Reliable Nutrition Information

Overview

This lecture covers how to identify credible nutrition information, avoid health fraud (quackery), and use reliable sources and professionals for nutrition advice.

Scientific Method & Research in Nutrition

• Credible nutrition information is based on the scientific method: ask a question, form a hypothesis, experiment, and analyze results.
• Research consensus requires multiple quality, peer-reviewed studies, not single studies.
• Peer review involves experts evaluating research procedures and conclusions to ensure validity.
• Research designs include observational (gathering data) and experimental (manipulating variables) studies.

Identifying Credible Nutrition Sources

• Reliable nutrition information is published by professional organizations (e.g., eatright.org, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic).
• Peer-reviewed journals and .org or .edu websites are more trustworthy than commercial (.com) sites.
• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics publishes position papers on topics like nutritional genomics and supplement regulation.
• Use resources like Memorial Sloan Kettering’s "About Herbs" and NIH’s supplement fact sheets for evidence-based herbal and supplement information.

Differences: Dietitians vs. Nutritionists

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) have accredited education, supervised practice, and must pass an exam.
• RDNs work in hospitals, community centers, schools, and private practice, providing evidence-based care.
• "Nutritionist" is an unregulated term; anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without formal qualifications.

Quackery and Health Fraud

• Quackery involves false or misleading nutrition products or practices, often for profit.
• Red flags include quick fixes, celebrity endorsements, and non-peer-reviewed claims.
• Always check who runs, pays for, and reviews information on websites.

Supplement Safety and Regulation

• Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA, 1994) limits FDA regulation of supplements.
• Supplement companies are not required to prove safety or effectiveness before selling products.
• Look for third-party testing seals (NSF, USP, ConsumerLab) to identify quality supplements.
• Use labdoor.com to check supplement quality and contents.
• Research supplements before use via trusted sources to avoid ineffective or unsafe products.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Scientific Method — Process for conducting objective scientific research.
• Peer Review — Evaluation of research by independent experts in the field.
• Quackery — Health fraud; promotion of false or unproven health products or services.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) — Licensed nutrition professional meeting strict education and exam requirements.
• DSHEA — 1994 law restricting FDA regulation of dietary supplements.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Read the "Health Connection" section in your textbook.
• Review the handout on quackery and red flags for misleading claims (available on Blackboard).
• Practice using recommended websites (eatright.org, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NIH, labdoor.com) for research.
• Complete assigned homework and take practice quizzes in the study area.