Doctor Decoded: Nutritionist vs. Registered Dietitian

Registered dietitians (or RDs) are certified specialists that have met the criteria set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered dietitians are all formally trained to assist with diet-related issues, whether that’s basic meal planning, or more complex concerns such as managing blood sugar, dealing with food allergies, or eating well during pregnancy. Additionally, over half of RDs hold advanced degrees, and many are certified in specialized subtopics of nutrition, such as managing diabetes or pediatric nutrition.

Nutritionists are people who study nutrition or consider themselves an expert in nutrition. It’s a more general term, compared to the formal title of registered dietitian. Technically, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist: There aren’t specific requirements, coursework, or exams to complete to earn the title.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Sanjai Sinha, MD

Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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