The field of nutrition often uses acronyms to reference professional organizations, standards, and credentials. When encountered in the context of food, health, and dietetics, the letters “AND” refer to a significant professional body. This organization shapes the standards for qualified nutrition professionals and advances the understanding of dietetics. Clarifying this acronym helps the public identify the source of authoritative information and the credentials of those providing nutrition guidance.
Defining the Acronym
The acronym AND stands for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This organization is recognized as the world’s largest association of food and nutrition professionals. Its roots trace back to 1917, when it was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, as the American Dietetic Association.
The name officially changed in 2012 to better reflect the broad scope of its members’ work, which encompasses both the science of nutrition and the practice of dietetics. The Academy represents over 112,000 practitioners, including registered dietitian nutritionists and other professionals. This body provides a unified voice for advancing the health of the public through the power of food and nutrition.
Primary Functions of the Academy
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics operates to improve public well-being and strengthen the dietetics profession. It develops and disseminates evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical standards for its members. These guidelines ensure that nutrition professionals provide consistent, high-quality, and scientifically sound advice to clients and patients.
The organization also dedicates significant effort to advocacy and public policy engagement. It provides expert testimony at governmental hearings, lobbies Congress on nutrition-related legislation, and comments on proposed federal regulations concerning food and health. This work directly influences policies related to food safety, public health programs, and access to healthy food options. The Academy promotes research and education, supporting initiatives like National Nutrition Month to offer consumers objective, timely information about food and diet.
The Credentials They Govern
The Academy oversees the professional credentials for dietetics through its credentialing arm, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The CDR administers the national examinations and sets the continuing education requirements for two specific, protected professional titles: the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR).
To become an RDN, an individual must complete an accredited education program, required supervised practice hours, and pass the national registration examination. Since January 1, 2024, a minimum of a master’s degree is required to be eligible for the RDN exam.
The NDTR credential, which often works in support of RDNs, requires at least an associate’s degree, an accredited program, and passing a separate national exam. These credentials signify that the practitioner has met rigorous, standardized requirements in food and nutrition science, providing consumers with assurance of qualified, professional guidance.