New York, Aug 14 (V7N) – A 60-year-old man from New York suffered severe health complications after following a diet plan generated by AI chatbot ChatGPT, which advised him to replace common salt (sodium chloride) with sodium bromide — a highly toxic substance.

According to a report published in Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases, the man, who had no significant pre-existing health issues, purchased sodium bromide online and used it as a salt substitute for three months. This led to serious symptoms, including brain dysfunction, confusion, hallucinations, and red skin lesions (bromoderma).

Doctors reported that the patient required three weeks of intensive treatment to restore electrolyte balance, after which he recovered.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the reliability of AI-generated medical advice. Experts stress that while AI tools like ChatGPT can provide easy access to health information, they cannot replace professional medical consultation. Health decisions should always be made with guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

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