What it is
Dietitian is a protected title regulated by the HCPC, and dietitians are qualified to advise on clinical conditions. 'Nutritionist' is not protected, although registered nutritionists appear on the UKVRN register held by the Association for Nutrition.
Who may find it useful
- People managing a diagnosed condition such as diabetes or coeliac disease — a dietitian
- General healthy eating, sport or habit support — a registered nutritionist may be appropriate
- Anyone confused by conflicting online advice
What it provides
- An assessment of what you currently eat
- Practical, personalised changes
- Follow-up and review
What it does not provide
- Diagnosis of food allergies — that is a medical assessment
- Any legitimate practitioner selling a 'cure' or unvalidated testing
How to choose a provider in the UK
- For a medical condition, ask for a dietitian and check HCPC registration.
- For general nutrition, check the UKVRN register.
- Be cautious of practitioners who require you to buy their own supplements or tests.
Registration worth checking
Ask any practitioner directly and check the relevant public register yourself. A listing on Happy As Life is not proof of registration.
- HCPC — Statutory register for dietitians; 'dietitian' is a protected title.
- UKVRN — UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, held by the Association for Nutrition.
Sensible questions to ask
- Are you HCPC-registered as a dietitian, or on the UKVRN register?
- Have you worked with my condition or goal before?
- What is included — how many sessions, and what happens between them?
UK providers listed with us
Checking the directory…
Continue exploring
Three related pages worth reading next.
Find relevant support
Search approved UK listings for nutritionist and filter by city, online availability and verification.
Explore support near you
Browse wellness businesses by UK city and area.
Do you provide nutrition support in the UK?
Add a free profile so people searching here can find you, or claim a listing that already exists so you can keep the details accurate. Paid placement is advertising and is labelled as such — it is never an editorial endorsement.