A nutritionist has debunked five health myths as social media trends leave Britons more confused than ever about what they should be doing to stay healthy.

Three in five people, or 60 per cent, feel overwhelmed by the amount of health and wellbeing advice online, a study has found.

More than half, 57 per cent, have followed health advice after seeing it on social media, while 46 per cent have bought a supplement or wellness product because of advice they have seen online.

High protein foods are the wellness trend Britons are most likely to have noticed, cited by 48 per cent, followed by weight loss jab-friendly food options at 37 per cent. 

The research by Wild Nutrition suggests the trends attracting the most attention can be some of the most difficult to understand.

Gut health products and high-fibre foods, including fibremaxxing (a social media trend to eat as much fibre as possible), topped the list of confusing wellness areas at 68 per cent.

Protein intake followed at 42 per cent, while 38 per cent were unsure whether different supplements could conflict with one another. 

Isabelle Nunn, Head of Nutrition Science and Formulation at Wild Nutrition, has exposed the biggest health myths floating around on social media.

A nutritionist has debunked five health myths as social media trends leave Britons more confused than ever about what they should be doing to stay healthy

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

Three quarters of adults, 75 per cent, believe the familiar claim, but Ms Nunn said there is no universal rule that makes breakfast the most important meal for everybody.

She said individual routines and needs matter more, although breakfast can provide a useful opportunity to add fibre and nutrients. 

Porridge oats topped with raspberries, nuts and seeds is one simple way to build a more balanced first meal.

2. You need to detox after overindulging

Six in ten Britons, 60 per cent, think a cleanse or detox is needed after a period of rich food or drinking. 

But the body already has systems, including the liver and kidneys, which continually process and remove waste. 

Ms Nunn recommends returning to balanced meals, regular hydration and sufficient sleep instead.

3. Apple cider vinegar can burn fat

More than half of adults, 54 per cent, believe the kitchen cupboard staple can help the body burn fat, a claim repeated in countless morning routine and weight loss videos. 

Ms Nunn said it can be used in dressings and meals but should not be treated as a shortcut to losing weight.

Isabelle Nunn, Head of Nutrition Science and Formulation at Wild Nutrition, has warned Britons not to rely on dramatic health claims or rigid wellness rules

4. You need electrolytes even when you are not exercising

More than two in five people, 42 per cent, believe they should drink electrolyte products regardless of how active they have been. 

Electrolytes may be useful after prolonged exercise, heavy sweating or illness, but most people do not need to add them automatically to every drink, says Ms Nunn.

5. The highest dose supplement gives the greatest benefit

A third of adults, 33 per cent, assume a larger dose must make a vitamin or supplement more effective. 

Ms Nunn said supplement quality and suitability are more important than chasing the biggest number on a label and advised consumers to choose products according to individual needs and professional guidance.

She said: ‘Consuming more fibre is one of the simplest goals we can focus on. Fibre is not just key to digestive health, it has far reaching benefits for mind, body and mood. It feeds the trillions of microbes in our gut, which are responsible for supporting energy, hormonal balance and even how well we sleep.’

The nutritionist added beans, pulses, oats, seeds, fruit, vegetables and wholegrains were all simple ways to increase fibre, and people should be particularly suspicious of advice promising dramatic results from one ingredient, product or strict rule.