Social media’s false dietary information endangers public health.

In a global study entitled, “Nutrition Misinformation in the Digital Age,” food systems academic group Rooted Research Collective and dietary guidance organization Freedom Food Alliance identified 53 Instagram accounts giving nutrition advice that “directly contradicts” public health guidelines. Collectively, these misinformation superspreaders reach over 24 million online followers, exposing them to potentially harmful dietary recommendations, including animal-people meat-heavy diets and low-carb or ketogenic eating, which are not in line with international health guidelines encouraging healthy, plant-centered diets.

According to the study, 87% of these influencers lack medical or nutrition-related qualifications, while 96% of them profit directly from their misleading messages, through supplement or therapy sales, consultancy services, or paid conferences.

Dr. Faraz Harsini (vegan) of the Good Food Institute in the United States, warned, “My worry is that the animal-based foods that these accounts promote can lead to chronic diseases… These accounts are causing irreversible damage.”

What alarming news. Our accolades, Rooted Research Collective, Freedom Food Alliance, Dr. Faraz Harsini, and Good Food Institute, for providing valuable information to the community. May the public exercise caution in the online space and embrace the science-based, healthful vegan lifestyle, in Heaven’s wisdom.