Myth: The internet is good place to find reliable nutrition advice

Truth: Today, National Dietitian's Day, is a perfect time to remind consumers to be skeptical when seeking health information. Anyone can have a website, keep a blog or a write book. Someone who doesn't have the proper credentials has the potential to waste your time or money or, even worse, may give recommendations that are detrimental to good health. And when it comes to providing nutrition advice, just because someone has initials after their name, such as a chiropractor or even a physician, doesn't mean they have training that qualifies them to provide evidence-supported recommendations.

A Registered Dietitian must fulfil rigorous educational and other requirements which make them uniquely qualified professionals. Registered Dietitians practicing in Ontario are licensed and regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario, use the initials "RD" after their name and can be found on this public registry. They are legally obligated to practice according to set standards and laws that protect the public, as are other regulated health professionals like doctors and nurses. The terms "nutritionist" or "registered nutritionist" are not protected titles in Ontario. Nutritionists are not part of a provincially-regulated college so anyone can use this title - there are no legal standards for quality of care.

When it comes to your wellbeing, it pays to be a skeptic. Familiarize yourself with guidelines that can help you accurately evaluate web-based health information. Online info is not a substitute for personalized nutrition guidance. Many extended health insurance programs, including the plan which covers eligible University of Waterloo employees, provide benefits for paramedical services including Registered Dietitians.