The Ontario public does not understand the difference between registered dietitians and unregulated “nutritionists”: Results from a cross-sectional mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Current Ontario healthcare policy permits anyone to use the title “nutritionist” and practice as a clinician regardless of education and training. The title “dietitian,” on the other hand, is protected under the Dietetics Act (1991) for use exclusively by individuals who undergo rigorous education and training in evidence-based nutrition. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: identify whether the Ontario general public understands the difference between a registered dietitian (RD) and an unregulated “nutritionist;” understand experiences with RDs and “nutritionists;” and determine if the current nutrition landscape arising from gaps in healthcare policy has the potential to harm the public. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods survey study was carried out using inductive content analysis, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Respondents (n = 402) did not understand the difference between RDs and “nutritionists.” Overall, public experiences have been significantly more positive when nutrition information/advice stemmed from an RD. Implications: This study provides justification for proposed legislative amendments to the Dietetics Act (1991) and the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991). These proposed amendments have been detailed in the full-text manuscript.