The celebrity chef goes on to claim there is "very little evidence" to support the standard eating advice people are normally given and a "whole stream of evidence" that is largely ignored. "What we've been told about nutrition is dangerously wrong," he says. Netflix did not promote the show's release on its Australian Twitter or Facebook pages, unlike Hannah Gadsby's comedy special or the upcoming program Disenchantment (co-written by Indigenous rapper Briggs). The Magic Pill came under fire soon after it was commissioned, with high-profile members of the medical industry calling for it to be scrapped. Australia's peak body for registered medical practitioners has now doubled down on its criticisms. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

Newly appointed AMA president Dr Tony Bartone told Fairfax Media he was worried vulnerable members of society – for example, people living with cancer – would believe some of the claims contained in the documentary over the advice of health professionals. "All forms of media have to take a responsible attitude when trying to spread a message of wellness," he said. "Netflix should do the responsible thing. They shouldn't screen it. The risk of misinformation ... is too great. "It's a [part] Australian production and I don't want to rain on an Australian parade, but clearly there needs to be a recognition of the power and influence Netflix brings. People out there are vulnerable to the messaging." Dr Bartone said there were decades of evidence-based research to back up current healthy eating guidelines. He said while eliminating one or more food groups can, for example, result in weight loss it can "make certain other conditions worse". "I respect Pete Evans' ability and expertise in the kitchen, but that's where it begins and ends," he said. "I would never dream of telling him how to prepare a meal. However, when it comes to the trusted health of our patients, everyone should turn to a health professional. That is, in the first instance, your GP."

The documentary is preceded by a note that says exercise, sleep and other lifestyle choices also play an important role in improving a person's overall health and wellbeing. It also tells people to always consult with their doctor or health professional before starting a new diet. AMA president Dr Tony Bartone says the Netflix documentary could potentially mislead some viewers. Evans told Fairfax Media he rejected the AMA's assertions. He said he took on the role of executive producer because he wanted to show how dietary changes can have a "long-lasting, sustainable positive impact on people's lives". "Modern medicine is fabulous and vitally needed as we do say in the film," he said. "However, when 70 to 80 per cent of illness is dietary or lifestyle related, then should prevention be a considered approach? "The information that is shared in the film by leading cardiologists, neurologists, doctors and scientists has prevention at the top of their priorities and [the dietary suggestions are] to be used as an adjunct to modern medicine."

A Netflix spokesman said the streaming giant chose to put the documentary on its platform because it aims to satisfy a "wide audience". "We program for a wide audience and we recognise that in doing so some of the content may be controversial, but we hope that it helps to convey the unique perspective of the story and the storyteller," he said.