Sources & Citations for myCARI

Last Updated: March 19, 2026Version: 1.0

About AI-Generated Content in myCARI

myCARI uses Google Gemini AI (provided by Google LLC via Google Cloud) to generate personalized health and nutrition insights. AI-powered features include the AI Health Coach, AI Meal Tracker, AI-Powered Goal Calculator, and Morning Briefing.

All AI-generated content in the app is clearly labeled with an “AI-Generated Content” badge and disclaimer. AI insights are for informational purposes only and are not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.

Health & Wellness Guidance Sources

The AI Health Coach provides general wellness guidance informed by published recommendations from the following organizations:

World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Physical Activity: WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour (2020) — who.int
  • Healthy Diet: WHO Healthy Diet Fact Sheet — who.int

American Heart Association (AHA)

  • Physical Activity Recommendations: AHA Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids — heart.org
  • Heart-Healthy Diet: AHA Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations — heart.org
  • Heart Rate & HRV: Understanding heart rate and heart rate variability — heart.org

USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans

  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 — U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — dietaryguidelines.gov
  • MyPlate: USDA nutrition guidance — myplate.gov

Nutrition Data Sources

USDA FoodData Central

Nutrition estimates generated by the AI Meal Tracker reference the USDA FoodData Central database, maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

FoodData Central provides nutrient profile data for a broad range of foods, including branded products, foundation foods, and survey data used in national nutrition research.

Important: Nutrition values displayed in myCARI are AI-generated estimates based on visual analysis of your meal photos. Actual nutritional content may vary based on preparation method, portion size, specific ingredients, and brand. Always verify critical dietary information with food packaging or a registered dietitian.

On-Device Wellness Indicators

The following features are calculated entirely on your device using data from Apple Health. They do not send data to Google Gemini AI or any external service.

Stress Level & Estimated Cortisol

Calculated from heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate, sleep quality, respiratory rate, sleep onset latency, and blood pressure data collected by Apple Watch and compatible devices.

Stress scoring methodology is informed by published research on HRV-based stress assessment:

  • Castaldo R, et al. “Acute mental stress assessment via short term HRV analysis in healthy adults.” Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing. 2015.
  • Kim HG, et al. “Stress and Heart Rate Variability: A Meta-Analysis and Review of the Literature.” Psychiatry Investigation. 2018;15(3):235-245. — doi.org

Important: Estimated Cortisol is a proxy wellness indicator derived from biometric patterns. It is not a laboratory cortisol measurement and should not be used for clinical decision-making.

Energy Level (Body Battery)

Calculated from sleep duration, sleep stages, HRV, resting heart rate, steps, and active energy data. The body battery model is informed by published research on physiological recovery and readiness:

  • Firstbeat Technologies. “Stress and Recovery Analysis Method Based on 24-hour Heart Rate Variability.” 2014.
  • Shaffer F, Ginsberg JP. “An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms.” Frontiers in Public Health. 2017;5:258. — doi.org

Metabolic Health Score

Calculated from seven health pillars (glucose control, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, nutrition, sleep, activity, and hydration) using data from Apple Health, logged meals, and manual entries.

Pillar scoring is informed by published clinical guidelines:

  • AHA/ACC Guidelines on cardiovascular health assessment
  • WHO Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health
  • National Sleep Foundation sleep duration recommendations — sleepfoundation.org

Medical Disclaimer

myCARI is a consumer wellness application, not a medical device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

  • AI-generated insights may contain errors or inaccuracies
  • Nutrition estimates are approximations, not exact values
  • Wellness indicators are consumer estimates, not clinical measurements
  • Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions

For complete terms, see our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Contact

If you have questions about our sources or data methodology:

MLPipes LLC — Las Vegas, Nevada