Registered Dietitians (RD) are regulated by law and the title ‘dietitian’ is protected by statute. To register requires at least a university degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and 1000 hours practical work experience. Dietitians can work clinically within the NHS, working with patients to treat medical conditions, as well as many other areas such as in food industry and freelance.

Registered (Associate) Nutritionists (ANutr/RNutr) meet requirements of the Association for Nutrition (which includes achieving a degree nutrition), and voluntarily register to be governed by them. After 3yrs+ experience ANutr can apply to become RNutr. ANutr & RNutr can work across many areas, but would require additional qualifications to work clinically.

‘Nutritionist’ as a standalone is not a regulated title, it is therefore not governed and there are no educational requirements to use the title.

‘Nutritional Therapist’ is also not a regulated title. Nutritionally Therapists have usually completed a course meeting the National Occupational Standards for Nutritional Therapy (equivalent to level 5 diploma). FHT, CHNC and GRCCT are regulatory bodies that can be voluntarily joined.