# ChatGPT as a Virtual Dietitian: Exploring Its Potential as a Tool for Improving Nutrition Knowledge
## 1 Introduction  
Nutrition knowledge refers to the comprehension of fundamental principles, concepts, and guidelines related to dietary choices and their impact on health. Individuals with adequate nutrition knowledge demonstrate the capacity to critically assess nutrition information through their understanding of dietary principles, nutritional guidelines, and appropriate portion sizes [1]. According to a systematic review [2], nutrition knowledge and dietary intake have a weak but significant positive association. This finding suggests that individuals who possess a greater understanding of nutrition tend to make more informed and healthier dietary choices. A subsequent inquiry conducted by [PERSON] et al. [3] indicated that nutrition knowledge appears to exert a more pronounced impact on promoting healthier dietary habits among individuals with lower educational attainment, despite the fact that these individuals possess comparatively lower levels of nutrition knowledge than their counterparts. From a public health standpoint, it highlights the importance of nutrition knowledge in shaping our dietary behaviors [4] as well as access to credible nutrition knowledge [5]. [PERSON] et al. [6] asserted that a healthy eating pattern is linked to improved quality of life, increased life expectancy, and a diminished risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases. Therefore, health agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare practitioners prioritize the mission of augmenting the nutrition knowledge of the general population, as underscored by a multitude of studies, e.g., [7; 8; 9]. Despite various efforts and resources dedicated to this endeavor, the acquisition of sufficient nutritional knowledge continues to pose challenges. One prominent factor isthe absence of formal education, which acts as a barrier to individuals making informed decisions regarding healthier dietary choices. Even healthcare professionals such as general practitioners [10] and physicians [11] have been observed to exhibit deficiencies in nutrition education, knowledge, training, and aptitude. This hurdle highlights the important role of dietitians and nutrition professionals in delivering expert guidance and support. However, individuals worldwide tend to be dependent on sources such as advice from family and friends, books, television, and online resources for their nutrition knowledge [5; 12]. Many healthcare systems and communities likewise struggle to offer adequate resources and funding for dietetic services [13]. This deficiency further exacerbates the existing barriers (e.g., cost of nutrition services and limited access to registered dietitians) to obtaining personalized information [14; 15]. Addressing this accessibility disparity is crucial to ensure equitable access to quality dietary guidance and promote overall health. According to [PERSON] and [PERSON] [7], global efforts to implement dietary education programs for improving nutrition knowledge are still lacking due to the pervasiveness of nutrition-related problems. Some persistent issues include the rising rates of obesity, increasing prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, inadequate consumption of essential nutrients, and limited awareness of balanced and healthy eating habits among populations. This topic is a significant concern because the lack of nutritional knowledge and education has notable implications for public health outcomes and overall-being [16]. [PERSON] et al. [17] have emphasized the necessity for innovative approaches to address this problem. [PERSON] et al. [18] share a similar perspective, advocating for the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to accelerate the pursuit of improved health and well-being. They underscore the significance of AI in delivering precise tailored dietary recommendations and in advancing the creation of predictive and preventive guidelines for more effective health promotion and disease management.