Abstract
The field of health and medical sciences has witnessed a surge of published research exploring the applications of ChatGPT. However, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its specific potential and limitations within the domain of nutrition. Given the increasing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases, there is a critical need to prioritize the promotion of a comprehensive understanding of nutrition. This paper examines the potential utility of ChatGPT as a tool for improving nutrition knowledge. Specifically, it scrutinizes its characteristics in relation to personalized meal planning, dietary advice and guidance, food intake tracking, educational materials, and other commonly found features in nutrition applications. Additionally, it explores the potential of ChatGPT to support each stage of the Nutrition Care Process. Addressing the prevailing question of whether ChatGPT can replace healthcare professionals, this paper elucidates its substantial limitations within the context of nutrition practice and education. These limitations encompass factors such as incorrect responses, coordinated nutrition services, hands-on demonstration, physical examination, verbal and non-verbal cues, emotional and psychological aspects, real-time monitoring and feedback, wearable device integration, and ethical and privacy concerns have been highlighted. In summary, ChatGPT holds promise as a valuable tool for enhancing nutrition knowledge, but further research and development are needed to optimize its capabilities in this domain.
Keywords: Nutrition, Healthcare, ChatGPT, Large Language Models, Virtual Dietitian
Introduction
Nutrition knowledge refers to the comprehension of fundamental principles, concepts, and guidelines related to dietary choices and their impact on health. Individuals with adequate nutrition knowledge demonstrate the capacity to critically assess nutrition information through their understanding of dietary needs, food group classifications, and appropriate portion sizes (Miller & Cassady, 2015). According to a systematic review (Spronk et al., 2014), nutrition knowledge and dietary intake have a weak but significant positive association. This finding suggests that individuals who possess a greater understanding of nutrition tend to make more informed and healthier dietary choices. From a public health standpoint, it highlights the importance of nutrition knowledge in shaping our dietary behaviors. Sadegholvad et al., (2017) asserted that a healthy eating pattern is linked to improved quality of life, increased life expectancy, and a diminished risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Therefore, health agencies, institutions, and practitioners prioritize the mission of augmenting the nutrition knowledge of the general population (e.g., Garcia & Garcia, 2023; Rosales et al., 2023).
Despite various efforts and resources dedicated to this endeavor, the acquisition of sufficient nutritional knowledge continues to pose challenges. One prominent factor is the absence of formal education, which acts as a barrier to individuals making informed decisions regarding healthier dietary choices. Even healthcare professionals such as general practitioners (Vrkatić et al., 2022) and physicians (Aggarwal et al., 2018) have been observed to exhibit deficiencies in nutrition education, knowledge, training, and aptitude. This hurdle highlights the important role of dietitians and nutrition professionals in delivering expert guidance and support. However, many healthcare systems and communities struggle to provide adequate resources and funding for dietetic services (Vilar-Compte et al., 2021). This deficiency further exacerbates the existing barriers to obtaining accurate and personalized nutrition information (Garcia et al., 2020; Stewart-Knox et al., 2016). Addressing this accessibility disparity is crucial to ensure equitable access to quality dietary guidance and promote overall health and well-being.
According to Garcia and Garcia, (2023), the global efforts to implement dietary education programs for improving nutrition knowledge is still insufficient due to the pervasiveness of nutrition-related problems. This topic is a significant concern because the lack of nutritional knowledge and education has notable implications for public health outcomes (Mikkelsen et al., 2016). Bhawra et al., (2023) have emphasized the necessity for innovative approaches to address this problem. Recently, Arslan (2023) has expressed optimism about the potential of ChatGPT in delivering personalized recommendations in the field of nutrition. However, there is still limited literature available on the utilization of ChatGPT in this domain. Therefore, this paper delves into the potential of ChatGPT as a tool for enhancing nutrition knowledge by answering the following:
- What are the features of nutrition applications that ChatGPT can or cannot emulate?
- How can ChatGPT assist throughout each stage of the Nutrition Care Process?
- Can ChatGPT effectively replace dietitians and nutrition professionals?
Background of the Study
Technological Innovations in the Healthcare Sector
The proliferation of technological innovations has been instrumental in strengthening the digital transformation of the healthcare sector (Iyanna et al., 2022). These advancements have introduced a variety of novel health information technologies (HIT) that empower healthcare professionals to augment patient care and streamline operational processes. Scholarly literature acknowledges the profound influence of HIT, including telemedicine services (Tavares et al., 2023), deep-learning-based medical image analysis (Maaliw et al., 2022), three-dimensional bioprinting (Barua et al., 2023), digital game-based rehabilitation (Çaliş et al., 2023), and conversational chatbots (Solanki et al., 2023). Through the integration of HIT into day-to-day operations, healthcare professionals can leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance clinical decision-making, streamline administrative tasks, and optimize resource allocation. More importantly, the transformative impact of HIT extends beyond individual patient interactions. It also facilitates the aggregation and analysis of data that can enable evidence-based practice and research (Sheikh et al., 2021). Overall, the integration of HIT in healthcare holds tremendous potential for revolutionizing the industry and driving improved outcomes for patients.
Novel Digital Technologies for Personalized Nutrition
Digital technologies are transforming the approach and implementation of personalized nutrition, which involves tailoring dietary recommendations and interventions to individual needs based on factors like genetics, lifestyle, preferences, and health goals. There is a growing recognition among experts that nutrition applications can be leveraged for behavior improvement, dietary intake assessment, and physical activity monitoring (Abrahams & Matusheski, 2020; Paramastri et al., 2020). These applications typically incorporate extensive nutritional databases, enabling them to provide recipe suggestions and personalized recommendations aligned with individual goals, food preferences, and dietary restrictions. For instance, recommender systems like the Virtual Dietitian (Garcia et al., 2021) can assist individuals in making personalized and evidence-based dietary decisions. In a systematic review, Abhari et al., (2019) identified knowledge-based systems as one of the most prevalent types of recommender systems. This form of artificial intelligence (AI) utilizes a repository of human expertise to support decision-making.
Characteristics | ChatGPT | Knowledge-Based Systems |
---|---|---|
Computational approach | Data-driven | Knowledge-driven |
Learning capability | Transfer learning | Explicit knowledge |
Decision making | Contextual understanding | Rule-based logic |
User interaction | Human-like conversations | Guided knowledge queries |
Use cases | Conversational applications | Expert systems |
Current Research on Nutrition and ChatGPT
The emergence of ChatGPT as another novel AI technology represents a significant advancement in the field of nutrition. Unlike other nutrition applications, ChatGPT offers dynamic and interactive conversational capabilities to provide personalized and engaging nutrition education to individuals seeking guidance and information. For instance, while both ChatGPT and knowledge-based systems fall under the umbrella of AI, they have distinct differences in their underlying architectures and functionalities (see Table 1). In a recent letter to the editor, Arslan, (2023) expressed that ChatGPT presents promising prospects for delivering personalized recommendations in areas such as nutrition. However, the potential applications and limitations of ChatGPT within the domain of nutrition remain relatively unexplored. Existing publications predominantly focus on related medical and health sciences, such as microbiology (Sivasubramanian et al., 2023), nursing (Seney et al., 2023), parasitology (Huh, 2023), radiology (Bhayana et al., 2023), and medicine (Sedaghat, 2023). Thus, further discussions are warranted to ascertain the potential applications and limitations of ChatGPT in the domain of nutrition.
ChatGPT as a Nutrition Tool
Due to the limited research exploring the utilization of ChatGPT in the nutrition field, its viability as a tool in this domain remains uncertain. To establish a basis, this paper relied on insights from existing research conducted in other relevant disciplines. According to the proposition of Seetharaman, (2023), although ChatGPT may not possess an equivalent level of expertise as healthcare professionals, it holds the potential to serve as a valuable tool for individuals who lack professional expertise in the field. Zhu et al., (2023) concurred with this notion, as their findings indicated that ChatGPT outperformed other large language models in terms of providing accurate medical information. A separate assessment conducted by Kung et al., (2023) involved subjecting ChatGPT to the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE). Despite lacking any specialized training, the findings revealed that ChatGPT achieved scores that were either at or close to the passing threshold for all three exams. These encouraging outcomes promote the possibility that ChatGPT could also exhibit promising performance in the nutrition domain. Nevertheless, additional evaluation is required to validate this proposition.
What are the features of nutrition applications that ChatGPT can or cannot emulate?
People have long relied on nutrition applications to track their daily food intake, monitor macronutrient ratios, and access valuable information for nutrition education. These applications have played a significant role in helping people manage their dietary habits and make informed choices about their nutrition. With the advent of ChatGPT, there is now an opportunity to explore how this advanced language model can further enhance nutrition knowledge and contribute to the field. To initiate the discourse regarding its potential in improving nutrition knowledge, this paper explores common features of nutrition applications as references. Examining these features may serve as a basis for identifying areas where ChatGPT can contribute to the field of nutrition.
Verified Nutrition Database
Nutrition applications heavily rely on comprehensive databases that contain accurate information regarding the nutritional composition of different foods and ingredients. One example is the Plan-Cook-Eat application that utilized a combination of the Philippine Food Composition Table, My Food Data, FooDb, and USDA Food Composition Databases (Garcia, 2019). These nutrition databases serve as a crucial resource for analyzing dietary intake, providing personalized recommendations, and facilitating nutritional tracking. Consequently, users can search for specific foods and learn about their macro- and micronutrient composition (e.g., What is the nutritional value of 100 grams of broccoli?). Unfortunately, it is plausible that ChatGPT lacks a verified nutrition database of its own and instead relies on various publicly available databases to retrieve nutritional information. This reliance on external sources may pose limitations in terms of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the retrieved nutritional data.
Personalized Meal Planner
Meal planning is an important process for ensuring a healthy and well-balanced diet. More importantly, tailoring meals to accommodate individual preferences, dietary restrictions, and daily caloric requirements is crucial for improving adherence to a particular meal plan (Garcia et al., 2021). When ChatGPT is presented with this range of variables (see sample prompt below), it is more likely to generate personalized meal plans that cater to individual needs. Like other knowledge-based systems, ChatGPT can function as a robust recommender system with its advanced algorithms and language processing capabilities. This feature helps users diversify their diet, discover new healthy recipes, and optimize their nutrient intake. It also promotes a better understanding of how to create well-rounded meals while accommodating dietary considerations.
Sample prompt: I am looking for a personalized meal plan that can help me manage my weight while following a vegetarian diet. To maintain my weight, I need to eat 2500 calories per day. I usually eat three times a day. I prefer Filipino cuisine, but I have a peanut allergy. Suggest a meal plan that consists of breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Food Intake Tracker
Monitoring food consumption also plays a vital role in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Many nutrition applications (e.g., Garcia et al., 2022) incorporate this crucial feature to facilitate daily intake tracking. This feature helps users understand their dietary patterns, identify nutrient deficiencies or excesses, and make informed and healthier choices about their food intake. Conversely, although capable of retaining past conversations, the interface of ChatGPT does not adhere to the structure and functionality of a conventional food diary. For instance, the absence of a calendar feature makes it more challenging to navigate and review previous food intake. Unlike the user interface presented in Figure 1, ChatGPT lacks the functionality to easily confirm whether the suggested food from the meal plan has been consumed. This limitation in the ChatGPT interface can make it difficult for users to effectively monitor their food consumption.Dietary Advice and Guidance
The capability of a nutrition tool to offer dietary advice and guidance is paramount in empowering individuals to engage in interactive discussions about their nutrition-related inquiries. Unfortunately, most existing nutrition applications lack this functionality due to their limited capacity to comprehend human language. ChatGPT demonstrates superiority in this regard owing to its conversational nature. Users can pose inquiries related to various food groups, the significance of specific nutrients, or seek clarification regarding prevalent dietary misconceptions. This feature promotes nutrition education as it empowers users to engage in meaningful discussions. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge persisting concerns regarding the accuracy of the advice offered, despite prior reports indicating positive outcomes.
Sample Prompt: Can you explain the difference between saturated fats and unsaturated fats and provide recommendations on which types of fats are healthier to consume?
Community and Support
Many nutrition applications foster a sense of community by providing forums, groups, and other social features where users can interact, share experiences, and seek advice. Despite its ability to communicate with users, it is important to acknowledge that ChatGPT may not fully replicate the immersive experience of such communities. These real-world communities possess unique social dynamics and the ability to bring together individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. Interacting with others in these communities allows for the exchange of firsthand knowledge, personal anecdotes, and collective wisdom. This feature can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of nutrition by providing an opportunity to learn from others.
Assessment Tools and Calculators
Assessment tools and calculators are essential features of nutrition applications because they provide users with personalized insights, guidance, and a quantifiable understanding of their dietary habits. These tools can evaluate nutrient intake, identify deficiencies or excesses, and suggest appropriate adjustments. Additionally, they assist users in determining their daily calorie requirements, macronutrient distribution, and body mass index. ChatGPT can perform similar functions by replicating the algorithms and formulas used in assessment tools and calculators. For example, ChatGPT can calculate the Total Daily Energy Expenditure by considering parameters such as height, weight, age, gender, and activity level, as shown in the given prompt:
Sample Prompt: I am interested in knowing the number of calories I burn in a day. Here are my details: I am 31 years old, male, with a height of 177 centimeters and a weight of 92 kilograms. Additionally, I would describe my activity level as very active.
Tips and Reminders
Nutrition applications commonly include a feature that sends daily tips and reminders to their users, aiming to inform and motivate them to adopt healthier choices and improve their nutrition (Tonkin et al., 2017). These automated messages serve as gentle prompts and constant sources of inspiration to support individuals in their pursuit of better eating habits. It is worth noting that although ChatGPT is not a mobile application capable of delivering such messages directly, users can leverage its capabilities to obtain strategies and supplementary information about nutrition and practices for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Sample Prompt: Can you suggest healthy options for satisfying sweet cravings?
Nutrition Education Materials
Interactive lessons and modules that provide users with in-depth information about various aspects of nutrition are another prevalent feature. These modules may also incorporate assessments to reinforce learning and improve nutrition knowledge. While ChatGPT does not have an interface with nutrition education materials, it may still serve as a learning platform where users can ask questions (e.g., What are some good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids?).
How can ChatGPT assist throughout each stage of the Nutrition Care Process?
Dietitians and nutrition professionals frequently employ the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) in providing individualized care to their clients (Garcia et al., 2021). As shown in Figure 2, this systematic methodology encompasses a series of steps, such as (1) nutrition assessment, (2) nutrition diagnosis, (3) nutrition intervention, and (4) nutrition monitoring and evaluation. ChatGPT can play a valuable role in assisting with various aspects of the NCP.
Nutrition Assessment
The NCP begins with the collection and interpretation of pertinent information concerning an individual's current nutritional status, clinical history, physical condition, and other physiological and pathological factors. This initial assessment serves as a foundation for understanding the individual’s specific nutritional requirements and identifying any existing or potential nutrition-related issues. The data obtained during this phase encompasses various elements, such as anthropometric measurements (e.g., height, weight, and body composition), biochemical data, clinical observations, and dietary intake assessments (commonly referred to as the ABCD method). Some examples of how ChatGPT can assist in this phase are as follows:
- Answer questions about specific nutrients, their functions, and dietary sources.
- Provide general information on dietary guidelines and recommendations.
- Assess individual nutrition needs based on factors such as age, sex, and activity level.
- Offer dietary assessment tools and calculators to estimate nutrient intake.
- Provide guidance on assessing body composition and interpreting results.
- Explain common nutrition-related health conditions or risk factors.
Nutrition Diagnosis
Following the completion of the assessment, dietitians and nutrition professionals proceed to identify and describe specific nutritional problems or issues. They formulate a clear and concise diagnosis, which serves as the foundation for developing an appropriate intervention plan for the subsequent phase. These diagnoses are formulated using standardized terminology (e.g., International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology) or other widely recognized classification systems. The comprehensive nature of these systematic frameworks ensures that dietitians consider various factors when formulating diagnoses and intervention plans. Some examples of how ChatGPT can assist in this phase are as follows:
- Provide examples of evidence-based nutrition diagnoses for common health conditions.
- Assist in identifying nutrition-related problems based on the assessment findings.
- Explain the significance of nutrition diagnoses in developing intervention plans.
- Help identify potential comorbidities that may influence the nutrition diagnosis.
- Offer guidance on documenting nutrition diagnoses in a standardized format.
- Assist in identifying nutrition-related risk factors for specific populations.
Nutrition Intervention
After the nutrition diagnoses have been established, dietitians and nutrition professionals proceed to create a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the identified issues. This plan encompasses specific nutrition interventions, goals, and strategies that are tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. The interventions employed may involve various approaches, such as dietary modifications, personalized meal planning, nutrition education, counseling, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians and other specialists). In certain cases, collaboration with other healthcare professionals is necessary to ensure comprehensive care. Some examples of how ChatGPT can assist in this phase are as follows:
- Offer general dietary recommendations for various health conditions or goals.
- Recommend personalized meal plans based on specific dietary needs or preferences.
- Provide tips for modifying recipes to improve nutritional content.
- Suggest behavior change techniques that can support adherence to dietary interventions.
- Give guidance on portion control and meal frequency for weight management.
- Suggest resources for finding nutritionally balanced recipes and meal ideas.
Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation
In the final step of the NCP, dietitians and nutrition professionals undertake the crucial task of assessing and monitoring the effectiveness of the implemented nutrition intervention over time. This process involves collecting relevant data to evaluate whether the established goals and objectives are being achieved and making necessary adjustments to the intervention plan as required. Regular follow-up and consistent communication with the individual are essential for tracking progress, addressing any concerns, and providing ongoing support. This continuous monitoring and evaluation ensure that the intervention plan remains tailored to the individual's evolving needs. Some examples of how ChatGPT can assist in this phase are as follows:
- Provide guidance in setting measurable goals related to nutrition interventions.
- Offer tools for tracking food intake, physical activity, and other relevant lifestyle factors.
- Assist in interpreting and analyzing nutrition-related data collected during monitoring.
- Explain how to interpret changes in laboratory results related to nutrition interventions.
- Assist in identifying potential challenges or barriers to achieving nutrition goals.
- Offer resources for conducting follow-up assessments and adjusting interventions.
Can ChatGPT effectively replace dietitians and nutrition professionals?
Numerous recent publications in the field of medical and health sciences have explored whether ChatGPT can serve as a substitute for healthcare professionals. The consensus among researchers and experts is that ChatGPT is unable to replace professionals in these domains for several reasons. For instance, Cheng et al., (2023) noted that the experience, training, and expertise of a qualified infectious disease doctor cannot be replicated by ChatGPT. These medical professionals completed formal education and underwent years of training to specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating infectious diseases. Similarly, Frank et al., (2023) concurred in the field of rheumatology, emphasizing that the critical thinking, expertise, and experience that rheumatologists possess cannot be adequately substituted by ChatGPT. These capabilities, which include clinical training and the ability to exercise clinical judgment are intricately tied to human expertise. Following these viewpoints, it is similarly asserted in this paper that ChatGPT cannot serve as a replacement for dietitians and nutrition professionals.
From a technical standpoint, the primary reason why ChatGPT cannot fully replace experts is that it is not specifically designed as a nutrition application. As previously discussed, nutrition knowledge-based systems possess certain functionalities that are either absent or not fully replicated by ChatGPT. Since even these specialized nutrition applications have been unable to fully replace the expertise of professionals in the field, it is reasonable to deduce that ChatGPT is similarly constrained in its capacity. Instead, ChatGPT can serve as a valuable supplementary tool rather than a complete substitute. Expert validation and consultation remain crucial in ensuring accurate and reliable information for optimal care and guidance. As noted by Sivasubramanian et al., (2023) in medical education, human oversight is essential for ChatGPT to serve as a meaningful learning platform. Sanmarchi et al., (2023) share the sentiment that blindly accepting AI-generated answers may pose significant risks to the integrity of science. It is crucial to acknowledge that ChatGPT also has its own set of limitations.
Incorrect Responses
While ChatGPT relies on a vast amount of data, it may still generate incorrect or outdated information. For instance, Niszczota and Rybicka, (2023) examined the credibility of dietary advice provided by ChatGPT. The findings revealed that ChatGPT occasionally formulates unsafe diets and inaccurately specifies food quantities and energy values. This limitation emphasizes the importance of cautious interpretation, human validation, and expert judgment. Meanwhile, the reliance of ChatGPT on user-provided information may cause these incorrect responses. This situation can occur when the data provided by users is not necessarily accurate or comprehensive. Therefore, it is still advisable to consult experts in the field and exercise personal judgment when making decisions based on the generated content.
Coordinated Nutrition Services
In complex cases involving multiple medical conditions, intricate medication regimens, or specialized dietary requirements, ChatGPT may not have the capacity to provide comprehensive and tailored nutrition guidance. These situations often require the involvement of coordinated nutrition services that collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of specialized professionals (Rattray & Roberts, 2022). For instance, a patient with concurrent diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease who is taking multiple medications with varying interactions and has specific dietary restrictions would require comprehensive nutrition guidance beyond the capabilities of ChatGPT. In such cases, coordinated nutrition services would involve a registered dietitian working closely with the patient's primary care physician, endocrinologist, nephrologist, and potentially other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures that the patient receives tailored and well-coordinated nutrition guidance to effectively manage their health conditions.
Hands-On Demonstration
The hands-on approach creates a tangible connection between theory and practice. It allows users to observe, interact, and experience firsthand the practical aspects of nutrition. Unfortunately, ChatGPT cannot physically demonstrate any tasks that require direct manipulation of objects. For instance, it cannot provide hands-on guidance for meal preparation techniques, portion control, or cooking skills, which are valuable aspects of nutrition education and behavior change. This limitation prevents users from actively engaging their senses, which are crucial for understanding food qualities and developing informed dietary habits. It is also unable to demonstrate how to properly measure anthropometric parameters, such as height, weight, or body composition. These measurements are fundamental in assessing an individual's nutritional status, determining appropriate dietary interventions, and monitoring progress over time.
Physical Examination
In the nutrition assessment phase of the NCP, a nutrition-focused physical examination is considered a vital process (Hummell & Cummings, 2022). Aside from the typical anthropometric measurements, dietitians and nutrition professionals evaluate various factors such as hair texture, skin condition, level of fitness, muscle wasting, edema, and more. Unfortunately, ChatGPT is unable to perform physical examinations due to the absence of video camera and video processing features. Therefore, it cannot evaluate body composition and detect nutritional deficiencies. The exclusion of these physiological aspects hampers the precision of its nutrition recommendations.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues
During a physical checkup, both verbal and non-verbal cues are likewise observed to gather valuable information. Verbal cues involve the information shared by the client regarding their dietary habits, food preferences, eating patterns, and any nutrition-related symptoms or concerns. Non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice, provide additional insights into the client's emotional state, comfort level, and attitudes toward food and nutrition. Unfortunately, ChatGPT cannot interpret these cues in real-time conversations. This limitation prevents ChatGPT from accurately assessing any underlying factors that may influence an individual's nutrition-related behaviors and choices.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects
Another limitation of ChatGPT is its inability to effectively address emotional and psychological factors that often require a more empathetic and human approach. For instance, individuals may struggle with issues such as stress, emotional eating, or disordered eating patterns, which necessitate a sensitive and understanding response. According to Cardoso et al. (2020), individuals may benefit from exchanging their own experiences and recognizing the connection between emotions and eating behaviors. Unfortunately, ChatGPT may not possess the same level of emotional support, empathy, and rapport-building capabilities as human professionals do during nutrition counseling or interventions.
Real-Time Monitoring and Feedback
Due to its inherent reliance on text-based communication and web-based platform, ChatGPT is limited in its ability to perform real-time monitoring and feedback. Unlike smartphone applications that can proactively engage with users, ChatGPT requires users to initiate the interaction. These dependencies indicate delayed responses, a lack of contextual awareness, and the absence of mechanisms to track user engagement or provide immediate interventions. Consequently, it falls short in delivering immediate and dynamic support comparable to real-time human interactions or dedicated monitoring devices.
Wearable Device Integration
Numerous nutrition applications allow for the integration of wearable devices to collect real-time data on physical activity levels, vital signs, and other health metrics (Garcia et al., 2022). This integration enables users to track their progress, gain insights into their overall health and wellness, and make informed decisions about their nutrition and lifestyle. However, as ChatGPT operates solely as a text-based model, it lacks the ability to directly interact with or interpret data from wearable devices. This limitation prevents ChatGPT to leverage real-time information from wearable devices and to offer tailored feedback based on physiological data.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
Numerous healthcare studies (e.g., Javaid et al., 2023) express concerns about the ethical implications and raise privacy issues that are also applicable to the nutrition domain. Unlike human professionals, ChatGPT lacks the ethical awareness and sensitivity required to responsibly handle personal information. Nevertheless, engaging with ChatGPT involves divulging personal health data, dietary habits, and other sensitive information to ensure accurate nutrition information. Consequently, ensuring the privacy and security of this data becomes crucial to protect individuals' confidentiality and maintain the trust of users in the system.
Conclusion
This paper highlights the potential of utilizing ChatGPT as a tool to enhance nutrition knowledge. ChatGPT can replicate certain features commonly found in nutrition applications and can excel in certain conversational tasks. However, it is important to note that ChatGPT is not specifically designed as a nutrition application. This flaw indicates that there are inherent limitations to its capabilities that are essential considerations within the context of nutrition education. While ChatGPT can offer guidance and furnish valuable information for certain tasks within the NCP, it does not supplant the expertise and comprehensive support provided by dietitians and nutrition professionals. Therefore, the role of ChatGPT should be seen as a complementary tool rather than a standalone replacement within the field of nutrition. Overall, ChatGPT holds promise as a valuable contributor to the enhancement of nutrition knowledge, although further research and development are needed to optimize its capabilities.