Marketing Compliance for Nutritionists & Dietitians

04 August 2026·2 min read

Quick answer: Dietitians and nutritionists aren't registered under AHPRA (unlike psychologists), so section 133 of the National Law doesn't directly apply. But you're still bound by your professional code — the Dietitians Australia Code of Conduct for Accredited Practising Dietitians — and by Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct. In practice: keep all claims truthful and evidence-based, don't guarantee results, be cautious with testimonials, avoid therapeutic or medical claims you can't back up, and get consent before sharing client content. 🤍

Nutrition marketing has fewer hard rules than a psychology practice — but that doesn't mean anything goes. Here's what actually applies. 💖

The rules that do apply

Not AHPRA-registered — but still regulated
Evidence-based claims only — Australian Consumer Law bans misleading conduct
No guaranteed results — avoid before-and-after promises
Be cautious with testimonials — they can mislead and are discouraged
Get consent — before sharing any client content

💡 Truthful and evidence-based is the rule. The ACCC treats exaggerated or unsubstantiated health claims as misleading conduct — which applies to everyone, regulated or not. If you can't back a claim with evidence, don't make it.

Dietitian vs nutritionist

"Dietitian" is a protected professional title tied to accreditation (Accredited Practising Dietitian) and the Dietitians Australia Code of Conduct. "Nutritionist" isn't protected in the same way, so anyone can use it — but the Australian Consumer Law still applies to everyone. And if you ever promote supplements or therapeutic goods, separate TGA advertising rules apply too.

Please note: This is general information to help you market compliantly — it isn't legal advice. Advertising rules change, so always check the current guidance from AHPRA (and your own board or professional association) before you publish.

Frequently asked questions

Are dietitians regulated in Australia?

Not by AHPRA — dietetics is self-regulated through Dietitians Australia (the Accredited Practising Dietitian credential and its Code of Conduct), rather than the National Law. Australian Consumer Law also applies to all marketing claims.

Can nutritionists use testimonials?

There's no AHPRA testimonial ban for nutritionists, but testimonials can breach Australian Consumer Law if they're misleading, and professional codes discourage them. It's safer to build trust through evidence-based content and your expertise.

What claims can nutritionists make?

Only truthful, evidence-based ones. Australian Consumer Law prohibits misleading or unsubstantiated claims, so avoid guaranteeing results or making medical claims you can't back up. If you promote supplements, TGA rules apply too.