How to spot nutrition misinformation

People often see nutrition advice online, on TV or have received advice from friends and family. Some of it might be helpful, but much of it can be confusing, misleading and even harmful — especially for people managing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

False claims and information not backed by science are called “nutrition misinformation.” The science behind nutrition is nuanced and identifying what claims are misinformation can be confusing. However, once you know what to look for, nutrition misinformation can be easy to spot. Here are six warning signs:

1. Information is presented in absolutes:

Claims of “never” or “always” around food, diet and nutrition are a red flag. Nutrition science is complicated, and specific recommendations are usually made for each individual. For cancer patients, the type of cancer, treatment and other medical conditions such as underlying diabetes or chronic kidney disease, for example, will influence recommendations from your care team. That’s because certain diets, supplements or treatments could be beneficial for one group but detrimental to another. 

2. It sounds too good to be true:

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Patients should beware of promises like “it's a miracle fix” or "this one food can cure your disease." Nutrition science isn’t glamorous. Real and sustainable changes to health take time and no single food or supplement can produce overnight results.  There is no evidence that diet alone can cure cancer.

3. Detox and cleanse claims:

Claims of products that detox or cleanse the body of toxins are usually suspect. The good news is that the kidneys and liver do a pretty job of cleansing the body every day. There are no special drinks, supplements or cleanses that do a better job than the body’s own organs. There may be medical reasons why a patient’s kidneys or liver aren’t working well, but some of these “magical” products might actually do more harm than good. Many medications and supplements (including herbal products) are filtered through the kidneys and liver, so it’s possible that taking these products might make your treatment medications less effective. It is important to always discuss supplements with your care team.

4. Product or diet information using words like ‘toxic’ or ‘poison’:

Some product descriptions and diet claims use scare tactics to grab people’s attention, including calling certain foods or ingredients “toxic” or “dangerous.” Fear-based words are a red flag and are usually used to get people to buy the “fix,” such as a supplement or other product.  

5. Claims of ‘It worked for me’:

Personal testimonials sound convincing, but one person’s experience does not equal scientific proof. What works for one person might not work for another, and without proper data, there’s no way to know what caused the successful outcome. Nutritional advice should be based on research. When institutions publish nutrition recommendations and guidelines, they are based on years of studies and consensus from experts. Discuss any information with your doctor or dietitian.

6. Selling products:

When you hear unsolicited advice, especially online, try posing this question: “Is this person sharing information or are they trying to sell me something?” Many online influencers are paid to promote products and services, which they might not disclose. This doesn’t necessarily mean the advice is wrong, but it might mean there is a financial reason for them to convince people rather than a scientific reason. Knowing the reason can help people make informed decisions.

You don’t need to be a nutrition expert to steer clear of nutrition misinformation. Ask yourself these questions when evaluating information:

• Does it use words like “always” or “never?”
• Does it sound too good to be true?
• Does it use scare tactics to convince?
• Are the claims based on opinion rather than research?
• Does the product or information claim to work for everyone?
• Is someone trying to sell you something?

When in doubt, talk with your registered dietitian or your care team. They can help you sort fact from fiction and give nutrition advice that is safe, accurate and right for you.