Nutritionists in Australia: what the title means and how to check a nutritionist

A nutritionist can help with general healthy eating, meal planning, cooking skills, food budgeting, family nutrition and sport nutrition basics. Some work in public health, research or food industry roles. Their support is education and habits rather than treatment of a medical condition.

Healthdirect states the nutritionist profession is not regulated in Australia, so anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without specific training. Dietitians Australia says the same, and notes that nutritionists are not certified under a single regulatory body. All dietitians are nutritionists, but nutritionists cannot call themselves dietitians without a dietetics qualification.

That means you should ask what degree or course the person completed, whether they belong to a professional association with a code of conduct and whether they carry insurance.

• A discussion of your goals, usual eating and lifestyle.
• Practical suggestions that fit your budget and tastes.
• Education based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines, which recommend a variety of foods from the five food groups each day.
• Referral to a dietitian or doctor if your needs are medical.

Fees are set by the practitioner. Medicare rebates for individual nutrition services apply to Accredited Practising Dietitians under a GP plan, not to nutritionists in general. Some private health funds recognise certain nutritionists; check with your fund before booking.

A qualified nutritionist can be a good fit when you want help with general healthy eating, family meals, cooking skills, shopping on a budget or sport nutrition basics. Some work in schools, councils and community programs where the focus is on groups rather than individual illness. If your aim is to understand the five food groups and build routines around them, this level of support is often enough.

• Ask which degree or course they completed and where.
• Ask whether they belong to a professional association and which code of conduct they follow.
• Check whether they are also an Accredited Practising Dietitian by searching the Dietitians Australia register.
• Look for plain, balanced advice and be wary of promises of rapid results.
• Ask whether they sell supplements or products and how that affects their recommendations.

If you have a health condition, tell your nutritionist and your doctor. A responsible nutritionist will refer you to an Accredited Practising Dietitian for medical nutrition therapy, and will not advise changes to prescribed medicines.

1. What qualification do you hold and from which institution?
2. Which association do you belong to, and what code of conduct applies?
3. What is outside your scope, and when do you refer to a dietitian or GP?
4. Do you recommend supplements, and do you earn from selling them?
5. What will my plan and visits cost?

• 'Nutritionists can treat diabetes or allergies.' Medical conditions need a dietitian and your doctor.
• 'One diet suits everyone.' Be wary of one-size-fits-all programs.
• 'Supplements are essential.' Most healthy people can meet needs through food; ask your doctor before starting any supplement.

Check with a professional first. See your GP and consider an Accredited Practising Dietitian for diabetes, kidney or heart disease, food allergy, coeliac disease, pregnancy complications, an eating disorder, unexplained weight change, or digestive symptoms that persist.