensures you’re receiving the best care for your needs.