Nutrition advice is very easy to get. Everyone thinks they are an expert because they heard from "someone" that... Or the common phrase "everyone knows"... Many times the information is not harmful, when you do have a medical problem such as diabetes, food sensitivities or weight management, you should be guided by evidence based, scientifically proven information-not the latest fad or study findings. A person may be able to lose a pound a day by eating 3500 less calories, but that lifestyle program will not be sustainable over a long period of time and may even be harmful to your health. After overhearing a person without medical nutrition training tell a person with a medical condition that if she just took a certain supplement she would be fine, I decided it is time to revisit "What Everyone Should Know About Registered Dietitians".

A registered dietitian is an individual trained as a nutrition professional and is your most credible, objective source of nutrition information. While some other health care professionals may receive a little education concerning nutrition as maybe one course in a college curriculum, a dietitian's entire academic preparation is exclusively centered around human nutrition. A dietitian's primary responsibility is to the patient to promote the individual's good health, or manage a chronic illness. The R.D. after your nutritionist's name assures that the practitioner has completed an accredited four-year educational program, has completed an internship or 900 hours of supervised practice and passed a national exam. Since the science of nutrition is rapidly changing, all registered dietitians are required to take at least 75 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain their national credentials. As an added protection for the public, dietitians practicing in the state of Florida must be licensed with the Florida State Health Department and acquire 30 hours of continuing education every two years. This in an additional assurance that the nutrition advice you are receiving is from a qualified individual that is educated in the latest information in the field of human nutrition.

Some Registered Dietitians have additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. Additional Commission on Dietetic Registration certifications are currently available in pediatric and renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education. Certificates are also available in Adult and Adolescent Weight Management.

Dietitians work in a multitude of different positions related to food. Some dietitians hold positions in clinical practices in hospitals, nursing homes and public health clinics. Others interested in management can be found in restaurants, spas, airline feeding and cruise ships. Many dietitians see clients in private offices or doctor's offices and still others work for television, magazines, food manufacturers, universities and food contract companies.

The Florida Dietetic Association can help you find a qualified registered dietitian. Call 850-386-8850 or www.floridadieteticassoc.com. Information is also available from the American Dietetic Association by calling 800-366-1655 or at www.eatright.org.