Living in the Information Age has its benefits and
its drawbacks. Thanks to mass media, such as TV, radio, the
Internet, magazines and newspapers, we all have ready
access to the latest news, views and commentary on
nutrition, health and food safety. AFIC’s own consumer
research has found that mass media is the most important
source of information for the majority. But readers and
viewers increasingly report that they do not always feel
confident of the accuracy or quality of the information
available to them through these channels. Furthermore,
the volume of information available can seem
overwhelming! However, no need to despair, AFIC has some
tips and tools to help you to sort the junk science from
the genuine, evidence-based advice and expert commentary
Top tips for evaluating scientific studies of food
and health
Look at the source of information. A professional
medical organisation or government department
responsible for health and safety is more reliable
than an unknown or anonymous person or group.
If the news item mentions a specific health condition
such as diabetes or cancer, look for comment from
reputable organisations solely devoted to that
disease. For example the International Diabetes
Federation, will almost certainly be fully up to date
on recent developments.
Beware of dramatic statements like “conspiracy”,
“miracle cure”, “scientific breakthrough”. Scientific
discovery is rarely revolutionary. It is much more
commonly an evolutionary process which progresses
slowly and gradually.
Professional communicators such as health
professionals or journalists should also consider
checking information sources, by contacting local
scientific experts e.g. university, medical
professionals or organisations such as AFIC.
The Internet
Increasingly researchers, both professional and
personal, are turning to the information resources of
the WorldWideWeb (www). The www is a tremendous resource
for up to date information on health and food news. It
is fast, easily accessible, and in many instances free
of charge. However, there are some very real downsides
to the new electronic age. Many websites are not
screened or regulated and some use unsubstantiated
claims to sell their products. There are also many
non-commercial organisations which use the Internet as a
vehicle to promote a cause, which they may strongly
believe in but which is not supported by sound
scientific evidence.
For example, all of us who use email, have probably
received at least one impassioned food scare story,
claiming that a particular food or food product is
responsible for death or terrible illness or injury.
Without published scientific evidence from an
independent body, it is certainly better to seek further
advice from a qualified professional before making
dramatic changes to your diet.
Ten Red Flags of Junk Science Beware of:
Recommendations that promise a quick fix
Dire warnings of danger from a single product or
regimen
Claims that sound too good to be true
Simplistic conclusions drawn from a complex study
Recommendations based on a single study
Dramatic statements that are refuted by reputable
scientific organisations
Lists of good and bad foods
Recommendations made to help sell a product
Recommendations based on studies published without
peer review
Recommendations from studies that ignore differences
among individuals or groups
Recommended all-round websites
www.afic.org The AFIC site is the only
pan-Asian site devoted to nutrition and food safety
issues of concern to consumers. It is regularly
updated with briefing papers, story ideas, monthly
round up of news and events, press releases and lots
more
www.ific.org IFIC is the US-based sister
organization of AFIC, with a similar selection of
information resources to AFIC, but focusing mainly on
American consumer concerns.
www.navigator.tufts.edu The Tufts
University Nutrition Navigator is an electronic
directory, entirely devoted to identifying and
evaluating health and nutrition websites. It is easy
to use by both scientists and non-scientists,
professionals, and indeed interested consumers.
www.arborcom.com The Arbor Nutrition Guide
provides lists of many sites, and also information on
specific topic areas. The site is quite technical, and
is especially suitable for specialist researchers
www.mayoclinic.com Solid and reliable
sources of information intended for use by
professionals and laypeople. It offers preventive
health and medical treatment briefings, video clips.
Visitors can also access a personalised Q&A service.
www.nal.usda.gov/fnic This huge database
provides detailed breakdown of nutrient composition of
thousands of foods, and is fairly easy to us - so long
as you know what you are looking for ! Also includes
information on dietary advice and research.
Asia sites
www.mahidol/nu/h-inmu.html Mahidol
University Institute of Nutrition site in Thai and
English with details of current and previous research
interests.
www.nutriweb.org.my The Nutrition Society
of Malaysia website in English - regularly updated and
lots of information on healthy eating.
http://www.depkes.go.id/Indonesian Ministry of
Health site in English and Bahasa with a wealth of
statistics and information on health strategies, plus
some advice and guidance on healthy diet choices.
www.cuhk.edu.hk/fns/fun-in-sevenChinese
University of Hong Kong site in English and Chinese,
focussing on children and healthy eating, with
emphasis on weight management.
www.fnri.dost.gov.ph Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Philippines website.
www.nutritionaustralia.org A reliable
source of information from the Nutrition Society of
Australia, regularly updated.
http://chinailsi.org English language site with
some information on current activities in China.
Food Safety Sites
With the Internet a source of so many health scare
stories checking the facts on breaking news from the
World Wide Web, is especially essential.
www.foodstandards.gov.auThe site of Food
Standards Australia and New Zealand with updates on
policy, recommendations and links to other
advice-oriented sites.
www.foodcrisis.com Useful site for case
studies and updates on recent food safety stories.
www.cdc.gov US Centres for Disease Control -
very comprehensive, US-focused.
formation
on latest issues and developments on all aspects of
biotechnology.
www.isaaa.org
The International Service for the Acquisition of
Agribiotech Applications is a world wide
not-for-profit international organisation. The site
provides a wealth of information on many aspects of
biosafety, regulatory procedures and the latest public
sector research in agricultural biotechnology.
Debunking the myths
Check out the websites of these voluntary
organisations dedicated to exposing fraudulent claims
and health quackery.
www.ncahf.org Website of the National
Council Against Health Fraud.
www.americanheart.org In addition to
information and statistics on cardiovascular disease,
this site includes news updates on nutrition and other
health topics.
www.idf.org International Diabetes
Federation website with updates on latest research and
medical advice.
