getreal wrote:OK. But why would we need another "nutrition" qualification when we already have dietitians and food technologists? To me this is like saying there are other courses in "medicine", some are even as good as the current medical degrees, but most are not.
What on earth is the advantage of having well respected and understood degees in nutrition (dietetics and food technology) and then introducing an inferior course, which doesn't actually qualify them to do anything worthwhile. It seems completely illogical to me.
I think the answer lies in what the entry qualifications are for a Dietetics course and what Dietitians do. They are experts in the dietary requirements of people with medical conditions (diabetes, liver failure, etc, etc) and generally work alongside doctors in hospitals. They have an excellent knowledge of human diet and requirements in a wide variety of situations and will have a university degree.
However, to be able to advise on the nutritional status of, say, corn flakes, or what constitutes a healthy yoghurt, or what's required to make a low salt ready meal still taste good doesn't require that detailed medical knowledge, but it does require a very good level of knowledge and skill and they do provide an essential service. These are the nutritionists and they will also have a university degree.
Then there are the nutritional therapists. As far as I can see, there are perfectly good nutritional therapists who can advise on diet, whether for weight loss or just general health and, if properly trained, they will give science and evidence-based advice. I really have no idea, but maybe organisations like weight-watchers use them to advise their clients?
Then there are the nutritional therapists who use pseudo-scientific tests to find 'intolerances' and 'imbalances' and try to advise on diet based on these bogus tests and may well offer their own very special brand of dietary supplement. Unfortunately, some of them will also have university degrees.
I would still stick my neck on the line and say there is no such thing as a nutritionist. It's a self conferred, meaningless title.
I hope I've been able to persuade you otherwise!