A shocking incident has sparked concern over the use of artificial intelligence for health advice after a 60-year-old man ended up in the hospital because of ChatGPT diet recommendations.
The man wanted to reduce his sodium intake and asked ChatGPT for an alternative to table salt. The AI suggested sodium bromide, a compound once used in early 20th-century medicines but now known to be unsafe in large doses.
Without consulting a doctor, he began using sodium bromide in his daily meals for three months. Over time, he developed confusion, paranoia, excessive thirst, and skin lesions. Medical tests confirmed bromism, a rare and dangerous condition caused by high bromide levels in the body.
Doctors said he had no prior health problems. They believe the prolonged use of sodium bromide caused severe neurological and physical symptoms. His condition became so serious that he required urgent psychiatric care and intensive treatment with fluids and electrolytes.
Health experts caution that while AI tools like ChatGPT can provide general tips, they should never replace professional medical guidance. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, clearly states in its Terms of Use that the chatbot is not intended for diagnosing or treating health issues.
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The man recovered after a three-week hospital stay. However, the case has reignited debate about the ethical limits of AI in healthcare. It also comes after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that ChatGPT’s emotional and counselling responses are not substitutes for licensed therapists, doctors, or lawyers.
This incident serves as a strong reminder: always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or treatment plan, no matter how convincing AI-generated suggestions may seem.
