Nutrition 101

Clearing up the Confusion: What is an RDN?

May 30, 2014

by Andrea Canada, VP, Cul. Nutrition & Sustainability

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Recently, you may have noticed the letters RDN in place of the usual RD to identify a registered dietitian.

RDN stands for Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and was approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for use in place of RD. But why the change?

There is a difference between nutritionists and registered dietitians due to the additional training required of any RD or RDN. According to the AND, this new designation further emphasizes that all registered dietitians are also nutritionists.

By placing "nutrition" in the description of our credentials, it makes clear to the public that the expertise of registered dietitians stretches beyond the clinical as the authority on food and nutrition as it relates to overall wellness.

Every Registered Dietitian Is a Nutritionist, but Not Every Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian

This small shift in letters is indicative of the established movement that recognizes the importance of what we eat in disease prevention and general well-being. At SPE Certified, I also have the special opportunity to work with chefs that are striving to make nutrition truly delicious at the same time.

registered dietitian, rd, rdn, dietitian

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