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Nearly Half of Americans Rely on Unverified Nutrition Sources, New Survey Finds
A national survey released today by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals that nearly half of Americans are making crucial nutrition decisions based on unaccredited sources, social media recommendations, and AI-generated advice rather than consulting qualified nutrition professionals.
The survey paints a concerning picture of the modern nutrition information landscape. According to the findings, 56% of Americans primarily rely on their own online research to make nutrition choices, often without the tools to evaluate credibility. Nearly half (46%) report following nutrition advice from social media influencers, while one in three have used ChatGPT or other AI tools to create nutrition or weight-loss plans without professional consultation.
In response to these findings, the Academy has launched “A Seat at Every Table,” a multi-year nationwide initiative designed to elevate the role of nutrition and dietetics professionals in the public consciousness and emphasize their essential role in providing science-based, personalized expertise.
“Nutrition touches every part of our lives, yet there is a major lack of public knowledge about who nutrition and dietetics professionals are,” said Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PhD, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy. “This campaign raises awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs).”
The campaign comes at a critical moment when eight in ten Americans report difficulty distinguishing fact from fiction regarding food and nutrition. As viral challenges, clickbait headlines, and pseudoscience proliferate across digital platforms, the lines between entertainment and expertise have blurred, leaving many consumers confused about whom to trust.
“As a registered dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful evidence-based nutrition guidance can be—yet too many people are making decisions without access to credible guidance,” said Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RDN, CDN, FAND, 2025-2026 President of the Academy. “This campaign is about reclaiming trust.”
The initiative highlights how nutrition and dietetics professionals stand apart in the crowded information landscape. Unlike social media influencers or AI algorithms, these professionals undergo rigorous education and continuous professional development, ensuring their guidance remains current, evidence-based, and individualized to client needs.
“A Seat at Every Table” emphasizes the broad impact of nutrition professionals across diverse environments—from hospitals and schools to workplaces, grocery stores, and policymaking bodies. When not invited to participate in important discussions about nutrition, these professionals create opportunities to ensure evidence-based expertise informs decisions affecting health at individual, community, and national levels.
The campaign will showcase how nutrition professionals provide clarity rooted in evidence, personalized care that supports long-term health, and practical guidance for creating appealing, culturally relevant meals that support individual health goals.
To support greater public understanding, the Academy has released a comprehensive toolkit featuring videos, fact sheets, and interactive resources available on their website at www.eatright.org/everytable.
The survey that prompted this initiative included responses from 1,000 participants in a nationally representative sample over the age of 18. It was designed to gather insights into public awareness and perception of nutrition and dietetics professionals, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of ±3.1.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics represents more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners and is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Through this campaign, they hope to strengthen public understanding of the critical role food and nutrition play in improving health while expanding access to credentialed expertise in underserved communities.
As misinformation continues to spread across digital platforms, the Academy’s initiative serves as a timely reminder of the value of professional guidance in an era where anyone with an internet connection can present themselves as a nutrition expert.
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8 Comments
The findings of this survey are quite troubling. Nutrition misinformation can have serious consequences for individual and public health. I’m glad to see the Academy taking action to raise awareness of the importance of evidence-based guidance from registered dietitians.
I agree. Empowering people to make informed choices about their diet and nutrition is crucial. This initiative seems like a positive step towards bridging the gap between the public and qualified nutrition experts.
While the convenience of online research and AI tools is appealing, they cannot replace the knowledge and expertise of qualified nutrition professionals. This survey underscores the urgent need to improve health literacy and encourage people to seek credible sources for their dietary needs.
It’s alarming that nearly half of Americans are basing major health decisions on unreliable online sources and AI-generated advice. Nutrition is a complex field that requires professional expertise. This highlights the need for greater public education on the importance of evidence-based guidance.
Exactly. Relying on social media influencers and chatbots for personalized nutrition plans is extremely risky. I hope this campaign can successfully promote the critical role of registered dietitians in providing safe, tailored advice.
This is a significant wake-up call regarding the current state of nutrition information in the U.S. Reliance on unverified sources, including social media and AI, is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed through better public education and access to professional guidance.
This is a concerning trend. Reliance on unaccredited sources and social media for nutrition advice could have serious health consequences. Consulting qualified professionals is crucial for making informed, science-based decisions about our diet and well-being.
I agree. Easy access to unverified information online makes it challenging for people to separate fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition. This initiative by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is an important step in the right direction.