Nutritionist

Career path and progression

With experience or further training, you could:

• specialise in an area, such as sports nutrition, public health or animal nutrition
• supervise a team of nutritionists
• manage whole projects or policies
• find your own clients and become self employed

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of training and educating
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• thinking and reasoning skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Nutritionists need a deep understanding of how the human body works – including digestion, metabolism, and how cells use nutrients. They also process and analyse biological samples as part of their research work.
• Chemistry - Nutritionists need to understand the chemical composition of foods, including macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and how these interact with the body. Biochemistry underpins much of their work, from analysing samples to understanding how nutrients are absorbed and used.
• Food Preparation and Nutrition - Nutritionists advise people on healthy eating and diet changes, so understanding food groups, cooking methods, and how preparation affects nutritional value is central to their work. This subject builds the practical food knowledge they use every day with clients.
• Mathematics - Nutritionists use maths to analyse research data, interpret statistics, and calculate nutritional values and dietary plans. Understanding how to design studies and process numerical results is essential for evidence-based nutrition advice.
• Psychology - Nutritionists motivate clients to change their eating habits, which requires understanding behaviour, motivation, and the emotional relationship people have with food. Knowing how to support someone through difficult lifestyle changes is a key part of the role.

Also relevant

• Physical Education - Nutritionists who specialise in sports nutrition need to understand how physical activity affects the body's nutritional needs. Knowledge of exercise physiology and fitness helps them tailor dietary advice for athletes and active individuals.
• Sociology - Nutritionists working in public health need to understand how social factors like poverty, culture, and inequality affect people's diets and health outcomes. This helps them design advice and programmes that work for different communities.
• English Language - Nutritionists write research reports, create educational materials, and explain complex scientific information in ways that patients and the public can understand. Clear communication – both written and spoken – is essential when motivating people to change their diets.