This law provides for the licensure of dietitians and the protections of certain titles, but does not otherwise limit the practice of nutrition.
Regarding titles, the law states that a person may not “hold himself or herself out as a dietitian, licensed dietitian, alone or in combination, or use with the letters “LD” or any facsimile or combination in any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia.” However, a person may call themselves a “Nutritionist,” or state that they practice “Nutrition” without violating the law.
Additionally, South Carolina law specifically exempts:
A person marketing or distributing food, food materials, or food supplements or a person who is engaging in an explanation of the use or preparation of these products or a person who is furnishing general nutrition information related to these products in connection with the marketing or distribution of these products, or is providing nutritional counseling in health, if that person does not represent himself or herself as a dietitian;
A person providing weight control services through a program that does not allow program change to be initiated without prior approval by a licensed dietitian; and
Any faith-based promotional health programs.
Source: SECTION 40-20-5 et sequitur