Q. Is a dietitian and nutritionist the same thing?

No. A dietitian has a university degree and is highly qualified to provide medical nutrition advice. They are trained to prescribe special diets for medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, PCOS, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease and food allergies. Accredited Sports Dietitians are further trained to provide advice in sports nutrition.

There is no government regulations for the term nutritionist. A person can call themselves a nutritionist without university qualifications in human nutrition. It is always best to check that you are receiving nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.