Tag: Diagnose

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, making a medical diagnosis is not within the scope of practice for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Understanding this key distinction is crucial for patients, as it clarifies the different, yet complementary, roles that medical doctors and RDNs play in providing holistic healthcare. While RDNs cannot diagnose illnesses, they are uniquely qualified to identify and treat nutritional problems.

According to a 2024 study cited by Health.com, while many Americans seek nutritional advice, few understand the specific roles of various food and nutrition experts. So, can a nutritionist diagnose you? The answer is a clear distinction between a medical diagnosis and a nutritional diagnosis.