The Perils of Misinformation on Social Media: A Dietitian’s Perspective

In today’s digital age, social media (you know, the apps that you just doom scroll all night- Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads) has become a double-edged sword. It provides a platform for sharing and receiving information quickly and easily, but it also serves as a super spreader for misinformation, especially regarding nutrition and diet. A recent study found that only 2.1% of nutrition content on TikTok was accurate after assessing over 67,000 videos.  ONLY 2.1%!!!!! That is scary. Misinformation is defined as incorrect or misleading information.  Usually the person spreading it is not aware it’s wrong, but it’s still wrong and potentially harmful.  As a registered dietitian, I find the spreading of inaccurate and sometimes harmful advice concerning. Understanding why misinformation is dangerous, how to spot misinformation, and knowing where to find reliable information is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being.

Why Misinformation is Dangerous

Misinformation about diet and nutrition can have serious consequences.

1. Health Risks: Following incorrect advice can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor health outcomes, or exacerbate existing medical conditions.  For example:  supplements that claim to help adrenal fatigue can be useless (there is no such thing as adrenal fatigue…so…what are these supplements- see our blog about it here for more info), while some can be dangerous if they contain steroids unmonitored by doctors that can actually cause adrenal insufficiency if misused.  Another example is “proprietary blends” ; these are ingredients in a supplement that the company doesn’t disclose.  Aka, you don’t know what it is, and supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA.  It could be anything.
2. Financial Loss: Many misleading diet plans, supplements, powders, pills, drinks, etc are expensive. People spend hard-earned money on products and programs that offer no real benefit and could be harmful.  For example:  Chlorophyll water.  No research to date (on humans) shows consistent benefits.  And there is a risk of GI distress.  And of course there are all sorts of detoxes and cleanses that DO NOTHING but cost a lot.  We have a liver and kidneys that work for free.
3. Emotional Impact: Constant exposure to misinformation can create unrealistic body image expectations, leading to stress, anxiety, and disordered eating behaviors.  Or what about things like chronic illness- cancer for example.  Misinformation on social media making false promises, or even misinformation that can cause harm is rampant on social media.  One study found that among the cancer articles floating around social media, 30.5% contained harmful information, HARMFUL!

How to Spot Misinformation

Here are some tips to help you recognize misinformation before :

1. Check Credentials: Look for information from registered dietitians (RD), nutritionists with accredited degrees, or other healthcare professionals. Be wary of advice from self-proclaimed “experts” without formal education or certification in nutrition.  Side note:  anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, look for a certification or license backing up the claim.  This can be tricky, sometimes even doctors push misinformation (I’m looking at you Paul Saladino MD- which is for psychology- NOT nutrition)
2. Evaluate Sources: Reliable sources include peer-reviewed journals, reputable health organizations (like the WHO, CDC, or Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics), and well-known medical institutions. Avoid sources that primarily aim to sell products or have a clear commercial bias. This can be hard, I took a masters class on how to interpret data from research articles, not everyone can do this, but articles should include a LOT of people, closely related to you (so, no 10,000 20 year olds if your not 20), randomized controlled trial is the best, and for a pretty long time when it comes to nutrition- we can’t learn anything in a week.  AND you need to see it over and over again, not just 1 study.
3. Look for Evidence: Valid claims should be backed by scientific research. Be cautious of statements that promise quick fixes and miracle cures.  I love seeing things that say “lose 30 pounds in 6 months”.  This is a great claim, and logically it’s doable…but does the weight STAY off?  Losing the 30 pounds in 6 months, to just put them back on in the 6 months that follow is no good.  Most studies for weight loss are the time frame it takes for the weight to come off, not long enough to see if it stays off.
4. Beware of Anecdotes: Personal testimonials can be compelling but are not scientific evidence. What works for one person might not work for another due to individual differences in genetics, lifestyle, and health status.  This is a great one.  We don’t all have the same 24 hours in a day, and what works for one person might not work, or again, might be harmful for another.  Take the Keto diet for example. Research is now showing the Keto diet can cause an increase in bad cholesterol.   Might work for some people, but anyone with heart disease should steer clear- though this is not stated.  
5. Watch for Red Flags: Words like:  toxic/toxin, poison, chemicals, quick-fix, cleanse, detox, reset, rapid weight loss, never eat “X”, always do “Y” should make you pause, if not run for the hills. Hot topics like hormone balance, metabolism, gut health, are also prime for misinformation.
6. Too Good to be True:  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  The medical field is not gatekeeping information when it comes to nutrition.  If something is helpful, like eating more fiber to help lower cholesterol, it will be taught- and is taught.  A random supplement, or the order in which you eat your food, or putting butter in your coffee is not going to make a difference.  It’s not one “hack” that’s going to change things, it’s your whole dietary pattern.

Better Ways to Get Reliable Information

To ensure you’re getting accurate and helpful nutrition advice, consider these strategies:

1. Consult Healthcare Professionals: Registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists are the best sources for personalized and accurate dietary advice.  Ask for credentials, we don’t hide them.  Doctors can be helpful, but their job is not nutrition, they received little to no nutrition education during med school.  A few go above and beyond to understand nutrition, but not all.
2. Use Reputable Websites: Websites like PubMed, the Mayo Clinic, and government health portals offer trustworthy information. Check the “About” section to understand the site’s credibility.
3. Read Scientific Literature: If you’re interested in the latest research, look for studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Be sure to read the full study, not just the abstract, and consider the study’s methodology and sample size.
4. Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges often publish valuable nutrition research and resources. Check out their websites or contact their nutrition departments.
5. Curate your social media.  There are plenty of reputable sources on social media that make SURE they are telling you accurate information.  On Instagram, I like Dr_Idz, LangerNutrition, Biolayne, AbbeysKitchen, WholesomeChickenNutrition, FoodScienceBabe just to name a few.  They cite research articles, and make it their job to dispel misinformation.

In conclusion, while social media is a valuable tool for sharing and discovering information, it’s crucial to navigate it wisely to avoid the pitfalls of misinformation. By being critical of the sources and types of information we consume, we can protect our health and make informed decisions about our diets. Remember, when in doubt, consult a professional. Your health is too important to leave to chance.

Stay Happy, Stay Healthy

This blog was written by Chris Henigan MS, RD, LDN, co-founder of Simple Start Nutrition.  For more blog posts and nutrition information follow @simplestartnutrition on Instagram and Facebook.  Also feel free to contact us, by visiting our website (simplestartnutrition.com) to schedule an appointment to discuss your nutrition related needs.  

References:

1. Merriam Webster.  Misinformation.  Accessed on 5/19/2024.  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation
2. PR Newswire. Concerning New Statistics Highlight Inaccurate Nutrition Trends on TikTok.  April 11, 2024.  Accessed May 19th, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/concerning-new-statistics-highlight-inaccurate-nutrition-trends-on-tiktok-302114407.html