How To Evaluate Online Nutrition Advice? Ask These Questions

Diet and nutrition make up a big chunk of health-related online searches, and online influencers have become a primary source of health and nutrition info. But the accuracy and safety of that information can be highly variable. How can you learn to tell beneficial information from things that might be harmful?

How to Spot Red Flags and Unreliable Health Claims

If a claim sounds too good to be true, you should be skeptical. Nutrition information from online sources often makes big promises. And folks trying to improve their health are sometimes willing to believe those promises.

As you research nutrition questions online, ask yourself these questions about the information you uncover:

• What’s the nature of the site where you found the info? Does it seem up-to-date?

• Is the info backed up by research or science, or is the site making a sensationalized claim? Does it seem too good to be true?

• What data and research is referenced? Are any references cited to back the claims?

• What are the credentials of the person presenting this info?

• Has this information been reviewed by healthcare professionals or medical experts?

• What’s the purpose of this info? Is it meant to educate, or is it trying to convince or persuade for entertainment, for instance in the form of any sort of “challenge”?

• Is the influencer trying to sell something? Are they getting paid to spread this message?

• Is the message sponsored by an outside party? Are they marketing a service or product alongside the information?

• If you’re considering a product purchase — especially supplements, which are not regulated in the same way as other food and drugs — what are the possible side effects or interactions with medications you already take? If you are on blood thinners or have issues with blood pressure or your liver, have you talked with your medical providers about this change?

Key Signs That Online Nutrition Advice Is Trustworthy

• The information comes from an academic institution, a non-profit organization or a government agency.

• The language seem balanced and unbiased, is free from errors and is current or recent.

Why You Should Verify Online Advice with Your Healthcare Team

If you have doubts about something you read online, bring those questions to your healthcare team. They often can either allay your concerns or work with you to find a safe, sustainable, long-term solution.

What works for one person does not work for everyone. We are all different and have different health needs. Internet influencers may promote themselves as health or lifestyle coaches, nutritionists, food specialists or nutrition or dietary consultants. None of these labels guarantees any standardized training or education — only registered dietitians are certified nutrition experts.

Consulting with your healthcare team is really the only way to develop an evidence-based program that is truly tailored to you and your nutrition needs.

This content is not AI generated.