Artificial intelligence, or AI, is changing how nutrition professionals work, whether in clinical care, public health, or research.
To help nutrition professionals manage the growing role of AI, a joint task force from the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) A Resource Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The manual is now published in ASN American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and provides practical guidelines for the responsible use of AI in nutrition practice and research.
Nutrition professionals see AI-powered tools being used in many areas, from food supply monitoring and dietary pattern analysis to clinical decision support. As these tools become more popular, it’s important to understand how they work and how to use them responsibly. The use of AI in food requires strong governance, transparent data practices and adherence to ethical principles.
Why this resource guide is important
AI can help make sense of complex data, inform decisions and support more personalized nutrition guidance. At the same time, it raises important questions about data quality, bias and professional standards.
The guide provides a practical starting point for building the knowledge and skills needed to explore how AI is used in food practice and research. It also helps professionals identify key factors to consider when evaluating AI tools on the market, such as transparency, data quality, bias, and compliance with ethical guidelines. The working group plans to expand on this work in a future publication, which will address the nuances and challenges of the industry in different areas of nutrition.
Responsible use of AI in food
The guide encourages nutrition professionals to carefully evaluate AI tools before using them. This means understanding how the tool works, where its data comes from, whether it has been reviewed for bias, and whether it meets ethical guidelines and professional standards.
Professionals don’t need to be AI experts to start using these tools. However, it is important to have a basic understanding. Education and training can help build the skills needed to use AI effectively. Courses and certification programs are available for professionals at all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Working with data scientists, mathematicians, and biostatisticians can also help nutrition professionals gain awareness and make informed decisions.
As AI becomes increasingly important in nutrition research and practice, this resource offers a practical place to start. learn A Resource Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and consider how AI can fit into your work. By staying informed, following best practices, and staying compliant, nutrition professionals can use AI in a way that is reliable, fair, and consistent with professional standards.
