The Importance of Registered Dietitians in Health and Nutrition

As National Nutrition Month comes to a close, it is essential to acknowledge the vital contributions of Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in the field of health and nutrition.

Registered Dietitians are experts in food and nutrition, holding a minimum of a graduate degree from accredited dietetics programs. They complete supervised practice requirements, pass national examinations, and commit to continual professional development throughout their careers. In states like Florida, they may also hold a license indicated by the initials ‘LD’ (Licensed Dietitian).

Understanding the Role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

RDNs can specialize in various areas such as gerontological nutrition, sports dietetics, pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition, and oncology nutrition. Certification for these specialties is offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

RDNs work across diverse settings including:

• Healthcare Facilities: They educate patients about nutrition and manage food service operations.
• Private Practice: Many RDNs work independently or under contract with healthcare or food companies.
• Community Health: They teach the public and promote healthy eating habits.
• Sports Nutrition: RDNs educate clients on the link between nutrition and fitness.
• Nutrition Research: Conducting studies to address pressing nutrition questions in collaboration with universities and hospitals.

As we explore nutrition this month, it is crucial to recognize these specialized professionals who provide essential support for better health and the management of various health conditions.

Further Resources on Nutrition Professionals

For additional information, you can access resources provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at eatrightpro.org or learn about the role of dietitians from the Mayo Clinic at college.mayo.edu.

Mark Mahoney, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, has nearly 40 years of experience and has completed graduate studies in Public Health at Columbia University.