How to Identify Credible How to Identify Credible Nutrition Resources and Sound Nutrition Resources and Sound

Scientific ResearchScientific Research

Fact or Fiction?Fact or Fiction?

Health Magazines are credible sources of nutrition information.

Nutritionists are licensed professionals capable of giving sound nutrition advice.

An author who makes a statement about nutrition in a published book has a legal obligation to tell the truth.

Credible Nutrition SourcesCredible Nutrition Sources

People qualified to give nutrition advice:Registered Dieticians (R.D., L.D.)PhD. In Food Science, BiochemistryPhysician (especially one specializing in

gastroenterology)Dietetic Technician, Registered. (limited

scope. No MNT)

Other SourcesOther Sources

Print or digital sources of nutrition are credible if: The information is provided by qualified

professionals The information originates from a reputable

institution such as a hospital, university, or professional society.

The information source does not have a conflict of interest. Profit from the information, helping an ally, or hindering a rival.

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Quackery or Health FraudQuackery or Health Fraud

Promotion of a product or service that is fraudulent or misrepresents its beneficial or curative potential. Potentially harmful. Includes acts of commission, omission and complete innocence.

How to identify a QuackHow to identify a Quack

Money up front Free trial Panacea No reliable scientific source One source Testimonials Too good to be true www.quackwatch.org

Sound Scientific ResearchSound Scientific Research

Types of ResearchEpidemiological. Whole populationsCase. One individualIntervention. Group with controlLaboratory. Animals. Very controlled

Scientific ProcessScientific Process

Observe Establish a hypothesis Define unit of analysis and variables Design experiment

Controls, randomization, sample size, blinded, double blinded, crossover.

Analysis of data. Correlation vs. causation.

Reject or accept hypothesis

Replication Funding

Reliable Nutrition WebsitesReliable Nutrition Websites

www.eatright.orgwww.stoplablinglies.comwww.cspinet.orgwww.nal.usa.gov/fnicwww.healthierus.gov/dietary

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