dietitian
(dy-eh-TIH-shun)
A health professional who has special training in diet and nutrition. Dietitians offer advice on nutrition and healthy eating habits to help people improve their health and well-being. Dietitians also help people who are recovering from illness or surgery or who have medical conditions, such as food allergies, eating disorders, swallowing problems, diabetes, heart or kidney disease, or cancer, meet their nutritional needs. Dietitians may provide nutritional counseling, meal planning, medical nutrition therapy (such as a special diet, dietary supplements, or intravenous or tube feedings), and nutrition education programs. Also called registered dietitian.