Misinformation
Are there such thing as nutrition quick fixes like fast weight loss or a special food that will fix you quickly?
No! If it sounds too good to be true, then it likely is! Making changes to your health means a commitment to eating well and exercising regularly.
If you saw spelling errors in an article, what could you assume about it?
For obvious reasons, grammatical errors damage the credibility of the author significantly.
Is this claim appropriate?
"Our method of weight loss will allow you to lose 30 pounds in 30 days"
NO! They are claiming a “miracle cure”, or a “quick fix” and seem too good to be true.
Is social media (tik tok or snapchat) a good source of nutrition information?
No! Why do you think so?
What might be a reason that someone is giving nutrition advice who is not a professional?
Trying to sell you products or services such as special foods, books/apps or supplements.
Can you google questions and find good evidence all the time?
No! search engines provide a wide array of information with different levels of credibility.
Is this claim appropriate? "Losing 2 pounds per week is the ideal weight loss goal"
Are newspaper articles a good source of nutrition information?
Sometimes! Newspaper articles can frame information the way they want to, and include personal accounts and testimonies, not only research studies.
Can you count on personal stories for someone who has followed a specific diet that worked for them?
No! Although it's nice to hear about a success story from a celebrity, it's not proof that something works or is true. Nutrition advice should be based on the best available scientific research. Dietitians are university trained, regulated health professionals who base information on research.
How can authors make you think the research supports something they are selling that doesn't involve all information?
The authors of the article might only present evidence that supports the use of their product and omit any evidence that might discourage you from purchasing what they are selling
Is this claim appropriate? "Cutting out all carbs will result in loss of body fat"
No! Generally, if a diet suggests ruling out an entire food group or macronutrient, it is not a sustainable weight loss method, nor is it beneficial to your health.
Are friends a good source of nutrition information?
Maybe - depends where they got their information. Question where they got their information from.
Does all research have the same credibility? Meaning, can you say one research study is always as strong as another research study?
No! Consider: Is their claim based on a single study or a few research studies? Were the studies with animals or humans? Are you similar to the humans that were studied (age, gender etc.)? The stronger the study design, and the more studies available that draw the same conclusions, the stronger the evidence that something it true.
Should articles list sources of information?
Yes! Check whether or not the original sources of information in the article are listed.
Is this claim appropriate:
"Reduce your caloric intake by 50% and you will loose weight"
No! Diets that follow significant caloric restrictions may lead to slowing of your metabolism, muscle loss, and “rebound hunger” making weight regain almost impossible to avoid.
Are parents a good source of nutrition information?
Sometimes! Parents can be misinformed about nutrition information just as kids and youth would.
Do qualifications matter when looking at nutrition advice?
Yes! Think about it: You wouldn’t ask a celebrity how to build a safe bridge, you’d ask a professional engineer. You also wouldn’t ask a celebrity to fill your cavity, you’d ask a dentist. The same thinking should apply for nutrition advice. Dig a little deeper and ask for credentials. The title dietitian is protected by law, just like a nurse, dentist or pharmacist. Look for the initials “RD or PDt” to identify a registered dietitian.
What does it mean for a research article to be peer-reviewed?
Peer reviewing involves other experts in the field evaluating the research article and providing feedback to help ensure quality of any published research. Peer-reviewed articles will generally have an abstract summarizing the paper, authors will have credentials listed beside their names, and a reference list will be present.
Is this claim appropriate?
"Canada's food guide recommends aiming for about half of your plate or meal to be vegetables and fruits"
Yes! Why is this appropriate?
Where can I find credible nutrition information?
1. From a Registered Dietitian or healthcare provider like a family doctor or nurse practitioner
2. From Government websites like Health Canada - including Canada's food guide, or public health units
3. From credible websites created by professionals like: Unlockfood.ca
4. From professionals over the phone -call health 811 's Dietitians or call the RD at the health unit.