March is National Nutrition Month®, when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds everyone to return to the basics of healthful eating. March is also when the academy celebrates Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, honoring the contributions and expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) as the food and nutrition experts. This year, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day is March 14.

"Registered dietitian nutritionists are committed to improving the health of their patients, clients and communities through food and nutrition," said Rahaf Al Bochi, RDN, spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "Consumers need to know who to trust when seeking timely, accurate and science-based nutrition advice. When you consult a registered dietitian nutritionist, you know you are receiving guidance from the educated, trained and trusted expert."

Each year, the second Wednesday in March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, when the academy acknowledges the significant work of RDNs as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of people in the United States.

"Congress and federal health agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have recognized registered dietitian nutritionists for their extensive expertise in nutrition and health," Al Bochi said.

Registered dietitian nutritionists must meet strict academic and professional requirements, including earning at least a bachelor's degree, completing a supervised practice program, and passing a registration exam. RDNs also must complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. More than half of all RDNs have earned a master's degree or higher.

The majority of RDNs work in the treatment and prevention of disease, often in hospitals, HMOs, public health clinics, nursing homes and other health care facilities. Additionally, RDNs work throughout the community in schools, fitness centers, food management, food industry, universities, research and private practice.

As part of National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website features articles, recipes, videos and educational resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages and backgrounds. Consumers can follow National Nutrition Month on Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth.

As a founding member of Further with Food Center for Food Loss and Waste Solutions, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to cutting food loss and waste in the United States in half by 2030. Tools and resources are available on the Further with Food website.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The academy is committed to improving the public's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Professionals who hold the credential of registered dietitian (RD) may use the term registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) as the two credentials have identical meanings.