“Nutrition myths continue to resonate with people because food is such an emotional and deeply personal part of our lives,” says Aundrea Parker, MS, RDN, LD, pediatric research and nutrition scientist at Abbott. “It’s more than fuel; it's culture, comfort, routine and even entertainment. Because of that, everyone feels connected to food and often confident about their own opinions and experiences.”
In 2026, Abbott registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are calling out the nutrition myths they want people to stop believing and clarifying the science behind nutrition.
Why Nutrition Myths Are Hard to Let Go
Nutrition science is complex and constantly evolving, requiring evaluation and personalization in messaging and guidance. Instead, algorithms reward attention-grabbing posts and videos. Unfortunately, this can perpetuate misinformation, leading to physical and mental health consequences.
“I often see nutrition misinformation create significant confusion, leaving people unsure about whom or what to trust,” says Bridget Cassady, PhD, RDN, LD, a scientist and registered dietitian nutritionist at Abbott. “Over time, this erodes confidence in credible, evidence-based sources of information. Fear-based messaging is especially harmful because it reinforces anxiety, guilt or shame around food. This emotional response can drive people toward overly restrictive or unbalanced eating patterns and set unrealistic expectations for what ‘healthy’ is supposed to look like.”
Separating Nutrition Fact From Fiction
Registered dietitian nutritionists at Abbott are working to combat this misinformation with evidence. In their work, these nutrition experts consistently hear the same misconceptions from patients, consumers and caregivers.
Myth #1: “You Need to Eat Perfectly to be Healthy”
What People Believe: Many people think health requires rigid rules or “perfect” eating. If their diet isn’t flawless, they assume they’re doing something wrong.
What Science Shows: Research supports flexible, balanced dietary patterns over perfection-driven approaches. Consistency and variety are more sustainable than strict rules or eliminating entire food groups.
Myth #2: “Seed Oils Are Bad for You”
What People Believe: Seed oils are often portrayed negatively, leading many consumers to avoid them altogether.
What Science Shows: Seed oils can be part of a healthy dietary pattern and provide essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are fats that the human body cannot make but are required for normal physiological functions (things like the formation of the membrane that surrounds each cell in your body).
Since humans can’t make these fats, they must consume them from foods. Health outcomes depend on overall eating patterns, not singling out individual ingredients as inherently “good” or “bad.”
Myth #3: “You Need to Drastically Change Your Diet to See Results”
What People Believe: People often believe meaningful health improvements require extreme or multiple changes to the way they eat.
What Science Shows: Generally, small, impactful and achievable shifts over time are more effective and sustainable than drastic dietary overhauls. Gradual changes are more likely to support long-term health.
Myth #4: “Ultra-processed and Processed Foods Are Always Unhealthy”
There is currently no agreed upon scientific definition of ultra-processed foods, but the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working together to create one to help guide future policies related to these foods.
What People Believe: A common assumption is that processing automatically makes food unhealthy and therefore processed foods should always be avoided.
What Science Shows: Processing exists on a spectrum. Many processed foods play an important role in meeting nutritional needs, improving food accessibility and supporting consistency when included as part of a balanced diet.
Myth #5: “You Need to ‘Detox’ or ‘Eat Clean’ to Reset Your Health”
What People Believe: Many people believe they need to follow detox diets, cleanses or strict “clean eating” rules to undo unhealthy habits or reset their bodies.
What Science Shows: The body already has effective systems in place to detoxify itself, including the liver and kidneys. Extreme cleanses or rigid “clean eating” rules are unnecessary and can distract from sustainable, evidence-based nutrition habits.
So, What Should You Focus on Instead?
Rather than chasing nutrition trends or viral advice, Abbott experts encourage people to shift their focus to evidence-based principles that support long-term health.
Evidence-based Suggestion #1: Focus on Overall Dietary Patterns
Instead of fixating on single foods, ingredients or nutrients, focus on overall eating patterns. A balanced approach that includes a variety of foods is more effective than rigid rules or eliminating foods from the diet. Health outcomes are shaped by what you eat most of the time, not by individual foods labeled as good or bad.
As Bridget Cassady explains, “Focus less on myths and more on sustainable habits. Choose a variety of enjoyable foods, stay consistent and remember that balance, not perfection, is what truly supports long-term health.”
Evidence-based Suggestion #2: Prioritize Sustainability Over Perfection
Nutrition habits are more likely to stick when they are realistic and enjoyable. Sustainable changes, such as small improvements in balance, consistency or quality, are more effective than drastic overhauls. When changes feel manageable, they are easier to maintain over time.
Tricia Hart, MS, PhD, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Abbott, reinforces this approach: “Healthy dietary patterns emphasize flexibility and sustainability. Extreme approaches and ‘quick fixes’ can be difficult to maintain and often backfire, while gradual, practical changes help build habits that truly last.”
Evidence-based Suggestion #3: Seek Credible, Science-Based Guidance
When it comes to nutrition advice, not all sources are equal. Look for guidance that is grounded in credible science and delivered by qualified professionals, rather than relying on social media trends or anecdotal claims. Evidence-based information empowers people to make informed decisions and helps reduce unnecessary fear or confusion around food.
Michelle Johnson, MS, RDN, LD, a pediatric research scientist and registered dietitian nutritionist at Abbott, offers this reminder: “Just because someone is talking about nutrition and eats food themselves, does not mean they are a nutrition professional with accredited training, ongoing professional education and skills to advise you on personal nutrition choices. Before acting on nutrition advice, take care to consider the source and take the time to learn what nutrition experts are saying about that specific piece of nutrition information.”
The Takeaway
As we move into 2026, Abbott nutrition experts encourage consumers to question viral claims, seek credible sources, and focus on sustainable habits backed by science. Nutrition myths can spread quickly, but long-term health is best supported by evidence-based guidance and consistent, balanced choices.
As Elizabeth J. Reverri, PhD, MS, RD, FAND, a nutrition scientist and registered dietitian nutritionist at Abbott, emphasizes: “Nutrition trends come and go, but following the evidence will always provide the best nutrition.”
