If you’ve ever wondered whether to see a nutritionist, a dietitian, or a sports dietitian, you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably in the media, on social media, and even by well-meaning friends but they actually mean very different things. Understanding the difference is essential if you want qualified, evidence-based advice for your health or athletic performance.
In this post, I’ll break down each role, their qualifications, and how to know who’s the right professional for you.
Nutritionist: Broad Advice, Varying Qualifications
The title “Nutritionist” is not legally regulated. That means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of their qualifications.
- Influencers, personal trainers, or even your cousin’s friend could call themselves a nutritionist.
- Some may have no formal training, while others might have completed just a 20-minute online course.
Registered Nutritionist
A Registered Nutritionist is someone who meets the standards set by the Nutrition Society of New Zealand:
- Holds a bachelor’s degree or post-graduate qualification in human nutrition
- Has 2–3 years of professional experience
- Adheres to the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Code of Professional Standards and Ethics
- Participates in a Continuing Education Competency Programme
Important: A dietitian can call themselves a nutritionist, but a nutritionist cannot call themselves a dietitian.
Dietitian: Evidence-Based, Regulated Professionals
A dietitian is a highly qualified, registered health professional who is legally regulated. Only practitioners registered with the NZ Dietitians Board can use the title.
- Qualifications: Accredited 3–4 year undergraduate health science degree + 2-year post-graduate dietetics or nutrition/dietetics qualification (and often further study)
- Skills: Human physiology, biochemistry, clinical conditions, medications, counselling, behaviour change, and of course, nutrition science
- Scope: Work with individuals, whānau, communities, and populations across hospitals, public health, government, private practice, and even sports institutes
Dietitians are accountable to the Dietitians Board’s competency requirements, code of ethics, and legislation. They also participate in ongoing education to stay up-to-date.
Sports Dietitian: Expert in Athletic Performance
A sports dietitian is a dietitian who has undertaken additional specialist study in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and exercise biochemistry.
They have deep knowledge of:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Exercise biochemistry and metabolism
- Energy systems and training adaptations
- Body composition and sports medicine conditions
A sports dietitian applies this knowledge to help athletes train smarter, recover faster, and perform better.
How a Sports Dietitian Can Help
- Fuelling for training and competition
- Managing low iron or anaemia
- Recovery nutrition
- Stress fracture prevention and recovery
- Race day nutrition plans
- Gut issues with exercise
- Energy needs for adolescent athletes
- Nutrition supplement guidance
- Tendon repair support
…and much more, tailored to your sport and goals.
Why It Matters Who You See
Just like you wouldn’t see an optometrist for a sore foot, you want to see the right nutrition professional for your needs.
- For general healthy eating guidance: A qualified nutritionist can help.
- For medical conditions or personalised nutrition therapy: A dietitian is essential.
- For athletic performance and endurance sports: A sports dietitian is your best bet.
Getting advice from the right professional ensures you receive safe, effective, and scientifically backed guidance rather than relying on guesswork or social media trends.