While careers in holistic nutrition have long been around, a relatively new discipline in the field emerged in the 2000s known as personalized nutrition (PN). Personalized nutrition is an approach that provides its recommendations based on the person’s genetic composition, environment, lifestyle factors, and more.

Personalized nutrition acknowledges the unique aspects of a person's life, from their individual biochemistry to their lifestyle and environment. Because families and subcultures define health and wellness differently, a person's diet should also be tailored to their cultural context. Whereas general nutrition guidelines have been indispensable, they’re one-size-fits-all. Personalized nutrition takes it all into consideration.

Is a career in personalized nutrition for you? This guide explores what these roles entail, the education needed, and the certification that can help you get there.

What Is Personalized Nutrition?

Personalized nutrition takes a holistic approach — an umbrella term that emphasizes whole foods and the integration of body, mind, and spirit — according to the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). This approach recognizes that each person is biochemically unique and tailors a dietary plan to their specific needs. In essence, personalized nutrition is an application of holistic principles, focusing intensely on the individual's distinct biological makeup and overall well-being.

The International Food Information Council (IFIC), a nonprofit educational and consumer research organization focused on nutrition, food safety, and agriculture, further defines personalized nutrition as “tailor[ing] general, population-based nutrition advice to a particular person’s needs and preferences while considering unique characteristics like individual lifestyle, socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, health history, DNA, and gender.”

Other terms exist for this approach, including nutritional genomics, nutrigenomics, nutrigenetics, and precision nutrition.

According to a 2024 study, personalized nutrition:

  • is individualized
  • has the potential for improved health outcomes
  • integrates advanced technologies

Holistic nutrition professionals guide clients toward healthier choices by taking into account their health goals, nutritional needs, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Benefits of Personalized Nutrition

Personalized nutrition provides more targeted data and guidance, which can help people improve their well-being by supporting their specific health needs in a way that works for their unique situation and environment.

One of the key benefits is that a personalized plan is more likely to be adopted and maintained over the long term because it is designed to fit the person, not the other way around.

What Education Do You Need to Work in the Holistic Nutrition Field?

A bachelor's degree in nutrition with a concentration in holistic nutrition prepares students to sit for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals Board Exam to become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®). In Purdue Global’s program, you’ll:

  • Study how nutrients impact human health and physiological functions
  • Evaluate individuals’ nutritional health and risk factors using relevant assessment methods
  • Develop evidence-based dietary plans and management approaches tailored to an individual’s health and stage of life
  • Assess the influence of personal, cultural, and economic challenges on the client’s individual and nutritional needs
  • Deliver tailored, research-informed nutritional care to promote each individual’s well-being
  • Customize a nutrition and integrative health plan for a target audience

With a concentration in holistic nutrition, you can add classes such as complementary and integrative medicine, trends in nutrition, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, and functional nutrition.

What Jobs Are Available in Holistic Nutrition?

The principles of holistic and personalized nutrition can help you succeed in a wide range of roles, as having a strong understanding of the individualized approach can lead to more effective and lasting results for clients and communities.

The need for these types of roles is on the rise. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of community health workers is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Other careers in nutrition include:

  • Health educator or coach
  • Nutrition coordinator
  • Nutrition specialist
  • Sports nutrition specialist

These professionals work in diverse settings, including hospitals, wellness centers, private practice, pharmaceutical companies, public health programs, the food industry, and more.

>>Read More: Exploring Holistic Nutrition: Education, Certification, and Careers

Examples of Personalized Nutrition

What might personalized nutrition look like in action? For starters, it’s important to note that nutrition regulations change frequently and vary by state. As a result, depending on the state, holistic nutrition professionals may:

  • Complete a comprehensive client assessment, including a health history and an evaluation of their lifestyle, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and genetic makeup
  • Analyze the person’s microbiome and various lab markers to understand their unique nutritional needs
  • Share relevant scientific literature with clients to educate and empower them in their health journey
  • Evaluate the interconnectedness of the body’s systems to determine how a breakdown in one may be negatively impacting another, and provide targeted nutrition to restore balance
  • Review medications to determine any potential drug-nutrient interactions that could make certain foods or supplements unsafe
  • Create a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan that is tailored to their specific needs and avoids potential food sensitivities or allergies

How to Become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®

Becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®) demonstrates that you have an exceptional understanding of holistic nutrition and meet NANP’s client-contact hours requirement. After one is fully certified, holistic nutrition professionals can use the title Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®).

To become board-certified by NANP, you must:

  • Complete a nutrition program that is approved by the NANP
  • Be a professional member of the NANP
  • Pass the NANP board exam
  • Earn 500 professional experience contact hours

Earn an Online BS in Nutrition

Purdue Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition program with a concentration in holistic nutrition is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. The program prepares students to translate the latest scientific research into individualized care and equips graduates for meaningful careers in the rapidly evolving fields of holistic and functional nutrition.

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in personalized nutrition? Request more information today.

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About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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