Man Asked ChatGPT For A Healthier Salt Alternative, Got Toxic Tip, Landed In ICU
In a startling incident, a man narrowly escaped death after following dietary advice from an artificial intelligence platform. The individual, who often relied on AI for health guidance, landed in the Intensive Care Unit with severe complications.
The crisis began when he asked ChatGPT for alternatives to table salt. Among the suggestions was sodium bromide, a toxic compound. Using this advice led to a life-threatening case of bromide poisoning, marking a rare and alarming first linked to AI recommendations.
3-Month Sodium Bromide Intake Causes Poisoning
The case, reported by doctors from Washington University in the Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases, revealed that the man consumed sodium bromide for three months. He had been informed by ChatGPT that sodium bromide was a safe substitute for chloride.
Historically, bromide compounds were used to treat insomnia and anxiety but were discontinued due to numerous side effects. Today, bromide is mainly found in veterinary medicines and some industrial products, making bromide toxicity rare.
Hospitalized For 3 Weeks After Poisoning
Over time, he experienced confusion and other severe issues, including paranoia. He suspected his neighbour of poisoning him and became increasingly mentally unstable, even refusing to drink water despite thirst. His condition worsened, leading to his hospitalisation.
Doctors administered intravenous fluids and antipsychotic medication, which gradually improved his symptoms. Mental health treatments were also provided. A week later, he was able to communicate and explained the cause of his illness.
AI Not Reliable For Health Advice
Although the original chat log was not available, doctors replicated the query to ChatGPT, which again suggested bromide without warning about its dangers for human consumption. After three weeks of intensive treatment, the man was discharged.
Experts caution against using AI for health-related advice, emphasising that AI often fails to mention side effects of its recommendations. For critical health matters, professional medical advice is paramount. For example, symptoms like weight loss can be associated with multiple diseases, not just cancer. Therefore, one should always consult doctors for health concerns to avoid potentially harmful guidance from AI.
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