There are five ways to break into the nutrition industry: become a registered nutritionist, sell supplements, work as a researcher, write a nutrition book, and host public education seminars. The nutrition industry is a growing one, focused on enhancing overall nutrition with a combination of information and supplements. A supplement is a substance that provides additional nutritional vitamins and minerals to the body.
A registered nutritionist is also known as a dietitian. Dietitians are specially trained in physiology, nutrition, biology, and human development. To become a registered nutritionist, you will need a university degree in nutrition studies. Additional courses are required to become a nutritionist and a certification exam authorized by the American Dietetic Association must be completed.
Registered nutritionists provide advice, support and counseling to individual patients, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Many people use the services of a nutritionist to lose weight, improve their health, and enhance their appearance. Nutritionists advertise in magazines and often work on referral from physicians or hospital outpatient centers.
Supplements for vitamin and minerals are a booming sector of the nutrition industry. Many health stores specialize in the sale of supplements, as there is a growing desire to improve health by adding items that are missing from the diet. The development of a new supplement requires extensive research and is usually managed by a large vitamin or pharmaceutical company.
Research positions in the nutrition industry require post-secondary education in chemistry, biology, nutrition, or related subjects. The development of a new supplement and preparing it for market release can take between two and ten years. It is important to note that the supplement industry is not regulated, so the requirements for clinical trials and a peer review of the research work is not required.
Many people write books, articles, or create websites to educate or advertise their products within the nutrition industry. The most commercially successful books are printed by the large publishing houses. These firms require credentials and a well-written book before they will accept the manuscript. There are a large number of books and materials on the trends and development in the nutrition industry.
Public education through presentation, speeches, classroom sessions, and theater productions are all ways to join the nutrition industry. These sessions are usually organized around the food pyramid, importance of exercise, portion sizes and the long-term health benefits. Public education has the largest impact and the increased profile of this industry in the media has lead to an increased acceptance of nutrition as a subject relevant to everyday quality of life.