Where To Get Professional Nutrition Advice

Excerpted from an article from www.quackwatch.org

 

If you have a question about nutrition, it is best to consult an expert.

The recognized nutrition expert is a Registered Dietitian (RD).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The term ‘nutritionist’ has no legal definition and can be used by anyone, even the clerk at the checkout counter of the drugstore or a distributor of supplements.

Beware of Unqualified Individuals:

 

Because the titles "nutritionist" and "nutrition consultant" are unregulated in most states, they are used by many individuals who lack recognized credentials and are unqualified. In addition, a small percentage of licensed practitioners are engaged in unscientific nutrition practices. The best way to avoid bad nutrition advice is to identify and avoid those who give it. I recommend steering clear of:

 

· Anyone who says that everyone needs vitamin supplements to be sure they get enough. Most people can get the vitamins and minerals they need by eating sensibly.

· Anyone who suggests that most diseases are caused by faulty nutrition. Although some diseases are diet-related, many are not.

· Anyone who suggests that large doses of vitamins are effective against a large number of diseases and   conditions. That is simply untrue.

· Anyone who suggests hair analysis as a basis for determining the body's nutritional state or for recommending vitamins and minerals. Hair analysis is not reliable for this purpose.

· Anyone who claims that a wide variety of symptoms and diseases are caused by "hidden food allergies"

· Anyone who uses a computer-scored "nutrient deficiency test" as the basis for prescribing vitamins. There are valid ways that computers can be used for dietary analysis. But those used for recommending vitamins are programmed to recommend them for everyone.

· Any practitioner—licensed or not—who sells vitamins in his or her office. Scientific nutritionists do not sell vitamins. Unscientific practitioners often do—usually at a considerable profit.

 

RD’s are specially trained to translate nutrition research into healthful, tasty diets. The RD credential is available to individuals who obtain a bachelor's degree in nutrition accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), complete an ADA-approved dietetic internship, and pass a comprehensive written test covering all aspects of nutrition and food-service management. To maintain their credential, they must also participate regularly in ADA-approved continuing-education programs.

 

So, be careful where you get your information – there’s a lot of junk out there and people who are quite willing to take lots of your money!