Too many nutritionists? Alberta brings in new rules

Alberta is now regulating who can call themselves a nutritionist.

To use the title, a nutritionist must now be a regulated member of the College of Dietitians of Alberta. They have to hold an accredited degree in nutrition science,completea comprehensive practicum, and passan entry-to-practice exam.

The college says there has been a recent proliferation of unregulated people calling themselves nutritionists, and the new amendment to the Alberta Health Professions Act will clear up the confusion.

"This will prohibit unqualified people and organizations from misleading the public, whether intentionally or inadvertently, into believing they're receiving professional, evidence-based advice and care," said executive director Doug Cook in a press release.

Until recently, Tracey Reed called herself a holistic nutritionist, but now refers to herself as a nutritional consultant. She says the new rule seemedto come out of nowhere.

"We have identified ourselves as a nutritionist, right? So in our minds that kind of defined what we did. And so now there has to be a shift in what we think we are and it's really just a wording shift, right? It doesn't affect our abilities or what we're doing."

Reed says people aren't misinformed when they consult with her.

"I disagree with the saying that there's confusion out there. Certainly when people come to see me, they are pretty clear on wanting a holistic practitioner. So in my experience people are pretty clear on what it means when they're coming to see me."