Jan 4 2012 --- The American Dietetic Association, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, has officially changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The change took effect January 1.

"The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been in existence since 1917 as the American Dietetic Association, after working to feed the troops healthfully during World War I. Protecting the public's health is the highest priority of the Academy and our members, and our new name complements our focus: the nutritional well-being of the American public," said registered dietitian and Academy President Sylvia Escott-Stump.

"The name, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, promotes the strong science background and academic expertise of our members, primarily registered dietitians. Nutrition science underpins wellness, prevention and treatment," she said.

"An academy is 'a society of learned persons organized to advance science.' This term describes our organization and immediately emphasizes the educational strength of our advice and expertise."

"By adding nutrition to our name, we communicate our capacity for translating nutrition science into healthier lifestyles for everyone. Keeping dietetics supports our history as a food and science-based profession. Thus, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quickly and accurately communicates our identity – who we are and what we do," Escott-Stump said.

"Whether planning nutritious meals for children in day-care centers or schools, teaching individuals with diabetes about managing their blood sugar or saving lives with complex nutritional interventions after surgery, registered dietitians are the best qualified providers. The name change communicates that we are the nutrition experts," she said.
The Academy's award-winning website remains www.eatright.org. The colorful Eat Right logo will stay a part of the organization's graphic identity. In addition, the ADA Foundation has become the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.

"While our name has changed to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we still have the same mission, the same powerful Eat Right message, and are still bringing the same quality nutrition advice to the table as we have for nearly 100 years," Escott-Stump said.

"The field of nutrition has changed over this century, and we're evolving to meet these needs—as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics."