Nutritional Misinformation

Social Media’s Role in Misinformation

With the ever-growing influence of social media, misinformation about health and nutrition has spread rapidly. Influencers and unqualified sources often promote trendy diets and miracle supplements that misrepresent the science of healthy eating. 


Understanding the truth and being able to determine fact from fiction surrounding  nutrition information pertaining to micronutrients and macronutrients is essential for maintaining health, as they play key roles in energy production, immune function, and disease prevention.


Misinformation around Macronutrients

Carbohydrates have been unfairly and relentlessly demonised, especially with the rise of low-carb diets like keto, which severely restrict carbohydrate intake(1). People have demonised this food group and blamed them for being a cause for weight gain. However, carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source. Glucose is the primary fuel for both the central nervous system and red blood cells. Severely restricting them can impair performance and reduce intake of important micronutrients such as fibre, B vitamins, and antioxidants (2).

Fats have also been misunderstood. While excessive intake - particularly of saturated and trans fats - has been linked to health risks, dietary fat is essential (3). Are we starting to see a pattern? Fat provides 9 kcal per gram, helps build cell membranes, and is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. They are also responsible for building cell membranes and transporting vitamins around the body(4). However remember to enjoy this food group in moderation as too much fat has been associated with weight gain and health issues, especially saturated fats. Emphasizing unsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish is recommended


Misinformation around Micronutrients

It’s a common misconception that more vitamins always lead to better health. This is particularly true for B vitamins, which are often marketed as "energy boosters"(5). For many vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones, excess intake can lead to toxicity. In reality, B vitamins act as coenzymes in energy metabolism but do not directly supply energy like macronutrients. If your B vitamin levels are already adequate, taking more will not improve energy levels(6). 

Another widespread myth is that supplements can replace food. While supplements can help fill specific nutrient gaps, they should not be a substitute for a varied, balanced diet. In some cases - such as vitamin D in the UK during winter - supplementation is recommended for the general population due to limited sun exposure(7). NICE and NHS guidelines recommend 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D per day in autumn and winter due to limited sunlight exposure.


When in doubt…

Macronutrients and micronutrients are essential for our overall health. Unfortunately, social media trends and nutrition myths can lead to harmful decisions - like overly restrictive diets or unnecessary supplement use. When in doubt, consult evidence-based resources like your national health service (e.g., the NHS) or speak to a qualified healthcare provider.


References

Hannah WhiteComment