Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of nutrition and dietetics practitioners founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917, by a visionary group of women dedicated to helping the government conserve food and improve the public's health and nutrition during World War I. Today, the Academy represents more than 112,000 credentialed practitioners — registered dietitian nutritionists, nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, and other food and nutrition professionals holding undergraduate and advanced degrees in nutrition and dietetics, and students — and is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of nutrition and dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

Members of the Academy play a key role in shaping the public's food choices, thereby improving its nutritional status, and in treating persons with illnesses or injuries. Members offer preventive and medical nutrition therapy services in a variety of settings.

Nutrition and dietetics practitioners work in health care systems, home health care, foodservice, business, research and educational organizations, as well as in private practice. As vital members of medical teams in hospitals, long-term care facilities and health maintenance organizations, they provide medical nutrition therapy — using specific nutrition services to treat chronic conditions, illnesses or injuries. Community-based nutrition and dietetics practitioners provide health promotion, disease prevention and wellness services.

As a leader in food and nutrition issues, the Academy provides expert testimony at hearings, lobbies Congress and other governmental bodies, comments on proposed federal and state regulations, and develops position statements on critical food and nutrition issues.