dietetics

British  

/ ˌdaɪɪˈtɛtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the scientific study and regulation of food intake and preparation

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Explanation

The science of human nutrition is known as dietetics. If you decide to study dietetics in college, you'll study nutrients and food, as well as anatomy, chemistry, genetics, and more. If someone wants to be a nutritionist or registered dietitian, their field of study will be dietetics. It's basically the science of studying nutrition and then applying those principles to specific patients, clients, or groups. With knowledge of dietetics, you might go into public health, become a doctor, or advise people how to lower their cholesterol or blood sugar by modifying their diets, for example.

Example Sentences

The symposium included twelve specialists representing nutrition, food science, dietetics, nutrition metabolism and physiology, cardiovascular and cognitive health, gut health and microbiology, and both preclinical and clinical research models.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Bini Suresh is head of dietetics at the Cleveland Clinic, London, and a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2025

As a registered dietitian and professor of dietetics and nutrition, I'm well aware of the appeal of chicken soup: the warmth of the broth and the rich, savory flavors of the chicken, vegetables and noodles.

From Salon • Oct. 23, 2023

According to the Mayo Clinic, the types of certifications a dietitian can get are pediatrics, renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support, oncology, gerontology, and diabetes education.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2023

I followed the vegetarian system of dietetics for some time, and while it seemed to agree with me, I had some misgivings as to whether or not it was the best thing for me.

From Confessions of a Neurasthenic by Marrs, William Taylor

Related Words

• nourishment