Social Media Misinformation
Preliminary findings from a study at Dublin City University suggest that only 2.1% of nutrition information on social media is accurate compared to national health guidelines.
Recently, I’ve seen some discourse online surrounding how population-wide health decisions are made in the UK. Our national guidelines are informed by SACN: the Scientific Advisory Committee for Nutrition. SACN provide independent scientific advice to UK health departments and the government, and their recommendations shape our food policies, public health campaigns like Change4Life, and national dietary guidelines. It’s therefore important that we use these same values of science-backed information when we are making decisions on our own health based on information we find online.
But how do you spot misinformation on social media? Here are some common red flags I see:
No clear scientific evidence
Focussing on only one scientific study (which supports their point of view)
Offering a “quick fix”
Demonising a particular food by calling it inflammatory, a toxin, or a chemical
Seeing #ad or #sponsored in a post
Real nutrition advice is actually not very exciting, so it' doesn’t get many “clicks” or engagement online. It’s usually much easier to implement without restrictions or fearmongering, so it’s not something a wellness influencer can sell you on. Even some scientists like the Glucose Goddess don’t understand nutrition as a whole so can spread misinformation very easily through mainstream media.
Here’s my top tips for finding more legitimate information online:
Ensure they are a registered dietician or nutritionist (often you’ll see RD, ANutr or RNutr after their names)
Check their registration status on the British Dietetics Association or Association for Nutrition websites
Check they are using the best types of research: randomised control trials and meta-analyses are the most robust sources of evidence
Always consult a healthcare professional (registered dietician or your GP) if you are concerned about something you have read online
Check the information you are getting is from your own country. All countries have different population-wide health concerns, nutrient advice and common deficiencies. For example, the vitamin D intake recommendations in one country may be lower than in the UK as they get more sunlight through better weather!
Remember a balanced, healthy diet is the most important thing you should consider. For those of you reading this in the UK, I urge you to utilise and implement the Eatwell Guide before worrying about anything else. There is no need to restrict or demonise foods, just making more educated and healthy choices to improve your quality of life. Eat the cake (in moderation)!