Food misinformation is an escalating issue in the United States, deeply impacting dietary habits and public health. The Ajinomoto Group, the pioneering manufacturer of MSG, has faced misinformation for decades, particularly with the baseless term “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” (CRS). To tackle this issue, the Ajinomoto Group partnered with YouGov to release the first-ever Food Infodemic Report. This nationwide survey sheds light on the complicated state of eating in the U.S. and the pervasive uncertainty about proper nutrition. BlackDoctor.org spoke Charlotte Martin, MS, RDN, a DC-based registered dietitian dedicated to evidence-based nutrition and author of “The Plant-Forward Solution” to discuss the key findings and what you need to know about making informed food choices.
The Growing Complexity of Food Choices
The Food Infodemic Report reveals that 43 percent of respondents have never felt more uncertain about their food choices, and 55 percent are unsure whom to trust for proper nutrition advice. This confusion has led to the widespread adoption of unscientific eating habits.
“That was a great finding from the report, and it really underscores a significant issue. Too many people are unsure of who to trust when it comes to nutrition,” Martin says.
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Alarmingly, 71 percent of respondents admit to adopting food beliefs and behaviors that are not grounded in science. Examples include the myth that cheese causes nightmares, which 14 percent of respondents believe.
“Food and nutrition misinformation is definitely a significant issue today. I would say probably the most common nutrition myths I frequently encounter are the demonization of certain food groups. For example, many people believe that all carbs are bad, which is simply not true. Another prevalent myth involves MSG. There’s a widespread belief that MSG is harmful and should be avoided at all costs, but extensive research has shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in normal amounts,” Martin shares.
“Another myth I’ve been hearing a lot lately surrounds seed and vegetable oils, with some claims suggesting that they’re highly toxic. But again, when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, these oils can definitely be healthy choices. Usually, my answer to most claims about specific foods or food groups is that everything can be part of a balanced diet. Trusting health authorities and following evidence-based nutrition guidance from credible nutrition professionals is really the key to making smart dietary choices,” Martin adds.
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The Influence of Social Media
The report also highlights the impact of social media on spreading misinformation. While 55 percent of people acknowledge falling victim to food misinformation, they are more likely to put garlic up their nose (30 percent) than to verify if a social influencer is qualified.
“The report also shows that only 25 percent of respondents regularly check to make sure an influencer is qualified before listening to their food advice, which is really unfortunate,” Martin notes.
To navigate this, there are several steps you can take to identify reliable sources of nutrition information.
“First and foremost, look for credentials. Trustworthy nutrition information typically comes from professionals who are registered dietitians or have similar accredited qualifications, like a PhD in nutrition. Dietitians are the experts trained to provide evidence-based nutrition advice. Second, track the source of the information. Reputable sources include government health departments, well-known health organizations like the American Heart Association, and academic institutions. Be wary of information from sources with a commercial interest in selling something like a supplement,” she advises.
On the other hand, Martin notes the power social media has to combat misinformation by providing a platform to spread accurate, evidence-based nutrition information and foster positive discussions around food.
“Trust dietitians—many of us use social media to help debunk myths and provide reliable advice,” she advises. “This is important because much of the nutritional advice found on social media is rooted in fear rather than facts. Lastly, we have a responsibility to share information responsibly. I encourage consumers to avoid sharing sensationalized content that could contribute to the spread of misinformation.”
Impact on Communities of Color
Food misinformation also disproportionately affects communities of color. The report found that 54 percent of respondents from these communities have seen misinformation attacking beloved foods from their culture, nearly twice as likely as white respondents.
Nearly half of the respondents from Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities have experienced or witnessed ridicule because of their cultural foods.
“It can be particularly challenging for individuals from communities of color. One effective strategy is to educate yourself and others about the nutritional value and cultural significance of traditional foods. Sharing accurate information within your community or on social media can help dispel myths and promote a better understanding of your traditional cuisine’s benefits,” Martin suggests.
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Practical Steps for Healthier Eating
Unscientific eating habits can pose significant health risks, leading to both short-term and long-term health issues.
“First, nutrient deficiencies can occur. Many fad diets eliminate entire food groups, resulting in a lack of essential nutrients. For example, trying to cut out carbs entirely can lead to insufficient intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, negatively impacting digestive health and overall well-being,” Martin notes. “There’s also a mental aspect—disordered eating patterns can develop from unscientific food beliefs, leading to behaviors like chronic dieting, binge eating, and orthorexia, which have severe mental and physical health consequences.”
There’s also an increased risk of chronic disease.
“Misinformation promoting high consumption of certain foods, like those high in saturated fat, can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like heart disease. Additionally, many unscientific diets are not sustainable in the long run, leading to yo-yo dieting and weight cycling, which can have harmful effects on overall health,” Martin adds.
To combat this, Martin offers the following suggestions:
- Focus on Whole Foods. Focus on whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These should form the foundation of a balanced diet.
- Understand Nutrition Labels. Learning to read and understand nutrition labels helps make informed choices and avoid being misled by marketing claims.
- Moderation, Not Deprivation. Practice moderation rather than deprivation. It’s important to enjoy favorite foods occasionally rather than eliminating them entirely.
- Plan and Prepare Meals. Planning and preparing meals at home allows greater control over what you eat and helps maintain healthy eating habits.
Stay updated with the latest insights, tips, and nutritious recipes from Charlotte Martin by following her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (@nutritiondaily). For in-depth articles, valuable resources, and information about her book “The Plant-Forward Solution”, visit her website at nutritiondaily.com.
