The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) on Thursday in Ibadan warned people  against taking advice from self-styled nutrition experts.

The President of the Society, Dr Barth Brai, gave the  warning while speaking with newsmen.

“There are many self-acclaimed nutritionists who are giving misleading information to unsuspecting members of the public  looking for remedies for their ailments or those who want to live healthy lives.

“This has led to worsening health conditions and impacted negatively on the  nutrition profession in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, there is  little regulation on  the tag of  nutritionist and this  contributes to a growing number of self-appointed experts.

“Nowadays,  anyone can call himself or herself  a nutrition expert and the social media is loaded with self-styled experts whose advice can harm  or further complicate a medical condition.

“Much of the online advice from self-styled nutritionists are  questionable and potentially harmful to  health,” he said.

Brai urged Nigerians  to seek evidence- based information from genuine and  carefully selected experts to answer their questions on diet and how it relates to their health and well-being.

“There’s a lot of wrong information that people are spreading all over the country on what to eat and  what not to eat.

“There is no  fit all size  on nutrition advice  for everyone, there are specifics to be considered depending on each individual,” he added.

Brai also called for media support on helping to raise awareness about the risk of following random advice regarding nutrition.

NAN