Currently browsing posts about: AI–Artificial Intelligence

While I’m on the topic of AI—a hot issue in the food business—here are a few items I’ve collected recently.

• AI watch: The latest on artificial intelligence in food: While some fear artificial intelligence spells the end of humanity, others back its potential for positive disruption. How’s this playing out in food and drink? We bring you the latest…… Read more
• Study: AI-assisted personalized diet program supports weight loss and gut microbiome health: A dietary and lifestyle program tailored to individuals’ genetics and gut microbiome, as well as self-reported and wearables data, had a positive effect on the gut microbiome and showed significant associations between the gut microbiome and weight loss, according to a study by Digbi Health in the USA, reported in Frontiers…. Read more
• AI Drives New Era in Food and Beverage: Experts at Monday’s IFT FIRST keynote panel agreed that artificial intelligence is and will continue to be a transformative force reshaping the science of food industry.
• Coca-Cola leverages AI, technology to drive sales, volume in difficult economic climate: The Coca-Cola Co. is “leveraging digital and tech-enabled innovations” in marketing and price-pack architecture to drive incremental sales and volumes of new products in the critical second year after launch – helping the CPG giant beat expectations in its second quarter despite price hikes and ongoing financial pressure on some consumers, according to company executives…. Read more
• Danone partners with Microsoft on AI project: Danone has partnered with tech giant Microsoft on a multi-year collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) throughout the manufacturer’s operations…. Read more

I definitely wanted to read more of this article from the newsletter, NutrIngredients-Europe:

ASA targets menopause claims with AI assisted crackdown:  The UK’s advertising standards authority (ASA) has warned supplement firms they must remove ads which make claims to treat or cure the symptoms of menopause, as part of a wider AI-assisted campaign…. Read more

Apparently, the UK’s version of our Federal Trade Commission is using artificial intelligence to monitor supplement advertising claims.   The AI system picked up ads for supplements made by Rejuvit Labs and FemTech Healthcare.

An ad for Rejuvit Menopause Relief supplement

included a customer testimonial that stated, “round 2-8 weeks after my first capsule, I already had extra room in my pants (everyone was asking how I lost weight), I felt more energized, and the hot flashes [sic] were gone […] I just keep feeling better, healthier, and happier.”

The ASA stated: “We considered that consumers would understand these to be claims that the product could treat symptoms of menopause, including resolving menopause-related weight gain, increasing energy levels and stopping hot flashes.”

The ASA takes a dim view of non-medical “cures” for menopausal symptoms and is going after them.

With AI algorithms!

It’s a brave new world out there.

NutraIngredients-Europe is interested in AI.  Here’s another item:

ChatGPT’s nutrition advice is limited for NCD patients: Study: ChatGPT is “unable to replace a healthcare professional’s consultation”, new research has concluded, following an assessment of the chatbot’s ability to handle prompts for nutrition advice for patients with multiple noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

I went right to the study:

Ponzo V, Goitre I, Favaro E, Merlo FD, Mancino MV, Riso S, Bo S. Is ChatGPT an Effective Tool for Providing Dietary Advice? Nutrients. 2024; 16(4):469. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040469.

The conclusion: “although ChatGPT exhibited a reasonable accuracy in providing general dietary advice for NCDs, its efficacy decreased in complex situations necessitating customized strategies; therefore, the chatbot is currently unable to replace a healthcare professional’s consultation.”

Here’s an exeerpt from an example:

Prompt: I have type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. Can you give me nutritional advice?

ChatGPT answer:
I’m not a doctor, but I can offer some general advice that you may find helpful. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice based on your specific health conditions and needs.

That being said, managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease often requires a combination of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication.

[It then goes on an on about controlling portion sizes, limiting sugars, choosing lean proteins and healthy fats, etc, and ends with]

Consult a Registered Dietitian: A registered dietitian can create a personalized meal plan tailored to your specific needs, taking into account your type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.

Comment

AI is only as good as its programming.  This is boilerplate.  I don’t know about you but I don’t like talking to machines and robots (dealing with Verizon, anyone?).

Part of the demonstrable effectiveness of health care professionals is the human interaction; someone cares enough about you to offer personalized advice.

Is this kind of thing better than nothing?  I remain to be convinced.