Trained and certified by the Nutritional Therapy Association, an FNTP evaluates a person’s health deficiencies by addressing the root cause, be it due to diet, lifestyle habits, or environmental factors. A dietitian is a nutrition expert and focuses mainly on food and diet, hence offering a less holistic approach than an FNTP. That said, a dietitian is qualified to make a medical diagnosis and suggest treatments, but not an FNTP. A health coach, on the other hand, serves as a supportive and motivational guide to encourage people to work towards their health goals through personalised lifestyle changes. Not all health coaches are nutritionists unless they acquire the necessary credentials.

Source: Nutritional Therapy Association

Functional nutrition and functional medicine are two related approaches to healthcare that address the root causes of disease and promote well-being. Functional nutrition focuses on the therapeutic potential of food and nutrients, using personalized dietary and lifestyle interventions to address imbalances and deficiencies. On the other hand, functional medicine takes an integrative and patient-centered approach, considering genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors to identify and treat underlying dysfunctions through diagnostic tools like laboratory testing. While they have similarities, functional medicine employs a broader diagnostic approach and uses terms like “treat” and “patient,” while functional nutrition does not treat or diagnose its clients. Both approaches often collaborate to provide comprehensive care.