Nutrition information (and mis-information) is all around us, in
books, magazines, talk shows, news stories, or just a tap of the mouse
or the touchscreen away. How do we know if the information we are
getting is credible? “Interpreting research studies can be difficult,
even for highly-trained researchers,” says Jeanne P. Goldberg, PhD,
professor of nutrition communication at the Friedman School of Nutrition
Science and Policy. “Sometimes news stories or websites simply get it
wrong. Sometimes the author may have an agenda of their own, such as the
desire to sell more of a particular product.” To be more confident in
the information you’re getting, try following the ABC’s: does the
information have Authority? Is there Bias? Is it Complete and current?
Authority. Accurate nutrition information is most
likely to come from experts on the particular topic and reputable
organizations or publications that specialize in that field. Here are
some tips for assessing the authority of your source:
-Evaluate experience. Journalists with a science
background are more likely to be able to interpret and present research
in an accurate and understandable way. Internet sites should list the
author and/or reviewer of an article. This not only allows the reader to
find out more about the writer’s background, but also indicates the
author stands behind the information presented. Many websites and book
jackets offer author biographies, and a quick online search of an author
or speaker can often reveal whether their degree or background
qualifies them to give this health advice.
-Look for references. Good articles tell you where
they got their information. Print pieces may include the journal name,
year, and/or author in the text, and digital articles may have links in
the text or references listed at the bottom.
-Seek out independent sources. Have you heard of
this publication, and what is its reputation? Consider if the goal of
the organization providing the information is to inform and educate or
to sell a product or diet plan.
-Consider the studies. Research should be
appropriate and well-designed. There are many different kinds of studies
(see Glossary). Some show cause-and-effect, but many simply suggest a
connection or association, which is important groundwork but, barring a
preponderance of this type of evidence, may not be a good reason to
change one’s behavior. A good article will indicate what kind of study
was done. Results of a study done in a test-tube or in animals can
rarely be generalized to humans. Additionally, interventional studies
that include larger numbers of participants, longer time periods, and
control groups typically provide stronger results.
Check who is quoted. Many stories about research
studies include quotes from scientists. There should be an indication of
whether the person commenting was involved with the study or is an
outside expert.
Bias can be blatant, or it can creep into our information sources unintentionally.
-Catch the slant. Someone trying to sell you
something will happily list any research supporting the product but is
unlikely to include studies that found it doesn’t work. Even many
well-known publications and news sources are known to have a particular
slant. Filter what you hear or read through your knowledge of the
source. Some popular nutrition websites and public personalities have
come under fire for pushing inconclusive evidence as fact or
cherry-picking studies to sell diet programs or supplements. Consider an
online search of the author or site owner to see if there have been
complaints made against them.
-Check the funding source. Source of funding can
affect the content of a study, article, or news story and how it is
presented. Knowing who is behind a website or magazine, and what their
agenda is, can help you filter the information they choose to present.
Good websites have an “About Us” page that should describe the person
or organization running the site and their funding sources. Be aware
that food manufacturers or trade groups are a common source of funding
for nutrition studies. “The fact that a study is funded by industry does
not mean it should be immediately ruled out,” says Goldberg. “There are
many times when the only people who fund research are the people who
have both a scientific and a financial interest in it.” To address
potential bias, a writer or spokesperson can clearly identify the
funding source and cite other studies that support or disagree with the
findings.
Be aware of personal bias. Sometimes we dismiss
information that goes against a long-held belief, habit, or preference.
Keep your mind open to new information but remember that nutrition
advice is not one-size-fits-all. “Beyond following an overall healthy
dietary pattern, there is no one diet plan or approach to eating that is
best for everyone,” says Goldberg. “For example, if you read that six
small meals are better than three, that may be true for some people, but
not necessarily for everybody.”
Completeness and Currency: Look for articles and experts that provide the whole picture.
-Seek context. Information should always be
presented in the context of what is already known. Look for work that is
not afraid to mention study limitations, and that presents
corroborating (or contrary) information from other reputable studies.
“Rarely has a single study in nutrition proved evidence of a dramatic
breakthrough,” says Goldberg. “When information is presented as ‘new’
and contradicts what has been the consistent direction in the evolution
of the science, it is important to regard it critically.”
-Consider timeliness. Recommendations do change, so
make sure the information you’re reading isn’t out-of-date. Reputable
online postings should indicate when they were last reviewed and
updated.
-Expect quality. Poor spelling and grammar may
indicate that a site or story is not credible. Good quality publications
and websites value presenting information clearly and professionally.
If something offers a quick fix or seems too good to be true, it’s
probably more hype than helpful. “People should not underestimate their
own common sense,” says Goldberg. “If it sounds too good to be true, it
probably is.” Before you make any major changes based on something you
read or hear, you may want to run it by a healthcare professional. “And
if you have a condition that requires true nutrition management,” says
Goldberg, “you may find some sessions with a Registered Dietitian,
especially one who is specifically trained in working with individuals
with that condition, to be an excellent investment.”
For more information and a Glossary of Research Terms see: How Do We Know What to Believe
No comments:
Post a Comment