Why it’s important to consult a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) instead of following an influencer…(June 2024)

Many people seek health and nutrition information from the internet—“Dr. Google,” YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok are just a few sources we might tap into.

When we feel desperate, helpless—or just want an instant answer—the internet can be a great resource. Except when it’s not.

Sadly, neither the nutrition information you find, nor the people posting it, are regulated.

Anyone can be an “influencer,” and when someone has a big name or a large social media following, many people will follow them, seek their nutrition recommendations, and unfortunately take them to heart.

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are the only nutrition or health professionals required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition. Before becoming an RDN, students are also required to complete a several month-long dietetic internship that, similar to a medical residency, includes several rotations in various settings, giving interns practical, supervised experience and a first-hand understanding of some of the areas in which RDN’s can build careers. A few examples include dialysis centers, outpatient diabetes centers, private practice, school lunch programs, eating disorder treatment centers, hospitals, grocery stores, media, WIC (Women, Infants and Children) clinics, airlines, and food companies. After the internship, graduates must pass a nationwide examination through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) before they can officially become an RDN.

When you’re seeking nutrition information, whether for general health or because you have a specific health condition, please consider where you’re getting your information from. How much education, training, knowledge and experience does the person have?

You deserve to have your nutrition recommendations come from a trained nutrition clinician who has spent a minimum of five years—including school and internship—in the trenches of the dietetics field. A qualified registered dietitian nutritionist will be able to make personalized nutrition recommendations that factor in your physical and psychological health, as well as your overall wellbeing.