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Amid the rapid spread of nutritional rumors and misconceptions promoted by some social media platforms, and the resulting ill-considered health and treatment decisions that can harm patients, the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute continues its leading role as a scientific and medical beacon in protecting health awareness and guiding society towards sound scientific knowledge. In this context, the Institute organized a specialized awareness lecture entitled: “Correcting Misconceptions about Nutrition: Between Fact and Fiction,” under the auspices of Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board, with the active participation of the Therapeutic Nutrition Unit in cooperation with the Community Service and Environmental Development Committee.

The lecture was part of the Institute’s efforts to promote health awareness and counter the flood of inaccurate information. It witnessed significant attendance and interaction, presented by a select group of physicians specializing in therapeutic nutrition at the Institute. They reviewed, in a simplified scientific manner, the most prominent issues related to nutrition, focusing on correcting common misconceptions and deconstructing several prevalent notions lacking a scientific basis, while presenting correct alternatives based on the latest approved medical guidelines.

The event began with a session exploring the concept of healthy nutrition and the importance of achieving nutritional balance as a cornerstone for maintaining human health and preventing disease. This was followed by a detailed scientific discussion of the medical risks resulting from unjustified nutritional deprivation. Dr. Nouran Magdy El-Aqqad, a specialist in public health and therapeutic nutrition, explained that following strict diets without medical supervision can lead to serious imbalances in bodily functions.

Dr. Mennat Allah Hossam and Dr. Amal Mohamed, also specialists in public health and therapeutic nutrition, discussed the growing influence of social media trends and unverified nutritional advice. They pointed out that this phenomenon has become one of the most significant challenges facing physicians, given the confusion it causes among patients and the disruption it creates in their treatment decisions.

In the same vein, Dr. Dina Eid Bishr, a specialist in public health and therapeutic nutrition, addressed the importance of distinguishing between accurate nutritional information and misconceptions. She emphasized that scientific references should be based on evidence-based medicine, not on individual experiences or unreliable personal opinions.

Dr. Hind Gamal, a clinical pathologist in the Hematology Research Department and a clinical nutritionist, explained that therapeutic nutrition is a complementary part of a comprehensive treatment plan and should not be considered a substitute for medication or medical intervention when needed. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts that many patients need to correct.

In the second part of the lecture, the focus was on the most prevalent dietary trends that lack a scientific basis. Dr. Noha Mohamed Abdel Rahman, an assistant immunology researcher and consultant in clinical pathology and therapeutic nutrition, reviewed several of these practices through various examples, such as complete carbohydrate elimination, reliance on so-called "detox" diets and cleansing juices, and the belief that high-protein diets are a magic solution suitable for everyone. She emphasized that these trends contradict established scientific guidelines and may pose serious health risks.

Dr. Ingy Mohsen, Assistant Researcher in Immunology and Consultant in Clinical Pathology and Therapeutic Nutrition, addressed the phenomenon of promoting dietary supplements as quick and magical solutions for burning fat, alongside the unscientific and medically unjustified exclusion of essential nutrients such as dairy and eggs. She warned of the serious health consequences of these ill-considered practices.

The lecture concluded with a crucial discussion on the vital role of water in therapeutic nutrition. Dr. Marwa Abdel Ghani Mohamed, Assistant Researcher in Public Health, Consultant in Therapeutic Nutrition, and Deputy Supervisor of the Therapeutic Nutrition Unit at the Institute, explained the importance of maintaining fluid balance in the body and its impact on various vital functions. She also reviewed the clinical signs of dehydration and how to manage it, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal and kidney diseases.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, explained that organizing this event reflects the scientific approach adopted by the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, which is based on consolidating its position as a leading national authority in disseminating evidence-based health awareness and decisively confronting anything that might mislead patients or threaten their safety. He also emphasized that the responsibility of research and medical institutions is no longer limited to providing treatment, but extends to leading the battle for public awareness against the flood of inaccurate information. This is achieved through continuous education, simplifying scientific knowledge, and linking it to the needs of citizens, thus ensuring the building of a more informed society capable of making sound health decisions.

This lecture exemplifies one of the effective models of the integrated role played by the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute in serving the community. It does not merely provide advanced medical care, but also strives to establish a conscious health culture that combats rumors and supports facts, stemming from its belief that awareness is the first line of defense against diseases and that science is the only way to protect human health.