Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Survey Reveals Greatest Barriers to Proper Nutrition, Foods They Eat and Limit Daily

November 4, 2024

CHICAGO – A survey conducted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, revealed that socioeconomic status—including income, education, occupation, employment status and living conditions—may be the most significant barrier to adequate nutrition and health in the United States, from the perspective of credentialed nutrition professionals. The survey, conducted during the Academy’s recent annual conference, Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo^®, polled more than 230 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered (NDTR), and students studying nutrition.

The survey showed the second biggest lifestyle factor that impacts nutrition access is the influence of social media trends, such as fad diets and mukbang videos (17.3%). Survey respondents said other top factors are food insecurity (15.6%) and busy schedules/limited time for home-cooked meals (15.2%).

"Nutrition and dietetics professionals see these roadblocks firsthand through their work with patients, clients and organizations," said the Academy's 2024-2025 President Livleen Gill, MBA, RDN, LDN, FAND. "The results of this survey can assist the Academy in supporting an evidence-based practice through relevant resources."

Nutrition professionals also named the top three foods they eat daily and/or recommend eating daily for optimal long-term health. Protein sources, both animal- and plant-based, were the top choice, making up 72% of responses, 41% of which specifically recommended Greek yogurt. Other top recommendations included:

• Vegetables at 66%, more than 15% of which specifically recommended leafy greens.
• Fruit at 55%, more than 20% specifically recommended berries.
• Healthy fats at 37%, more than 74% of which specifically recommended nuts/nut butters and seeds.
• Whole grains at 32%, more than 23% of which specifically recommended oatmeal.

"Nutrition is not one-size-fits-all, and healthy food choices can vastly differ from person to person," Gill said. "However, it's helpful to see the kinds of foods qualified nutrition professionals generally recommend to maintain an eating pattern that supports long-term health. Their choices and guidance are grounded in years of continued nutrition education and training to align with the most current scientific research available."

The survey also highlighted foods that nutrition professionals advise limiting. Top mentions included:

• Highly processed foods (96%), such as snacks and processed meats.
• Foods high in added sugar (77%).
• Foods high in saturated and trans fats (35%).

However, the need to curtail these foods can vary based on personal health needs. For instance, individuals with Type 2 diabetes might need to limit sugar and fat more than others. This underscores the value of consulting n RDN who can provide tailored meal plans and sustainable lifestyle adjustments that respect an individual’s unique health history, dietary needs and personal goals.

FNCE^® is held each fall and is the world's largest meeting of food and nutrition experts, including RDNs, NDTRs, researchers, policymakers, health care providers and industry leaders, who work to address key issues affecting the health of communities on a local, national and global scale.

Learn more about FNCE^®. To find an RDN near you, visit the Academy’s Find a Nutrition Expert directory.

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About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the Academy.

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Meghan Tisinger