Here's a breakdown of the arguments:
Arguments against its credibility:
* Lack of Accreditation: IIN is not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the recognized accrediting body for nutrition and dietetics programs in the US. This means graduates are not eligible for Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentials. These credentials are widely considered the gold standard in the nutrition field.
* Focus on Holistic and Alternative Approaches: While holistic nutrition has its place, IIN's curriculum heavily emphasizes alternative and sometimes unproven methods, which may lack scientific evidence. This can lead to graduates promoting practices that are not supported by current research.
* Limited Science-Based Curriculum: Critics argue that the curriculum doesn't provide sufficient depth in scientific principles of nutrition, biochemistry, and physiology. This raises concerns about the graduates' ability to assess nutritional information critically and provide safe, evidence-based advice.
* Marketing and Business Focus: IIN's focus on entrepreneurial skills and building a health coaching business may overshadow the depth of nutritional science education.
Arguments for its credibility (often cited by IIN and its graduates):
* Large Network of Graduates: IIN has a large and active alumni network, suggesting a significant impact, though this doesn't necessarily equate to educational rigor.
* Holistic Approach: Proponents argue the holistic approach is valuable, although the lack of scientific backing for some of the methods remains a significant concern.
* Business Skills Training: The business and coaching aspects of the curriculum are a selling point for many students, although these skills are secondary to actual nutritional knowledge.
Conclusion:
IIN provides education in holistic nutrition, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. If you're seeking a rigorous, science-based education in nutrition that leads to recognized professional credentials, IIN is not the right choice. If you're interested in a holistic approach and business development in the health and wellness field, it might be more appealing, but be aware of the lack of accreditation and the potential for promoting unproven methods. Always carefully research any nutrition advice received from anyone, including IIN graduates. Prioritizing advice from Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) is recommended for health and safety.