Man Hospitalized After AI Diet Advice Goes Dangerously Wrong

According to Reda Wigle of the New York Post, a 60-year-old man was hospitalized after following health advice from ChatGPT that led to severe psychiatric and physical symptoms. The man, who had been looking to improve his diet, read about the harms of sodium chloride (table salt) and consulted the AI for alternatives. ChatGPT suggested swapping it for sodium bromide — a chemical mainly used for industrial cleaning, not human consumption.

Believing this was a healthy move, he replaced all table salt in his diet with sodium bromide purchased online. Over three months, the toxic exposure caused “bromism,” a rare condition linked to bromide poisoning, which can cause confusion, hallucinations, extreme thirst, acne, neurological issues, and paranoia. His symptoms became so severe that he was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold and later admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit.

Doctors noted the case highlights the dangers of relying on AI for medical guidance, as it can produce plausible-sounding but harmful misinformation. A 2025 survey found that 35% of Americans already use AI for health advice, with 63% considering it trustworthy — despite experts warning that AI lacks the context, nuance, and critical thinking of a trained professional.

Health misinformation, whether from AI, social media, or influencers, can have life-threatening consequences. And while sodium bromide may sound similar to sodium chloride, the difference between food-grade and industrial chemicals can be the difference between health and hospitalization.

Instead of turning to unverified online sources for nutrition guidance, people can Support safe, plant-based eating patterns backed by credible research — avoiding unnecessary chemicals and prioritizing whole, minimally processed foods. Choosing sustainable, cruelty-free diets not only protects personal health but also reduces environmental harm and animal suffering.

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