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Have you heard one of these claims – “garlic cures coronavirus,” “anti-viral foods to build immunity and keep disease away,” “scientifically-formulated fat burner,” or “removes waste products from your body”? These are just a few examples of bogus claims propagated on the internet, by your hairdresser, in TV infomercials, or even by a friend or family member. Unsuspecting consumers (often older adults- the target of a large portion of healthcare fraud) are spending billions of dollars a year on fraudulent health products, according to Stephen Barrett, M.D., head of Quackwatch Inc., a non-profit that combats health fraud.
Being able to discern a fraudulent claim from a reliable one can be tricky. It’s just about impossible to keep up with all new research, fad, hope, warning or cure scams out there. You can however, arm yourself with a toolkit for deciphering reliable nutrition and health information.
Consider the following top 10 red flags for questionable claims:
You may wonder: What’s the problem with trying something that may help? Misinformation can have several negative consequences, including the delay of needed medical care, nutrient toxicities and dangerous food-drug interactions, potential exposure to toxic components, and financial loss. Remember that the FDA does not regulate claims on products so you must be your own advocate.
So how can you protect yourself? Look for health and nutrition information from reliable sources such as scientific and professional associations (ie the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association), government agencies, the Extension Service, nutrition departments at accredited colleges and universities, nutrition departments at your local hospital or medical centers, reputable consumer organizations, and non-profits like Age Well.
Questions about how we can help you age well and work towards heart health? Call Age Well’s Helpline at 1-800-642-5119.
Written by Age Well’s Registered Dietitian, Brigitte Harton, RD, CD, NBC-HWC. You can reach Brititte at [email protected].