Carla Hernandez: Bridging Science and Strategy - Collaborating with Health-Focused Food Brands

DeliveryRank has the opportunity to feature Carla Hernandez, a Los Angeles–based Registered Dietitian specializing in women’s health, with a focus on PCOS, acne, gut health, and hormone balance through an integrative lens. With over a decade of experience across private practice and health technology, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary perspective to the wellness industry. Carla has consulted for leading brands such as Hotel Tonight, Pinterest, and Saks Fifth Avenue, translating complex health concepts into clear, engaging content. Whether developing clinical programs for microbiome and diabetes tech companies or creating consumer education for functional food and beauty brands, Carla blends science, strategy, and storytelling to empower informed, holistic health choices. 

Your specialization in PCOS and acne through blood sugar and hormone management is quite specific. Could you elaborate on how your clinical experience has shaped your approach to these conditions, and what unique strategies you employ to support your clients?

My clinical background, particularly in functional and integrative nutrition, has shown me how deeply interconnected our systems are, especially when it comes to women’s health. PCOS and acne are often treated in isolation, but I’ve seen time and again how stabilizing blood sugar and supporting hormonal balance can dramatically impact both. I focus on root causes rather than surface symptoms, using targeted nutrition protocols, lifestyle interventions, and personalized supplementation to empower women to understand what’s happening in their bodies. My approach is realistic, evidence-based, and personal, rooted in both my own journey and the experiences of the hundreds of women I’ve supported who were dismissed, misdiagnosed, or only presented with limited treatment options.

You've collaborated with various health-focused food and supplement brands to provide clinical insights and shape effective messaging. Can you discuss how you balance scientific accuracy with engaging communication when developing content for these brands?

My goal is always to translate complex science into something that feels clear, relevant, and actionable without losing credibility. I start by grounding all messaging in evidence-based research, then distill it down through the lens of a consumer who might be overwhelmed or skeptical. Whether I’m writing copy for a campaign or scripting a Reel, I work closely with brands to strike the right tone, one that’s both approachable and informative. I often remind teams: you don’t have to water things down, you just have to meet people where they are.

As a media dietitian, you've been featured in outlets like Well+Good and Yahoo. How do you see the role of media in influencing public perceptions of nutrition, and what responsibilities do you believe nutrition experts have in this space?

Media has massive influence, it can either educate or confuse. In a world where wellness trends can go viral overnight, I see it as my responsibility to cut through the noise with clarity and compassion. Nutrition experts have to be both informed and media-savvy, we’re not just sharing facts, we’re shaping beliefs. That means we need to show up with integrity, acknowledge nuance, and call out misinformation when we see it. If we’re not part of the conversation, someone less qualified will be.

Your work includes creating educational materials and guiding strategies for engaging healthcare professionals as influencers. What challenges have you encountered in these endeavors, and how have you addressed them to ensure effective collaboration and message dissemination?

One of the biggest challenges is aligning clinical integrity with brand messaging, healthcare professionals are understandably cautious about lending their voice to products, and credibility is everything. To address this, I focus on creating resources that empower HCPs to educate rather than just promote. That means equipping them with clear, evidence-based materials, like customizable decks, content toolkits, and messaging guides that reflect both scientific rigor and practical application. I also prioritize transparency around ingredients, research, and intent so they feel confident speaking authentically.

With a passion for empowering consumers to make informed choices, how do you stay current with evolving nutrition science and trends to ensure your guidance remains relevant and impactful?

I’m constantly reading, whether it’s new clinical studies, emerging trends in functional food, or evolving policy in women’s health. But I also pay attention to what real people are asking and struggling with, whether that’s on social media, in practice, or through the brands I consult for. Staying relevant means staying curious. I actively engage with both the science and the cultural conversation around food, and I make it a point to revisit and revise my recommendations as new evidence emerges. My North Star is always: what’s helpful, true, and actionable for the person on the other side?

If you would like to find out more about Carla Hernandez, please visit https://carlahernandezrd.com/