Pros and Cons of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics

By: Lian Delgado, dietetic-student volunteer, UBC School of Kinesiology, reviewed by the JM Nutrition Team

In this post:

Application of AI in nutrition and dietetics

Increasingly, we are being asked by clients about the pros and cons of AI (artificial intelligence) in nutrition and dietetics. As a result, our team decided to explore the topic in some depth from the perspective of a dietitian and nutritionist.

Pros and Cons of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics: An Introduction

Before we look at the pros and cons of AI in nutrition and dietetics, a little background information is necessary.

Looking back, have you ever used the internet as a method to seek quick nutritional advice?

Or was there a time where you would use online chatbots to obtain dietary assessments?

Nowadays, virtually everyone uses the internet to search… well, almost anything. With one click, people have access to a multitude of information related to their topic of interest.

Aside from using online search engines, there is now widespread use of artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI.

These resources are normally used to search for information, learn new things, or for task completion.

Although AI could be deemed as easy and accessible, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using AI in relation to nutrition and dietetics.

Let’s take a look, shall we?

What is AI?

AI is identified as an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of technologies (Miyazawa et al., 2022). Generally, AI pertains to computers that conduct cognitive tasks related to the human brain, specifically in learning and solving problems (Miyazawa et al., 2022). Various forms of AI can be utilized in analyzing data, forming decisions, learning, and completing tasks that normally require a human (Miyazawa et al., 2022).

There are two different terms related to AI that must be clearly defined. One, Machine Learning (ML), and two, Deep Learning (DL).

Both ML and DL are subcategories of AI. It should be noted, however, that DL is a type of ML (Bond et al., 2023).

ML utilizes data inputs and mathematical algorithms that enables machines to engage in problem solving techniques without the need for explicit programming (Bond et al., 2023).

DL, on the other hand, uses highly advanced methods through neural networks. This allows them to perform data processing and analysis similar to human abilities (Bond et al., 2023).

Impact of AI on humans

Recent advancements in AI have had a larger impact than we know.

The use of AI is widespread. It has influenced various aspects of our lives. This includes careers, education, daily interactions, and more (Makridakis, 2017).

We rely on AI when we use social media, online search engines, navigation, digital assistants, and banking services (Makridakis, 2017). This is just scratching the surface.

In different fields of work, specifically engineering, pharmacy, and medicine, AI contributes to further developments in research and analysis (Miyazawa et al., 2022).

AI also provides support in healthcare through identification, diagnosis, and observation of disease (Bond et al., 2023).

In addition, it influences the field of nutrition through expansion in research techniques, as well as proficiency in nutritional epidemiology (Miyazawa et al., 2022).

Application of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics

There are many methods wherein AI is utilized in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Before a close look at the pros and cons of AI, it is essential to be aware of when and where AI is usually used.

We have identified four applications of AI in the field of nutrition:

1. Nutrition assessment

One of the primary uses of artificial intelligence in nutrition and dietetics pertains to nutrition assessments.

The first step of the nutrition care plan is nutrition assessment. This is typically conducted by a registered dietitian.

In this step, a variety of information is required. This includes anthropometric data, biochemical information, clinical history, dietary history, and observation of environmental factors that impact nutrition.

There are devices using AI that are designed to provide support in providing dietary assessments (Bond et al., 2023). More specifically, these devices require DL to use acoustic variables, jaw movement, and visual imaging to create a dietary assessment that is tailored to the individual (Bond et al., 2023).

Using devices in nutrition assessments allows earlier treatment for patients in hospitals rather than waiting long hours to be assessed by a dietitian (Bond et al., 2023). The use of AI in nutrition assessment will allow rapid assessment of patients, which helps increase efficiency in providing treatment since they are able to seek nutritional advice from dietitians earlier than normal.

2. Disease monitoring

Another use of artificial intelligence in the field of nutrition and dietetics centres around disease monitoring.

Patients who undergo nutritional intervention, whether in the hospital or at home, require increased supervision in terms of physical health, nutritional status, biochemical data, and overall condition (Bond et al., 2023).

As such, AI is used to examine and distinguish results that need close observation. This allows practitioners to easily distinguish these results (Bond et al., 2023).

Moreover, the ability of AI to highlight specific information can remind patients to visit their practitioners to receive the treatment they need (Bond et al., 2023). This allows both dietitians and patients to work together. It also allows them to adjust the nutrition intervention based on the patients’ needs and situation at an earlier time with the capacity of AI to consistently track the physical health of patients (Bond et al., 2023).

3. Nutrition planning

Nutrition planning is another application of artificial intelligence in nutrition and dietetics. This is already quite common.

In the creation of dietary plans, AI is capable of meal planning and related tasks.

This could be accomplished by utilizing AI directed tools or chatbots wherein one discusses their clinical and dietary history to gain a personalized nutrition plan (Chatelan et al., 2023).

When patients are in need of a quick and easy nutrition plan, they could use AI to get answers tailored to their own needs (Detopoulou et al., 2023). If they require some advice in planning their meals, AI is capable of providing tips for healthy eating, as well as recipe planning for meal preparation, which are things that many individuals deem to be helpful (Chatelan et al., 2023).

Related: Do meal plans work?

4. Nutrigenomics

An individual’s genetic makeup is considered to be valuable information that can be used by AI to highlight trends and relationships in nutrigenomics (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

This is accomplished by integrating AI in various tools that gather, organize, and examine biological information from groups of people (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

By involving AI in nutrigenomics, prediction models can be generated to help dietitians and researchers to make more informed decisions when designing nutrition interventions for patients (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

Using an individual’s genetic information will also allow AI algorithms to generate individualized dietary recommendations and treatment based on one’s genetic makeup (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

Now that we’ve examined the applications of AI use in nutrition and dietetics, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics

Undoubtedly, there are a number of pros of AI use in nutrition and dietetics.

The use of AI on nutrition and dietetics could be beneficial when employing it to seek nutritional advice and design nutritional interventions.

We have observed three positive effects or pros of AI on nutrition and dietetics.

These are:

1. Accuracy in dietary assessments

One of pro of AI in nutrition and dietetics pertains to its accuracy in dietary assessments.

Since AI is known to be a feedforward process, adding information into the system will allow it to generate results based on the data provided.

There is greater accuracy in dietary assessments, when using AI-based tools as long as the appropriate information is given to the system (Detopoulou et al., 2023). This is an important point to underscore.

It is normal for humans to make mistakes. Hence, the use of AI reduces the occurrence of mistakes which enables greater accuracy in the provision of dietary assessments (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

With accurate dietary assessments, it’s easier to design nutritional interventions at a shorter time. This is especially true since AI is capable of conducting dietary assessments at a rapid rate with high accuracy compared to humans (Bond et al., 2023). Clearly, this is a benefit.

2. Increased accessibility

Surely, increased accessibility must be another pro of AI use in nutrition and dietetics.

Using AI for nutrition and dietetics is a convenient method to seek information.

While online search engines provide a variety of data related to a set of keywords provided, AI-based tools are not only capable of collecting data, but they have the ability to synthesize key information for better understanding (Chatelan et al., 2023).

Artificial intelligence reduces an individual’s time spent browsing through a multitude of webpages to search for the answers. AI produces succinct answers based on the input of data from the individual (Chatelan et al., 2023). This is something that many people already appreciate and value.

For instance, the use of chatbots such as ChatGPT allows individuals to create prompts similar to asking questions to another person. As a result, ChatGPT generates quick and easy to understand responses. This makes it an accessible tool for individuals to use when seeking nutritional advice (Chatelan et al., 2023).

When using ChatGPT, it was noted that including valuable information in the prompts will help the AI to refine their responses and tailor it to the individual’s needs, which shows to be a suitable tool to use anywhere (Chatelan et al., 2023).

3. Inexpensive

Another clear pro of AI in nutrition and dietetics is that these tools are generally inexpensive.

AI can be accessed anywhere. What’s more there are many AI tools that can be used without a fee. Again, this is something many people appreciate.

The use of chatbots like ChatGPT is a cost-effective method of using AI in the field of nutrition and dietetics (Chatelan et al., 2023).

In addition, web browsers also employ the use of AI when searching information online. By inputting keywords into the search engine, an AI-based tool embedded on the web browser generates responses that are clear and straightforward.

Web browsers are another form of AI use that is not costly (Chatelan et al., 2023). Access to nutritional advice and dietary assessments through free AI tools is something that some individuals certainly favour, when compared to help from dietitians, due to its cost-effectiveness and high accessibility (Chatelan et al., 2023).

Now that we looked at the pros of AI in nutrition and dietetics, let’s examine the potential cons of artificial intelligence.

The Cons of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics

While there are advantages or pros of using AI in nutrition and dietetics, the use of artificial intelligence is also not without any limitations or cons.

We have observed three cons of AI on nutrition and dietetics.

Here they are:

1. Dehumanization of care

Dehumanization of care is certainly a potential con of AI in nutrition and dietetics.

Artificial intelligence is virtually ubiquitous.

Whether it is through the use of devices, communication with others, use of various modes of transportation, or even when we are online, there is some kind of AI available in the form of a tool, service, or technique.

Although it is easily accessible, we cannot ignore the absence of emotional capacity and human judgment in AI.

AI is certainly a powerful tool to collect data and highligh trends. However, it lacks the ability to discern what true patient care is (Detopoulou et al., 2023), at least at the time of writing.

Dietitians normally work with their patients to make decisions tailored to their wants and needs, while ensuring they feel understood.

Employing an AI system in this scenario would be difficult since AI cannot determine what patients are feeling. Therefore, it makes it impossible to make decisions based on one’s feelings (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

Additionally, patient-centred communication methods like motivational interviewing cannot be performed by AI (Detopoulou et al., 2023). Again, at least at the itme of writing.

Consequently, the use of AI in place of a dietitian would make it difficult for patients to connect and feel engaged when undergoing consultation (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

2. Bias and misinformation

Another con of AI in nutrition and dietetics has to do with the potential for bias and/or misinformation.

Relying on AI for information related to nutrition and dietetics could pose a risk of bias. This could potentially lead to exposure to misinformation (Chatelan et al., 2023).

In the creation of AI-based tools and systems, bias and misinformation may stem from gaps in data, outdated information, and social inequalities from lack of data and statistics (Arslan, 2024). This is certainly a large disadvantage.

There are also some AI systems that are integrated with other platforms that may cause some bias with the output of data. This can result in misleading information (Chatelan et al., 2023).

It is important to consider that the field of nutrition and dietetics is constantly evolving. There are new trends and patterns that could modify current nutrition interventions.

Because people need individualized nutrition plans based on their dietary assessments, they would need to consult with a dietitian who is currently updated with the right information. While AI is able to synthesize incoming data, the AI models could be impacted by biased information, which could potentially lead to providing misinformation to users (Detopoulou et al., 2023).

3. Liability and accountability risks

Another potential con of AI in nutrition and dietetics involves liability and accountability risks.

As we know, AI is found online.

The more it is integrated into our daily lives, one may have the tendency to wonder: who would be held accountable if the use of misinformation negatively impacts our lives?

Lately, AI systems are incorporated into research, healthcare, and also nutrition and dietetics. Therefore, being fully dependent on AI could be a huge risk (Bond et al., 2023).

Once users gain access to information that is biased, outdated, or inaccurate, the advice they receive can be detrimental to their health (Bond et al., 2023).

Consequently, it is highly important to rely on dietitians and other health practitioners who can provide recommendations that are not only evidence-based but also tailored to the patients’ history and experiences.

Pros and Cons of AI in Nutrition and Dietetics: Final Thoughts

While AI could be beneficial in the field of nutrition and dietetics, it is not without risks.

In some way, AI has many pros as it could be helpful in providing general information at a shorter time and accessible manner. We cannot underestimate this fact.

One should remain cautious, however, when seeking nutritional advice through AI systems. We recommend to always refer back to your dietitian to clarify the information you received.

A consultation with your dietitian helps maintain patient-centred communication. This aids in promoting subjective decision making and empathetic conversations. Furthermore, it enables better execution of an individualized nutrition plan.

Conclusion

If you you feel we missed any significant pros and cons of AI in nutrition and dietetics, please get in touch and let us know. We will gladly add them in.

If you’re interested in receiving personalized nutrition counselling with one of our registered dietitians and nutritionists, book a free consultation and we will gladly lend a hand.

References and Resources

Arslan, S. (2024). Decoding dietary myths: The role of ChatGPT in modern nutrition. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 60, 285-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.02.022
Bond, A., Mccay, K., & Lal, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence & clinical nutrition: What the future might have in store. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 57, 542-549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.07.082
Chatelan, A., Clerc, A., & Fonta, P. (2023). ChatGPT and future artificial intelligence chatbots: What may be the influence on credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners? Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(11), 1525-1531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2023.08.001
Detopoulou, P., Voulgaridou, G., Moschos, P., Levidi, D., Anastasiou, T., Dedes, V., Diplari, E., Fourfouri, N., Giaginis, C., Panoutsopoulos, G., & Papadopoulou, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence, nutrition, and ethical issues: A mini-review. Clinical Nutrition Open Science, 50, 46-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutos.2023.07.001
Makridakis, S. (2017). The forthcoming artificial intelligence (AI) revolution: Its impact on society and firms. Futures, 90, 46-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2017.03.006
Miyazawa, T., Hiratsuka, Y., Toda, M., Hatakeyama, N., Ozawa, H., Abe, C., Cheng, T., Matsushima, Y., Miyawaki, Y., Ashida, K., Iimura, J., Tsuda, T., Bushita, H., Tomonobu, K., Ohta, S., Chung, H., Omae, Y., Yamamoto, T., Morinaga, M., Ochi, H., Nakada, H., & Otsuka, K. (2022). Artificial intelligence in food science and nutrition: A narrative review. Nutrition Reviews, 80(12), 2288-2300. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuac033