<p>Every state has individual requirements and qualifications for nutrition professionals. In California, any individual can call themselves a nutritionist and provide advice regarding proper nutrition that includes the role of food and food ingredients, which also includes dietary supplements. The individual may not, however, undertake the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or cure of any disease, pain, deformity, injury, or physical or mental condition and specifically does not authorize any person other than a licensed health practitioner to state that any product might cure any disease, disorder, or condition.</p>
<p>Just because an individual calls themselves a nutritionist does not mean they are appropriately qualified to give you or some one you love sound advice. For example, individuals who work as independents or in health food stores may not have a food science or nutrition biochemistry based academic background, so it&rsquo;s important to ask for credentials and discuss their education history before accepting any guidance. In addition, consider a professional who is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or a Registered Dietitian (RD) with one or more of the previous certifications. These require that the nutritionist stay up to date on the latest in nutritional therapeutics and be tested on this information every few years in order to retain their credentials.</p>
<p>Leaders in the nutrition field are also often members of professional organizations such The American Society of Nutrition (ASN), The American College of Nutrition (ACN), The American Dietetic Association (ADA), The International &amp; American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN) and/or The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM).You may want to also consider working with a professional authorized to perform &ldquo;Medical Nutrition Therapy&rdquo; services in your state if your case qualifies for reimbursement by insurance. These nutritionists often work under the referral and supervision of a physician. In short, always check background credentials before you pay for any services.</p>
<p>Here is a quick checklist to ensure you are working with a qualified professional:</p>
<ul>
<li>The nutritionist holds a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate of Science degree from an <strong>accredited </strong>university, academic nutrition program in food, nutrition or human clinical nutrition sciences;</li>
<li>has successfully passed a national board exam;</li>
<li>holds additional certifications in addition to his or her education background; </li>
<li>is a member of one or more professional nutrition leadership associations;</li>
<li>and spends a percentage of time working in a clinical setting, conducts research or educates the public and/or health care professionals.</li>
</ul>