|
10/24/2004 Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than a sincere ignorance and a conscientious stupidity.” This is so true in the venue of nutrition information. Many individuals with no professional schooling in nutrition sincerely believe themselves an expert in dispensing nutrition information. Following is a summary of ways to spot nutritional misinformation.
1. The information urges the purchase of a specific product. Many people have spent money on worthless supplements, cures and diets that only increase the bank accounts of a Quack.
2. The information discounts “traditional and scientific” information as inaccurate. Who do you choose to trust? If scientifically educated professionals cannot be trusted, what is the other option?
3. The information suggests that almost everyone is poorly nourished. Those of us privileged to live in the United States have the option of eating a wide variety of safe and healthful food – if we choose. And, many do choose to do this resulting in a healthy body.
4. The information claims that most diseases are caused by faulty diet and can be cured with nutritional supplements or certain diets. Although good nutrition is part of a healthy body, it is not the only health practice needed. Science has shown that exercise, hydration and cleaniness, adequate rest, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and a good mental outlook also helps to maintain a healthy body.
5. The information claims that processing has drastically reduced the amounts of nutrients in current food supply. Some processes reduce some nutrients and some processing increases some nutrients. A canned carrot contains much more retinal (equivalent to vitamin A) than does a raw carrot. Soybeans must be processed to make many nutrients, especially protein, available to the human digestive system.
6. The information alleges that soil depletion results in reduced nutrients in produce. If soil is depleted of the nutrients needed for the plant to grow, it will produce a small, insignificant crop or no crop at all.
7. The information promises quick, easy, miraculous cures often with guarantees attached. Life offers few accurate guarantees. Weight loss takes a long time and is difficult work. To actually cure a nutritional deficiency takes many weeks. Do not believe any product with advertises “instant energy or vitality.” Many only contain caffeine, which is a stimulant with a short-term effect.
8. The information uses anecdotes and testimonials as proof instead of reliable research. “I used the product and in just ten days my skin glowed, my energy returned, and . . . “ Reliable research takes months and years for accurate results. It is not published in the form of testimonials.
9. The information is not written by a credentialed nutrition educator/scientist. If you want to fix your computer your most dependable place for help is from trained computer technicians. Likewise, for accurate nutrition information, consult a registered dietitian.
10. The information suggests that physicians, dietitians, and organizations such as the United States Department of Agriculture and Federal Food and Drug Association (FDA) cannot be trusted; they themselves and/or their own organizations are the only one to trust. Even though these professionals and organizations are not perfect, they are far better than the other options.
The FDA, in an all-encompassing summary statement, notes:
“If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.”
Written by: Rose Stoia EdD, RD
|
