Nutritional Misinformation and Digital Food Culture in Modern Public Health

Abstract

The rise of social media has made digital platforms primary sources of dietary guidance for millions. These platforms often displace evidence-based advice from registered dietitians. This narrative review focused on peer-reviewed studies from 2011 to 2024. The review examined nutritional misinformation in digital food culture. It focused on sources mechanisms and public health consequences. Evidence shows misinformation is prevalent across all major platforms. Misinformation is especially common on TikTok and Instagram. Influencers without formal credentials drive much of this content. Algorithmic amplification favors emotionally engaging claims and these claims are often inaccurate. Examples include detox pseudoscience fad diets and supplement overmarketing. Documented harms include increased risks of eating disorders. Other harms include orthorexia and supplement-induced hepatotoxicity. Poor management of chronic diseases is also a concern. Promising interventions include media literacy education. Platform policy changes and collaborations with credentialed influencers are also promising. However these interventions remain under-evaluated. The review concludes that digital nutritional misinformation is a significant public health threat. This threat requires coordinated action from researchers platforms policymakers and educators. Future work must prioritize longitudinal studies. Future work must also prioritize algorithmic transparency and intervention trials. These steps will support effective governance of the online food information environment.