Functional nutritionists are trained in the realm of functional medicine and registered dietitians are trained in the field of conventional medicine. There is a bit of overlap, but these professions typically approach health and nutrition from different perspectives.
Here are the key differences:
Philosophy and Approach
- Functional Nutritionists: Focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues. We believe in using nutrient dense food and lifestyle changes as primary tools for supporting the body to heal, avoiding pharmaceuticals whenever possible.
- Registered Dietitians: Often follow conventional guidelines like the RDA and the Food Pyramid. They may work within established medical frameworks and sometimes include pharmaceutical interventions as part of their approach.
Guidelines and Recommendations
- Functional Nutritionists: We tailor our advice to each individual’s unique needs, aiming for overall wellness rather than just meeting basic RDA nutritional requirements. We consider why a person may be deficient and aim to fix that rather than supplementation alone.
- Registered Dietitians: Typically follow national dietary guidelines and standards. Their recommendations often align with the conventional medical model.
Focus and Specialization
- Functional Nutritionists: Specialize in addressing imbalances and chronic conditions by looking at the whole person. We take a holistic approach, prioritizing detoxification, nutrient-dense foods, lifestyle adjustments, and even some alternative therapies.
Most likely to focus on gut health, skin conditions, anxiety, mood disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, fertility, postpartum, weight loss, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, auto-immune conditions, hormone balance, detoxification, parasite cleansing, immune system, etc.
- Registered Dietitians: May work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. Their focus can range from general nutrition counseling to managing specific medical conditions.
Most likely to focus on meal plans for weight loss, obesity, fitness, diabetes, cardiovascular disease.
Insurance Coverage
- Functional Nutritionists: Not covered by insurance. Always out of pocket, unless you find a practitioner who straddles both realms.
- Registered Dietitians: Covered by insurance and typically will be referred by your doctor.
By understanding these differences, you can choose the approach that best aligns with your health goals and philosophy.
