5 Questions to Help you Decipher Nutrition Claims

In our last blog post, Cheryl shared 5 Nutrition Myths That People Think Are True. Building off of Cheryl’s post, today I am going to equip you with the skills and questions to help you sort through what is true and what is not.

1. Are they trying to sell you something?

One of the biggest red flags which may indicate that a nutrition claim is false is that the writer or company is trying to sell you a product. While a product can be beneficial, the product may not be right for you. It is important to know what the product is used for, if it is right for you and at what dosage it is safe for you. If you are unsure if the product is right for you, talk to someone who is knowledgeable about the product and knows you and your health conditions. Speaking with your doctor, pharmacist, and a registered dietitian can help you determine whether you need a particular supplement and how much you should be taking.

2. Are they offering you an easy fix?

Another red flag on where a nutrition claim is untrue is that a product or a specific dietary change (i.e. the cabbage diet) promises you a quick and easy fix to manage or cure your health condition(s) (i.e. weight loss, diabetes, etc.). One of the most common headlines that you have likely encountered is the one that promises you a quick weight loss of 10-15 pounds in one to two weeks. However, is it too good to be true? More often than not, the ‘fix’ that is being suggested in the nutrition claim is based on limited research to back up the claim or no research at all.

3. Is there evidence to back up the claim?

This brings me to my next point. What does the evidence say? This is a rather important question to ask when trying to decipher nutrition claims and whether or not there is any evidence to support the claim that is being made. If no evidence is provided, it is likely that the claim being made is untrue. In cases where only testimonials or anecdotal evidence are provided, it is better to accept the claim with a grain of salt. While it may not be false, it does not mean that the statement is true for other readers, especially since the results have not been proven to work in other populations and those with other health conditions. To be safe, it is better to be wary of claims that have little to no scientific evidence.

4. Are only the benefits/disadvantages listed?

In the case where evidence is provided, it is important to assess the science with a critical eye. We need to consider which side of the research is being presented. Are only the benefits stated? Or are only the bad effects/disadvantages listed? Does the writer present two sides of the argument? If only one side of the research is being presented, it brings into question what the adverse effects might be and why the information is not being shared with the reader. As a dietitian, I believe it is crucial for individuals to have all the information, both the pros and cons, to make the best and most informed decisions for themselves.

5. Who is writing or sharing the nutrition claim? Are they an expert?

My last tip for you is to see who is writing or sharing the nutrition claim. What is the writer’s background? What are their credentials? Do they have the proper education and experience in the field that is being written about? It is equally vital that we know who is writing or presenting the nutrition claim. Without the proper education and experience, they may not have a full understanding of the science and the recommendations they provide may not work or be safe for you. It is better to speak with an expert in the field or those with the proper training (i.e. seeking nutrition advice from dietitians or medical advice from medical physicians) so that you know you are getting information from a credible source.

Take Away

There are many nutrition claims that we are bombarded with on a daily basis, whether through social media, online or in print. By keeping these 5 tips in mind, you can begin to sort through the claims that are true and what is not! Happy sorting!

By: Kristie Pun, MHSc, RD
Reviewed by: Pauline Bakowski, MHSc, RD & Cheryl Ching, MSc, RD

Disclaimer: our blog content is for general education purposes and may not be suitable for individual health conditions. Please see your health professional or book an appointment with one of our dietitians for personalized health recommendations.