Does the advice include recommendations drawn from studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups? Animals and people are different. Men and women are different. Also, age, economics, race and many other factors are important.
Each Yes answer raises a red flag. Dig a little deeper and look a little farther when the flags go up. You can recognize a good study by asking yourself the following questions and considering these points:. How many studies have produced these results? One study may not prove anything, but several studies can provide a base for changing health habits. Why was the study performed? Is the study to determine the cause and effect or to explore a possible relationship between two things?
Did the study show an association between two factors or actually show a causal relationship? For instance, studies have shown an increased incidence of cancer in English-speaking countries.
Clearly, other factors besides language may be responsible. This does not mean the English language is the cause of cancer. Did the study include a control or comparison group?
A study without a control or comparison group is unsound. Having a basis for comparison is important. How long was the study and how many subjects were included in it? The fewer the number of subjects and the shorter the time, the greater the chance that the findings are wrong. If the age and sex of the subjects are different than yours, the results may not apply to you.
Was the study a double-blind design? This prevents bias in the way researchers collect and interpret data and in how the subjects report information. Misinformation and product scams can be harmful to people in a number of ways. Some of the more likely harmful results are:. Failure to seek needed medical care Early and timely diagnosis and treatment of some conditions can be lifesaving. Failure to continue essential treatment Example: You decide to take garlic in place of your prescribed high-blood pressure medication.
Nutrient toxicities Too much of even good things, such as iron, can be harmful. Potentially toxic components in foods or products The best way to minimize exposure to any one toxin is to eat a variety of foods from many sources in moderate quantities. Undesirable nutrient-drug interactions Example: Even though high doses of vitamin E may not be toxic, they can interfere with vitamin K action and enhance the effect of anticoagulant blood-thinning drugs.
Interference with sound nutrition practices A balanced diet is basic to good health. A seller or promoter may shower you with all kinds of scientific-sounding terms, phrases and explanations that mean nothing to you.
Many of them may have little meaning but can be intimidating and sound convincing. These should not make you buy the product or idea. Discuss claims made with trained professionals who can help you understand the message.
Doubles the risk or triples the risk: Do you know what the risk was in the first place? It does not necessarily mean major or important. Each person will make decisions in his or her own way. How do you do it? Do you get all the information you need from one salesperson?
Good or Bad? Consider the source. Choose most often sites that have web addresses that end in. These are most often websites for government agencies, educational institutions, and professional organizations.
Know the sites purpose. Is it to provide information or to sell something? Look for the evidence. Health decisions are best based on medical and scientific research, not on opinion. Look to see the sources of information for the website. Be cautious of sites that offer information from a single source. Check the date. Health information is continually changing.
Uniqueness: The content should bring new or different perspectives, tools, or resources to the content already available on Nutrition. Accessibility: Clear and relevant headings and search functionality make the content easily accessible to website users per Section policies.
Audience — Material should be geared towards and written for consumers, using plain language and health literacy principles. Site Mechanics Navigation: It should be easy to find information on the site. Headings should be clear and relevant to the information under them. Searchability: The site should have search capability that produces accurate results unless it is a very small site or link will be to a specific document such as a brochure or fact sheet.
Contact Information: Contact information must be available for communication with the owner of the site i. Personal Information: If the user's personal information is requested, the site should explain exactly how the information will and will not be used. Privacy policy should be clearly visible. Advertisements, Products, and Services - The goal of Nutrition. Education must be the primary intent, rather than persuasion, conversion, or sales. Advertisements for products and services should be minimal and clearly differentiated from the information content.
They should not detract from or conflict with web content.
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