NUTRITION QUACKERY

Medical Quackery

What exactly is quackery? “Type of health fraud that promotes products and services that have questionable and unproven scientific bases.” (quackwatch.org)

Usually the product promises to “cure”.

Background

In 2007, Americans spent $39.5 billion on CAM services. Not all of those are considered quackery.

Why it exists

Lack of laws preventing selling dietary supplements.

Lack of credentials for nutritionists Findings that go public before duplication

Targets for quackery: The elderly or aging Those with disabling diseases Those who want to lose weight Athletes

DSHEA - 1994

Background history of DSHEA Changes made in 2002

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKyM8Dz8mec

Labeling

Claims are only allowed to state: May REDUCE risk or may improve condition. Must include “has not been evaluated by

the FDA” and “product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

Do you always hear these disclaimers?

Claims and Promises

Red flags: Promise a quick/easy fix. Claims too good to be true. Promise “cures” for a wide range of

illnesses. Promote “special ingredient” Guarantee all results. Use a lot of testimonials/undocumented

case histories from satisfied patients. Offer special offers for a low, low price.

Nutrition Quackery

The most profitable of all quackeries! Includes:

Diet supplements, weight loss products, herbal remedies, sports/energy products.

Why is it so easy for these products to succeed? FDA regulations do not regulate since they

are not drugs.

Nutrition Supplements andErgogenic Aids Amino acids “Andro” and DHEA Caffeine Carnitine Chromium Coenzyme Q10 Creatine

Nutrition Supplements andErgogenic Aids Ephedrine Ginseng Glutamine Medium-chain triglyceride oil Sodium bicarbonate

Evaluating Health Information

Who runs the website / who paid for the study?

What is the purpose? What or who is the original source of

information? How is the information documented? Can the information be verified by other

credible sources?

The Good News

“A 2006 survey conducted by the American College Health Association indicated that college students are smart about evaluating health information. They trust the health information they receive from health professionals and educators and are skeptical about popular information sources.” (Fahey, et al, 2009)

Simple Tips

Find the original source

Watch for misleading language

Know the difference between research reports and public health advice

Be skeptical