Pulling weeds: Sorting through nutrition information

Step right up ladies and gentlemen and let me tell you how you can…

	Lose 10 pounds in 10 days!
		Eat everything you want, and still lose weight!

Are you intrigued? Are you frantically reading to learn more?

Headlines grab our attention and reel us in, especially in today's fast-paced, information-filled world. However, once you are reeled in, the challenge is to harvest good information. But how do you weed out the bad information?

Even though you may not have a background in nutrition, health, exercise, biology or chemistry (Hey, we can't all be biochemists!), you can become consumer savvy. With a little guidance and training, anyone can learn to do a better job weeding out the bad information.

The information age
Information invades our lives via several different channels. Even a leisurely drive is bombarded by radio messages and billboard advertisements. According to the American Dietetic Association's (ADA) Nutrition and You: Trends 2000 survey, the media makes up the leading source of consumer nutrition information.

The top three sources included television (48%), magazines (47%) and newspapers (18%). Books, doctors and family/friends were also frequently mentioned, yet dietitians and nutritionists were rarely cited (only 1% of survey answers).

In addition to the media, a surplus of information exists in the form of the Internet. ADA's survey estimated that 100 million consumers sought health information on the Internet in 2000. In fact, a recent search returned over six million websites related to nutrition. The question is how much of that information is fraud, quackery, and "junk science."

Nutrition facts come from research that follows the scientific method. The results of legitimate research can be replicated and undergo peer review. On the other hand, junk science and nutrition misinformation include erroneous information or misinterpreted scientific information. Quackery and health fraud generate a profit and involve the promotion of special foods, products, processes or appliances with false or misleading health and therapeutic claims.

With information literally at our fingertips, consumers are taking more and more interest in health and nutrition. ADA's survey found that more than four in 10 consumers like to hear about new studies, yet one in five cited being confused by nutrition reports. Not only is the large information volume hard to handle, but consumers must be wary. And since nutrition information is always changing, consumers may feel like they are standing at the bottom of Mount Everest staring up.

Savvy consumers
Since consumers have an increased interest in nutrition and health, it makes sense for them to scrutinize the information. However, many consumers simply are not aware of the signs to look for or the steps to take when analyzing new information. The following charts summarize the criteria to use when investigating the legitimacy of a report.

How to "size-up" nutrition information

• Examine the author's credentials. Reputable authors are usually educated in nutrition or a related field. They are often affiliated with credible nutrition organizations, universities or medical centers. Look for the credentials “RD,” which identifies a registered dietitian.
• Look at the source of information. Legitimate information will cite research, other resources and other authors throughout the report.
• Analyze the purpose of the report. Is the focus to inform, to sell a product, to give both sides of the issue?
• Evaluate how the claims are supported. Is the information backed by credible sources like the United States Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Agriculture?
• Get a second opinion. What do other well-respected experts in the field say about this topic? Who has reviewed the material?

10 red flags of junk science

1. Recommendations that promise a quick fix.
2. Dire warnings of danger from a single product or regimen.
3. Claims that sound too good to be true.
4. Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study.
5. Recommendations based on a single study.
6. Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable scientific organizations.
7. Lists of “good” and “bad” foods.
8. Recommendations made to help sell a product.
9. Recommendations based on studies published without peer review.
10. Recommendations from studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups.
    Source: Food and Nutrition Science Alliance (FANSA).10 Red Flags to Spot Junk Science.

By asking a few simple questions and putting your detective skills to work, you can weed out the misinformation and embrace the knowledge of good nutrition!

The Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor is created by registered dietitians and dietetic interns who staff the Nutrition Clinic at Yale-New Haven Hospital. For information, contact the Nutrition InfoLine at (203) 688-2422.

For more information on this topic, you could visit:

• Tufts Nutrition Navigator: A Rating Guide on Nutrition Websites, Center on Nutrition Communication, Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
• healthfinder®: Your guide to reliable health information, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Other issues addressed by Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor:

• Summer fruit sensations
• Make it fun in the sun (outdoor food safety tips)
• Eat any sugar alcohol lately?
• Creating a garden rich in antioxidants
• Food safety in the kitchen
• Chocolate
• The soy story
• Cheese can be a healthy addition to your diet
• Control your blood pressure
• Candy and healthy treats
• The truth about pesticides
• How much punch are you getting out of your power bar?
• What about caffeine?
• Dietary guidelines
• Eating for heart health
• Outstanding antioxidants
• Tea time: go for the green
• Microwave mania
• Coffee drinks
• Nuts are good for you
• Mom was right about breakfast
• A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away
• Let's get physical, summer activities

Last revised: March 10, 2005 (jj)

Home page URL: http://www.ynhh.org

All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.