Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Definition

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, committed to promoting optimal nutrition and improving the health of the public. It serves as a leading authority and source of credible, science-based food and nutrition information for healthcare practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
2. The Academy's mission is to accelerate improvements in global health and well-being through food and nutrition.
3. The Academy sets the standards for the education and training of registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians.
4. The Academy publishes the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, as well as various other educational resources.
5. The Academy advocates for policies and legislation that support the dietetics profession and improve the nation's health.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics contributes to the field of population health.
  • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics plays a crucial role in population health by setting the standards for nutrition education and training, ensuring that registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians are equipped to provide evidence-based nutrition guidance and interventions. Through its advocacy efforts, the Academy also influences policies and legislation that support improved access to healthy food and nutrition services, which are essential for promoting population-level health and well-being.
• Describe the role of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the education and certification of nutrition professionals.
  • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, through its Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council (ACEND), is responsible for accrediting the education programs that prepare individuals to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs). These accredited programs ensure that nutrition professionals receive the necessary training and meet the required competencies to provide safe and effective nutrition care services. The Academy also administers the national exams that RDNs and NDTRs must pass to become certified, further upholding the standards of the profession.
• Analyze how the resources and advocacy efforts of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics contribute to improving population health outcomes.
  • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a leading authority in the field of nutrition and dietetics, providing a wealth of evidence-based resources and educational materials for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Through its advocacy efforts, the Academy influences the development of policies and legislation that support improved access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and comprehensive nutrition services. These initiatives can have a significant impact on population-level health outcomes by promoting healthier eating habits, preventing and managing chronic diseases, and reducing disparities in nutrition-related health. Additionally, the Academy's efforts to elevate the role of registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians in the healthcare system help to ensure that individuals have access to qualified professionals who can provide effective nutrition interventions and support population health initiatives.

Related terms

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): A nutrition professional who has completed a bachelor's degree, an accredited supervised practice program, and passed a national exam, making them qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy and promote healthy eating habits.

Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation Council (ACEND): The accrediting agency for education programs that prepare individuals to become registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians.

Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR): A nutrition professional who has completed an associate's degree, an accredited supervised practice program, and passed a national exam, assisting registered dietitian nutritionists in providing nutrition care services.