+New Chat: Artificial Intelligence and Dietetic Practice

ChatGPT is a publicly available artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that uses human-like conversation to respond to user-generated questions (1). ChatGPT can interact with individuals by reacting to prompts with synthesized information from the Internet about various topics, including food and nutrition. Opportunities and challenges of relying on AI have been noted, particularly in research (2), education (3) and nutrition and dietetic practice.
 

Researchers “asked” ChatGPT to define the ideal diets for individuals living with type 2 diabetes and those who were undergoing hemodialysis (1). The authors noted that, overall, the guidance provided was reasonably detailed and accurate and in line with current evidence-informed practices. Consulting a health care provider or registered dietitian for more information was often included in the recommendations. However, limitations were noted by the authors, including recommendations that were provided without considering assessment information (e.g. individual’s age, sex), the consistency of responses varied over time in response to the same prompt, and plausible but inaccurate answers were sometimes given (e.g. when asked to define a one-day menu, planned menus were similar and included foods not optimal for individuals undergoing hemodialysis). ChatGPT also appeared challenged in generating accurate nutritional diagnoses according to the Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT), including repetitive and generic diagnoses that were not unique and not generated in the correct form (1). Of note, the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) recently stated that, “Once again artificial intelligence (AI) proves it is not yet ready for primetime in the mental health space,” after having to suspend their chatbot when it provided inaccurate and harmful messages earlier this year (4).
 

ChatGPT may make it easy for individuals to quickly access readable nutrition information but it does not replace the specialized practice knowledge and expertise of dietitians to understand the complexities of what influences food choices, including factors relating to income, food literacy and cooking skills, and the availability of social support (1). It is important to note that it does not prioritize sources based on evidence, may use non-scientific opinions and references are not cited. Providing credible nutrition recommendations from a registered dietitian is overlooked and may exacerbate the public’s confusion about the importance of relying on trained professionals for food and nutrition advice (1). Further, the growing complexity and uncertainty of nutrition and dietetics, particularly in the areas of sustainable food systems, household food insecurity and weight bias, requires a competent response to practice safely and effectively (5).
 

Now what?
 As we learn more about the opportunities and challenges associated with using AI in practice, dietitians can:

The PEN Team will continue to monitor evidence on the impact of AI on dietetic practice, but rest assured that human minds will continue to develop the PEN System practice recommendations. And if you were wondering how ChatGPT would answer the question, How accurate is ChatGPT in giving nutrition information and recommendations?, ChatGPT said:

"ChatGPT can provide general information and recommendations about nutrition, but its accuracy may vary depending on the specific question and the currency of its knowledge. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide information based on the knowledge available up to that point. However, keep in mind the following important points:

In summary, ChatGPT can offer general nutrition information, but it's essential to use it as a starting point and seek personalized advice from qualified professionals when making significant dietary decisions or addressing specific health concerns. Additionally, always verify information obtained from AI models like ChatGPT with up-to-date and reliable sources." (7).

Want to learn more? Check out Dietitians of Canada's Learning On Demand session from dietitian and MSc student Alyshia Guan: 

L’intelligence artificielle : de plus en plus présente dans le domaine de la diététique.