Technological innovations in the nutrition field are gaining tract. Their implementation from the use of mobile applications to artificial intelligence has become widespread.The leveraging of technologies facilitates inventive solutions to enhancing dietary effects. Digital inventions have thus far proven successful in speeding up progress in different nutrition aspects. Essentially,
Technology has contributed vastly in intervening the acquisition of nutrition–related goals. With the use of mobile applications , individuals can monitor their calorie intake accurately.
In advancing nutrition research -Data collection on diet and nutrition can be analyzed precisely using novel technologies to establish links between disease risk and dietary data-sets. Administrative records and population bio-metrics can be captured appropriately to recognize correlation elements in nutrition , diet and health. Researchers are able to track the public’s diet, reshape policies and influence advancements in food systems.
To educate the public on general nutrition information-For example, the nutrition tool known as PLATE has been gamified in certain countries i.e. Portugal to promote healthy diets among children and teenagers in schools. Nutrition apps contain basic nutrition information that informs the wider population concerning the various nutrients in various foods and how they can achieve the intake of a healthy diet.
Has aided the mechanization of food system processes allowing for better execution of tasks at faster speeds , and on a massive scale. Food system processes including production , processing etc are undertaken faster and serve a wider population with the use of advanced technologies.
Disadvantages of technology in nutrition
Risk of exploitation and misinformation-Not all information from internet sources is credible, in fact most is not. Users are susceptible to exploitation if unable to distinguish what is verified and what is misinformation.
The loss of certain nutrients during processing-Certain food processing methods that involve high heat or refining displace nutrients from foods.
The over-dependence on nutrition mobile applications likely fosters obsessive behaviours that trigger disordered eating. Individuals obsess over every calorie intake, developing an unhealthy relationship with food. They tend to select foods with low calories even if not nutritionally-adequate.This further predisposes them to high risk of nutrient deficiencies.