Sport Nutritionists teach athletes how proper nutrition can increase energy and endurance. Sports nutrition is the study and practice of nutrition and diet as it relates to athletic performance.
Dietetics is the study of nutrient intake and how foods are digested and metabolized in order to provide the necessary energy to fuel muscular activity. Dietitians also study dietary patterns in order to maximize performance and prevent disease and improve health. To become a registered dietitian, you must complete an undergraduate degree in dietetics, complete a nine-month American Dietetics Association (ADA)-approved internship and pass the ADA certification examination. Additional specialized training is necessary.
Most NASN credentialed Sports Nutritionists hold a Primary Sports Nutrition License and are known as Licensed Sports Nutritionists. Twenty-seven of the forty-one States with laws governing dietetics require licensure, thirteen require certification, and one requires registration. Since practice requirements vary by State, you should determine the requirements of the State in which you want to work before sitting for any exam.
With the ever increasing awareness about health, diet and fitness, more and more people are looking towards certified sports nutritionists to get in shape.
