Welcome to the BDA web site

The BDA is the professional association for dietitians.

The Role of Dietitians and
How to Find One

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat diet and nutrition problems at an individual and wider public health level. Uniquely, dietitians use the most up to date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease, which they translate into practical guidance to enable people to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices.

Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals to be statutorily regulated, and governed by an ethical code, to ensure that they always work to the highest standard. Dietitians work in the NHS, private practice, industry, education, research, sport, media, public relations, publishing, NGOs and government. Their advice influences food and health policy across the spectrum from government, local communities and individuals.

The title dietitian can only be used by those appropriately trained professionals who have registered with the Health Professions Council and whose details are on the HPC web site.

Finding a Dietitian

Most people will be able to see a Registered Dietitian within the NHS after being referred by an NHS GP, doctor, health visitor or other medical staff. Consultations with dietitians within the NHS are free.

Alternatively if you wish to see a Registered Dietitian who practises privately, you can search on-line for a dietitian near you at Dietitians Unlimited, which is run by the BDA's Freelance Dietitian Group.

Thinking About Supplements to Help You Think?

A new study carried out at the University of Aberdeen and published in the latest issue of the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests that there is no conclusive evidence of a link between taking vitamin or mineral or fish oil supplements and reducing cognitive decline in older people.

New analysis of 22 randomised trials involving nearly 3500 participants shows little evidence from these trials of the beneficial effects of vitamin/ mineral supplements. Read the press release.

Dietitians issue warning about ‘nuts’

Dietitians are warning people about the rise in the number of self-styled and unqualified nutritional therapists after a patient of an Oxfordshire based ‘nutritionist’ won a £810,000 settlement. The British Dietetic Association is urging people wanting nutrition advice to only visit professionals registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Recently the Oxford Mail reported that Dawn Page was put on a weight reducing diet that recommended excessive amounts of water and a low salt by Barbara Nash a self-styled nutritionist; advice which Mrs. Page’s husband alleges caused 'uncontrolled vomiting and a fit' and resulted in brain damage.

Download the full press release.