Primary care medical doctors (PHC) are in a pivotal position to influence patients’ dietary habits through the provision of nutrition education. This systematic review was conducted to assess the latest evidence on physicians’ knowledge and practical involvement in nutrition education within healthcare facilities across Saudi Arabia. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library were searched. Screening and selection of studies were performed using Rayyan QCRI, starting from titles and abstracts, followed by full-text assessments. Eight eligible studies were identified, which included participants of various ages and genders. Although study designs varied, cross-sectional methodologies predominated, and all were methodologically sound. Findings consistently indicated that primary care physicians generally possess only moderate nutrition knowledge, primarily limited to fundamental principles necessary for basic nutrition care delivery. The evidence also highlighted deficiencies in medical students’ preparedness in terms of knowledge, attitude, and confidence related to nutrition counseling, underlining the inadequacy of current nutritional education in their training. Therefore, it is essential to increase the nutritional knowledge of intern physicians and primary care physicians. Strengthening their clinical competencies in nutrition will better equip them to deliver effective dietary recommendations and support behavioral changes among patients, ultimately improving overall health outcomes. To achieve sustained progress, PHC physicians should engage in ongoing nutrition education programs, which would contribute significantly to improving public health through consistent and reliable Nutrition counseling.
