I'm interested in a career as a nutritionist. I'm in my last year of GCSEs and would be grateful for some advice on what a nutritionist's job entails.

answer

Registered Nutritionists (RN) and State Registered Dietitians (SRD) work in a variety of settings, such as the food industry, food retail, catering companies, academia, in the community, as journalists or as food broadcasters. SRDs are also qualified to work in hospitals to advise patients. Obviously the job differs depending on which sector you wish to work in. For example, in the food industry you will need to advise on product development, nutritional content and liaise with PR and marketing departments to promote certain products. In food journalism, you could be researching and writing articles on different aspects of nutrition.

Visit the British Nutrition Foundation for more information or call on 020 7404 6504.

The British Dietetic Association also provides information on how to qualify as a SRD - their website address is www.bda.uk.com. Good luck.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about nutrition on the Eating For Health message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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I want to be a nutritionist