According to the American Dietetic Association, “a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential RD.”
A food and nutrition expert who has completed the academic and practice requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency of the American Dietetic Association. A registered registered dietician (RD) specializes in evaluating diets, assessing nutrition status, and planning diets with appropriate variety and proportion of foods, based on an individual’s or a population’s needs. Diets are planned for people with specific diseases and conditions, as well as for weight gain or loss. RDs must demonstrate knowledge of food and nutrition by passing an examination. An RD must also engage in ongoing professional development. Many states regulate and certify dieticians. In addition to private practice, RDs work at hospitals, wellness programs, as teachers in medical schools, and in research at food and pharmaceutical companies.
A specialist in dietetics who has met the requirements for certification stipulated by the American Dietetic Association.