As odd as it may seem some people are not aware of the importance of a nutritionist in their lives. That is why some aspects about this profession should be presented and pointed out. First of all, a nutritionist is not a physician, he/she is an advisor concerning the health and nutrition and the related subjects. In many case the nutritionist is contacted in order to give some advices about the healthy and efficient weight loss, creating special weight loss programs, taking into account some relevant aspects about the patient’s health.

Nutritionist is not a dietitian, unless he/she has specialized accreditations concerning the ability of adopting and implementing special diets for special needs of the different patients. Bothe the nutritionist and the dietitian are non-medically trained healthcare professionals who may practice even in the hospitals. The nutritionist may have special qualifications and may also have the equivalent of master’s degree in biology and physiology. The nutritionist may be as well a not so educated specialist with some relevant courses while a dietitian has to have at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, food or nutrition or in any related area. Some other important courses have to be followed by future dietitians, as: biology and biochemistry, chemistry and microbiology and even some courses of physiology and psychology.

The main concern of a nutritionist is to establish a proper nutrition in order to prevent some diseases and illnesses and in order to provide the entire necessary caloric intake and the needed vitamins, minerals and fibers for the well functioning of the body. Nutritionists may analyze and change some aspects of the patient’s eating habits or eating program so that the healthy and well balance nutrition would be the part of their lives. The need of modifying the caloric intake of a patient is decided by a nutritionist, as well as the need of introducing some food items necessary for the well-being of the patient.

Healthy eating habits may be promoted by nutritionists in schools, clinics, prisons and nursing homes. Nutritionists may be also needed in the case of food manufacturers and marketers so that special analysis and tests would be made in order to produce healthy meals or food products. Special advice of the nutritionist may be needed especially in the case of developing or analyzing meals that are low fat and low cholesterol. Nutritionists may be also consulted concerning the change in lifestyle or entering a different period of life, as it is the case of adolescents, of elder people or of pregnant and breastfeeding women. In the mentioned cases, the nutritionist may give important advises concerning the daily needed nutrition and the food products or meals that should be avoided.

It is important to mention that nutritionists may specialize in three main areas of activity: clinical, community and special administrative management. The institutionalized patients are advised and taken care of the clinical nutritionists while community nutritionists work in cubs, agencies and health clinics. The clinical nutritionists develop and implement special nutrition programs for those who are hospitalized, for prisons, nursing homes and all types of centers while community nutritionists advise and promote the healthy lifestyle and eating programs for individuals and families. Management nutritionists (or administrative) are capable of taking care of the food budgets and food purchase for ensuring the health of the organization’s members.

The role of a nutritionist in the modern society is very important and the influence of a specialized clinical, community or management nutritionist is more and more relevant. Almost no organization, community or society needs a nutritionist in order to benefit from the necessary healthy nutrition.