by Paulette Lambert, R.D., C.D.E
Chief Dietitian at California Health & Longevity Institute
There is a strong connection between a person’s diet and their overall health and well-being. However, with the rise of social media and wired connectivity, we are inundated with the latest diet fads through multiple media platforms, advertisements, and personal testimonials. This creates an environment ripe for nutrition misinformation and even health fraud. How are we supposed to know which vitamins help or hurt, what diet is best and ultimately who to trust?
Follow these tips to help you avoid health fraud:
Consult an Expert
– Find a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) or Licensed Dietitian (L.D.) to discuss your health goals
– Ask your General Practitioner before incorporating dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and botanicals into your day-to-day routine
Stay Inquisitive
– Question manufacture’s claims or testimonials to determine if their product is safe or effective
– Look for unbiased, science-based research, that has been published in a reputable journal
Spot Fraud: Top 8 Ways to Avoid Health Fraud
1. Promises of a quick fix
2. Recommendations to eliminate or severely restrict food groups
3. Too-good-to-be-true claims
4. Single study references or studies in questionable journals
5. Dramatic statements that are refuted by scientific organizations
6. “In Process” research claims
7. Opinion based testimonials supporting the product
8. Statements that products or concepts can cure a multitude of chronic conditions
Being inquisitive and questioning health claims will help you defend against health fraud.
