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What is a dietitian?

Dietitians are qualified and regulated health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public-health level.

What do dietitians do?

Latest news

Indicative ballot opens for members in Northern Ireland

We've launched an indicative ballot on the delayed pay award for those members working for Health and Social Care Northern Ireland.

Dietitians key to unlocking prevention and early intervention, says BDA

The British Dietetic Association has launched its manifesto for the 2027 Northern Ireland Assembly election.

Reflections from the TUC Black Workers’ Conference

While representing the BDA at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, David Simms spoke in support of a motion tackling racial discrimination in maternity services.

Holland & Barrett bring free nutrition expertise to local communities

Watch how our corporate partner took wellness on the road this spring.

Spilling the tea on dietetics with member number one

With her own 90th birthday on the horizon, there was no one better to speak to as we celebrate 90 years of the British Dietetic Association.

Resuming talks on NHS pay structure is essential to stop staff disillusion

We're asking Health Secretary Yvette Cooper to take care of 'unfinished business' and conclude government talks to fix deep-seated problems with NHS pay structure.

Annual reports and accounts

Check out our latest BDA Annual Report showing you all that we've achieved with and on behalf of our members.

Dietetic students in England to benefit from new fund to help with upfront costs on placement

Eligible dietetic students will soon receive upfront support with travel and accommodation costs associated with practice-based learning.

Maintaining momentum in health service transformation – BDA responds to new Northern Ireland Health Minister

Today it has been announced that Robbie Butler, Lagan Valley Ulster Unionist Party member (MLA), has been selected as the new health minister for Northern Ireland.

 

Find a dietitian for your nutrition needs

Search for a private or freelance dietitian

 

Latest articles

AHPs Day - 14 October 2026

On 14 October, we'll be joining the 13 other Allied Health Professions (AHPs) to celebrate the 9th annual AHPs’ Day.

Integrating nutrition and dietetic care into sickle cell patient pathways

In the first of a two-part article, Dr Claudine Matthews speaks to Deborah Fletcher on perspectives from a specialist dietitian on sickle cell disease.

Iodine

This Food Fact Sheet is all about the nutrient iodine. It explains why iodine is important, how much iodine you need for health and the main food sources of iodine.

The transition to sustainable diets in the NHS

As we mark Sustainable September 2026, Louise Kirkham talks to Tanya Haffner and Amy Roach about the Plants First Healthcare Coalition.

Cardiovascular nutrition in 2026: consolidation, controversy and therapeutic convergence

As the BDA Cardiovascular Specialist Group celebrates its first year – and ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September – members of the group look back on some of the hot topics of 2026.

From the trading floor to sports nutrition, and from bean to cup

Dr Alan Kennedy speaks to Dr Tilly Spurr about her fascinating career path from investment banking in 1990s London to working in education and sport – alongside running a thriving coffee-roasting business.

The window of opportunity – interdisciplinary MSK and dietetic management of knee osteoarthritis

Ajithkumar Puthentheruvil Anantharaman outlines how an MDT containing a senior dietetic first contact practitioner is helping patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Unity in diversity: What it means to me as a British Indian dietitian

Preetpal Kainth, Chair of the BDA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, explores this year's South Asian Heritage Month theme and what it means to her as a dietitian.

Updated Long Covid recovery hub launches on the BDA website

To support people living with Long Covid, as well as the health professionals caring for them, we are pleased to host the University of Plymouth’s updated Nutrition and COVID-19 Recovery Knowledge Hub.

 

Food Facts

Our Food Fact Sheets are written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy.


The BDA Food Facts sheets are free for you to read, download and print for your own reference. They must not be copied to other websites: please link to this site to ensure your readers see the latest version.