What is the difference between Medical Nutrition Therapy and general nutrition advice?
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a specialized treatment provided by registered dietitians (RD) to manage specific medical conditions through tailored nutrition plans. MNT involves a comprehensive assessment and ongoing support to monitor progress. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RD/RDN) are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. This includes:
- A Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's degree.
- The curriculum is weighted heavily in the sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology), and students are prepared to apply to medical school should they choose.
- 1000 supervised hours of a post-baccalaureate internship.
- Learning Activities and Competency Evaluation set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the accrediting agency for education programs that prepare students for careers as registered dietitians, following successfully passing their board examination.
General nutrition advice focuses on basic dietary guidelines for healthy eating without addressing specific health issues. It is less personalized and does not typically require medical oversight. Nutrition advice may come from individuals with titles such as “health coach” or “nutrition consultant. " They are not subject to the same intensive training or education as a registered dietitian, and their advice may be harmful.
