When it comes to nutrition advice, you’re likely not short on opinions or recommendations. Some of these suggestions are based on strong scientific research, and others may be wrong, misleading or even harmful to your health. If you’re looking for nutritional advice online, it helps to be able to differentiate the good from the bad.
One way to help filter the good from the bad is to look for the author of the article. If there’s no name listed, that’s probably a good sign the information isn’t credible. Also, if you see any grammatical errors, that’s another red flag — these can indicate that the writer isn’t very professional.
Depending on the type of advice you’re seeking, you can also check whether an individual is qualified to give nutrition advice. In some states, it’s illegal for anyone other than a registered dietitian or licensed dietetic technician to provide nutritional counseling. For example, if you have diabetes and someone unqualified tells you to remove all carbohydrates from your diet, that could lead to severe complications. Similarly, if you’re taking blood thinners like Coumadin and an unqualified practitioner advises you to eat copious amounts of vitamin K rich foods, that could be dangerous as well.
Dietitians are university trained, regulated health professionals who use evidence-based guidelines to provide accurate nutritional guidance. They’re also required to maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations. Many RDs are beginning to offer online/telehealth services to cater to their clients’ busy schedules. These can be conducted via video call, text or email — with some nutritionists using technology to make sessions feel as close to face-to-face meetings as possible. Kostrådgivning online