Nutritionist

Is appointment with nutritionist free of cost at GP?

[bluebug]

The only recommended, recognised and qualified person who deals with diet on the NHS is a dietician.

You can get referred to one but you need a good reason.

Plus any one who works for the NHS can only inform you about the diet the NHS recommends. This diet is no longer recommended by many who work as dieticians in the private sector.

In addition while the word "dietician" is reserved anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. So I could call myself a nutritionist if I feel like it even though I don't have any specific qualifications in nutrition. A dietician has to take a recognised course to get qualified.

[bluebug]

I should have added if you have specific diet problems due to your thyroid to ensure you don't get stuck with out of date ideas and science you are better of talking to people on forums like this one.

Finally dieticians don't like people taking supplements even if it's supplements like vitamin D and iron which are clearly for medical purposes.

[msglutenfreeuk in reply to bluebug]

Google 'nutritionists resource' it is a website where you can put your postcode and it will bring up all nutritional therapists (NT) in your area with a bio, qualifications and memberships of governing bodies. It also explains differences between dietician, nutritionist and NTs. I'm studying NT myself and my course is very science/evidenced based and definitely does not follow nhs guidelines/ eatwell guide. Most NTs offer free 15mins consultation so you can ask questions / see if you get on with them and will have testimonials on their websites so you can see their specialties etc

[Angel_of_the_North]

No idea, but probaly not worth the time it takes to say "dietician" - all the ones I've seen were slightly overweight.