March is National Nutrition Month, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthy eating. It is also a time when the academy celebrates registered dietitians as the food and nutrition experts.

March 14 is national Registered Dietitian Day. A registered dietitian is the best source of practical, affordable and credible food and nutrition information.

The RD credential is a vital distinction when determining where Americans can get safe and accurate nutrition information. Registered Dietitian Day celebrates the commitment of RDs, during National Nutrition Month and throughout the year, as strong supporters of improving the nutrition and health of Americans and people all over the world.

Registered dietitians translate nutrition science into practical and applicable ways for people to bring nutritious foods into their daily lives. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use.

Registered dietitians are highly qualified food and nutrition experts who meet academic and professional requirements, including earning at least a bachelor's degree, completing a supervised practice program and passing a national registration examination.

While the term "nutritionist" is used frequently, it is important to remember many states, do not have licensure regulations for this term - so anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist" without the appropriate qualifications. So be sure to look for the RD credential after the person's name to ensure that you are getting safe and science-based nutrition information.

Celebrated each March, National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to focus attention on the importance of making informed food and nutrition choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The University of Idaho offers the dietetics degree and our seniors spend their last year in Coeur d'Alene, Spokane and Boise at medical facilities, outpatient clinics and community programs. They learn to provide medical nutrition therapy for oncology, gastroenterology, cardiology, dialysis, diabetes, other medical conditions with nutrition implications, including tube feedings and Total Parental Nutrition (feeding a person intravenously). Medical nutrition therapy can have an enormous impact on the outcome of many diseases.

Job outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nutrition and Dietetics careers are expected to increase much faster than other jobs by 2020 and faster than many other industries within health care. If you know of someone interested in becoming a dietitian please contact us at the University of Idaho. Or if you are interested in making a charitable gift to support our UI's Dietetics program please contact Mandy Hanousek at the University of Idaho at (208) 885-5369 or hanousek@uidaho.edu. Your gift will directly impact and improve our students' experience.