Brazil's Federal Council of Nutrition (CFN) has prohibited nutritionists from using artificial intelligence to simulate clinical results [1].
The move addresses the growing use of generative technology in health marketing. By banning simulated outcomes, the council aims to prevent the spread of false or misleading claims regarding health improvements and weight loss.
The updated Code of Ethics was published April 28, 2026 [1]. The regulations target the use of AI-generated imagery or data that suggests a specific health result that was not actually achieved by a patient. This measure is designed to protect public health and ensure that clinical evidence remains grounded in reality [1], [2].
Beyond AI restrictions, the new code reinforces existing bans on promising specific outcomes to patients. Nutritionists are prohibited from guaranteeing results, as biological responses to dietary changes vary by individual [2].
The council also restricted how professionals associate their practices with commercial brands. These rules aim to reduce conflicts of interest and ensure that nutritional advice is not compromised by corporate sponsorships [1].
Additionally, the CFN updated guidelines for social media activity. The new rules require practitioners to maintain ethical standards when posting professional content online, focusing on transparency, and the avoidance of sensationalism [1], [2].
The council said the changes are necessary to adapt professional ethics to the digital age. The measures ensure that technology serves as a tool for efficiency rather than a means of deception [1].
“Brazil's Federal Council of Nutrition has prohibited nutritionists from using artificial intelligence to simulate clinical results.”
This regulation reflects a broader global trend of healthcare governing bodies reacting to the 'deepfake' era of marketing. By explicitly banning AI-simulated results, Brazil is establishing a legal and ethical boundary between legitimate clinical data and algorithmic projections, mitigating the risk of patients making health decisions based on synthetic evidence.
