Health – Who should you trust?

We are living in a time where nutrition advice is everywhere. From TikTok trends to wellness influencers and podcasts, it can feel like everyone has an opinion on what we should eat. Yet research suggests that as much as 85 per cent of nutrition information shared online may be inaccurate or misleading.

With so much noise, it is no wonder many people feel unsure who to trust. So, where should you turn for reliable nutrition advice?

In New Zealand, the most regulated nutrition professional is the registered dietitian. Dietitians are the only nutrition practitioners qualified to work in hospitals and provide medical nutrition therapy.

Becoming a dietitian requires at least five years of tertiary study, typically including postgraduate training in human nutrition and dietetics alongside supervised clinical practice.

Importantly, the title ‘dietitian’ is legally protected. Registered dietitians must meet national competency standards, complete continuing professional development every year, and submit evidence portfolios demonstrating they are maintaining safe, evidence-based practice. They are regulated by the Dietitians Board, which oversees professional conduct and protects public safety.

Another trusted professional is a registered nutritionist. Registered nutritionists generally hold a master’s degree in nutrition or a related field and are registered with the Nutrition Society of New Zealand. Registration indicates that they have met recognised academic standards and are committed to maintaining competency, ethical practice and ongoing professional development. Registered nutritionists often work in public health, education, research or community settings, while dietitians are more likely to work in clinical or medical roles.

You may also come across naturopaths. While this title is not legally protected, many naturopaths complete formal training programmes that can take three to four years. Because regulation varies, it is important to check an individual practitioner’s qualifications and approach.

More recently, there has been a rapid rise in health coaches, wellness influencers and various types of “nutrition coaches” or “certified nutritionists”. Some health coaches offer valuable support with behaviour change, habit building and accountability. However, health coaching is not a regulated healthcare profession, and training can vary widely. This means some individuals may offer nutrition or medical advice beyond their scope, sometimes promoting restrictive or non-evidence-based approaches that may not be safe for everyone.

Terms such as ‘nutrition coach’, ‘clinical nutritionist’, or ‘certified nutritionist’ are not consistently regulated. In some cases, people may adopt these titles after short online courses lasting only weeks or months. While enthusiasm for nutrition is positive, developing a deep understanding of physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and research interpretation takes years of formal training.

Registered dietitians and registered nutritionists are trained not only in nutrition science, but also in how to critically evaluate research, understand the body’s systems and recognise when something is outside their scope of practice. Like doctors, many specialise in particular areas, from paediatrics to diabetes, eating disorders, or sports nutrition.

Qualifications do not guarantee perfect advice, but regulation provides accountability and safeguards for the public. When it comes to your health, it is worth checking credentials and choosing professionals with recognised training and oversight.

In a crowded and often confusing nutrition landscape, knowing who is qualified can help you cut through the misinformation and make confident, informed choices about your health.