Who can call himself a dietitian
In Italy the profession of a dietitian is a real health profession in the context of diet-related health. A dietitian in Italy is anyone who has obtained a first-level degree in the L-SNT / 03 graduation class whose access is to a national programmed number. The course of study can then be integrated with the II level or with qualifying Masters . In fact, it is not a doctor, but a food specialist who can also work closely with the doctor.
The ANDID, founded in 1985, is the Association of dietitians surveyed by the CNEL (National Council of Economy and Labor) representing dietitians together with the other Professional Associations of the Technical Area and Rehabilitation; has an official magazine, a scientific committee and the possibility to search for professionals in the area directly from the portal's search engine.
What the dietitian can do
The dietician's skills range through all the activities aimed at the correct application of nutrition and nutrition . Its scope also covers educational and collaboration aspects in implementing food policies in compliance with current legislation.
The dietician cannot prescribe drugs. It deals rather with the development of balanced nutritional plans for subjects at cardiovascular risk, with diabetes mellitus, with hypercholesterolemia, with hypertriglyceridemia, with chronic renal failure, with liver disease, with arterial hypertension and in case of vitamin and mineral deficiency syndromes (on medical prescription). ).
The dietician draws up diets and food plans, harmonizes nutritional imbalances, is able to plan nutritional treatments for overweight and underweight; deals with re-education in the case of eating disorders, plans specific plans for sports subjects. Similarly, it can be followed by pregnant or menopausal women.
It can collaborate with structures dedicated to movement and body training such as gyms, fitness centers or beauty centers or organize nutrition education meetings in schools (primary and secondary).
The law in Italy
The Law clearly distinguishes this professional figure from that of the nutritionist, since the latter does not fully cover a figure recognized as belonging to the strictly health sector. For this reason, unlike the nutritionist, the dietitian has the opportunity, if desired, to find employment also in the health structures of the National Health Service .
The dietician's responsibilities are defined by the current regulations referring to the professional profile DM 744 of 1994.
Today, the dietitian in Italy is a professional figure compliant with EEC directives and the definition of EFAD thanks to the commitment of the ANDID with the Italian institutions and the representative bodies of the profession at European and non-European level.
In Italy the dietitian is a relatively recent professional figure . In 1985, when the ANDID was established, the profession had already been carried out for several years, but adequate legislation was lacking. There was a certain immobility regarding the legal recognition of the figure.
