Press Releases

Media Contact

Phone: 800/877-1600
Email: media@eatright.org

Resource for Journalists

The Academy's Media Guide is a tool for media to use in developing their stories on food and nutrition. The guide includes geographic areas and expertise areas of the Academy's spokespeople.

About Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs)

RDNs translate nutrition science into practical and applicable ways for people to bring nutritious foods into their daily lives. RDNs know how to distinguish fact from fiction and to give people the tools they need to make realistic eating behavior changes.

In 2013, to strengthen the link between the science of the nutrition and dietetics profession and the overall wellness aspects of nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Commission on Dietetic Registration approved the optional use of the credential registered dietitian nutritionist by all who have earned the credential. The RD and RDN credentials have identical meanings, and individual practitioners decide whether they will use the credential RD or RDN following their names.

To earn their credential, RDNs must earn at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, complete an intensive practice internship and pass a national registration examination. This combination of education and experience is why the Academy encourages journalists and consumers alike to look for the RD or RDN credential when seeking food and nutrition advice. RDNs' expertise in nutrition and health is more extensive than any other health professional and has been recognized as such by Congress as well as federal health agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Numerous scientific studies over many years, including studies mandated by Congress, have shown that medical nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian nutritionist can lower health costs, decrease hospital stays and improve people's health. Besides being the designated providers under federal law of medical nutrition therapy for Medicare beneficiaries, registered dietitian nutritionists are the preferred providers of nutrition care and services in many private-sector insurance plans.

The majority of RDNs work in the treatment and prevention of disease, including obesity, in hospitals, medical centers, long-term care facilities, home health care, private practice and other settings. In addition, RDNs work in community and public health settings and academia and research. RDNs work with food and nutrition industry and business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other work settings. They provide individualized health services to help clients meet their needs whether it be setting weight management goals or achieving optimal athletic performance.

About the Academy

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

The Academy was founded as the American Dietetic Association in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917 by a visionary group of women who were dedicated to helping the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition during World War I. The organization changed its name in 2012 to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Academy's name complements the focus of the organization to improve the nutritional well-being of the public, while communicating the academic expertise of our members and supporting the history as a food-and science-based profession.

Vision: A world where all people thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition
Mission: Accelerate improvements in global health and well-being through food and nutrition
Principles:

• Amplify the contribution and value of diverse nutrition and dietetics practitioners to the public
• Position registered dietitian nutritionists as the experts in food and nutrition
• Expand workforce demand and capacity
• Incorporate research, professional development, technology and practice to foster innovation and discovery
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to solve the greatest food and nutrition challenges, now and in the future
• Focus on making a system-wide impact across the food, well-being and health care sectors
• Have a global impact in eliminating all forms of malnutrition.