Hashtag Health: Nutritionism takes over official guidelines

The surge of short-form social media has breathed new life into “nutritionism” the reductionist view that food value lies in isolated nutrients. Viral “protein hacks” and “superfood shortcuts” collide with static, nutrient-focused guidelines from EFSA and FDA, exposing a critical communication gap. Tracing this trajectory from Atwater’s macronutrient tables and early RDAs to the 1990 Nutrition Facts label, we examine how algorithms and confirmation bias magnify misinformation. We then outline a roadmap—verified platform presence, narratives, visual storytelling, interactive tools and rapid-response teams—and advocate participatory models and “Science Verified” badges to restore public trust and promote holistic, context-rich dietary guidance.