Nutrition

A new Norwegian science study reports that children and teenagers aged 9 to 18 are increasingly turning to AI chatbots instead of Google for information and everyday questions. Researchers say the shift is happening fast, but its consequences for how young people learn, judge sources and handle misinformation are still largely unknown, prompting calls for closer attention from educators and parents.

Nutrition coverage highlights concerns that AI-powered calorie-tracking apps can underestimate users' daily intake by hundreds of calories, potentially undermining people who believe they are in a calorie deficit. The warning suggests photo-based or AI-estimated portion sizes are unreliable, and dietitians caution users not to rely solely on automated estimates when tracking food for weight management.

A survey reported by Plant Based News suggests most health professionals believe key plant-based foods are underrepresented in official dietary guidelines. The finding points to a gap between what practitioners recommend for healthy eating and the guidance issued by food and health authorities. The report is being shared in plant-based and nutrition communities, with many arguing that guidelines should give greater prominence to legumes, whole grains, vegetables and other plant foods.

The gluten-free food sector is under scrutiny as growing consumer demand collides with evolving regulatory standards. Industry observers note that clearer labelling rules and stricter definitions of gluten-free products could reshape how manufacturers formulate and market their goods, while shoppers continue driving growth in the category for health and dietary reasons.

A new market forecast projects steady growth in the global dietary supplements industry through 2035, driven largely by demand for personalized nutrition products and gut health supplements such as probiotics. The report, published by market analyst IndexBox, points to rising consumer interest in tailored health solutions and digestive wellness as the main engines of expansion over the next decade.

The Nutrition Fellowship has issued a call for stronger breastfeeding support, urging improved services and policies for mothers. The appeal, reported by The Himalayan Times, highlights breastfeeding as a key public health priority. Details of specific demands, the fellowship's activities, and any official response have not yet been reported.

The US Army has deployed a registered dietitian to the Himalayas, a rare posting for a nutrition specialist. The move highlights the growing focus on nutrition and performance in extreme, high-altitude conditions, where soldiers face challenges like calorie deficits and altitude sickness. Details of the assignment remain limited, but the unusual deployment has drawn attention to how the military supports troops in demanding environments.