Tag: Functional nutritionist

The Functional Nutrition Alliance notes that functional nutrition counselors usually start with a thorough client assessment before ordering labs. This highlights a key difference in practice, but the question, "Can a functional nutritionist order labs?" requires a nuanced answer depending on their credentials and jurisdiction.

According to the CDC, six in ten Americans have a chronic disease, many of which can be influenced by diet and lifestyle choices. A functional nutritionist addresses this by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing instead on identifying and treating the underlying root causes of health issues for a more personalized path to wellness.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, only a Registered Dietitian (RD) can use their credentials, while the term 'nutritionist' is largely unregulated. This fundamental credentialing difference is central to understanding what is the difference between a functional nutritionist and a dietitian and choosing the right professional for your health goals.