Science in the media: How do you separate fact from fiction?

jamiepopeauthor
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‎12-16-2022 07:27 AM

How can you separate fact from fiction when it comes to what you read and hear? A primary goal of my nutrition courses over the years was to equip students with skills and insights to shift through the abundance of diet and nutrition advice and claims in news headlines, social media, product advertisements and labels, and online websites.  This was accomplished by evaluating media stories in class and through projects with scientific evidence and peer reviewed studies.  Always consider the source and if there is credible evidence to back up claims - not just testimonies and opinions from practitioners and individuals. Nutrition is a science not an opinion. One credible source of peer-reviewed, evidence based information is the International Food and Information Council. Here's an excellent article from their information hub, Food Insight, with tips on navigating nutrition info in the media and marketplace. Check out other topics and research while you are there https://foodinsight.org/navigating-science-in-the-media/!  #nutrition #FoodInsight #Research 

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Jamie Pope, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Assistant Professor of Practice in Medicine, Health and Society at Vanderbilt University, has worked in the areas of obesity research, health promotion, heart disease prevention, and since 2000 teaching introductory nutrition. Beyond the classroom, she adapted portions of her nutrition courses to produce a Massive Open Online Course attracting more than 175,000 participants from around the world. This experience earned Jamie an Innovation in Teaching award from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is the co-author of the textbook entitled Nutrition for a Changing World. Now in its second edition, the text is in use in over 140 universities across the U.S. and the recipient of a 2020 Textbook Excellence Award. Most recently she developed and produced an audio course for Learn25.com (Nutrition 101: Understanding the Science and Practice of Eating Well) that is also featured on platforms like Apple Books and Audible. Jamie holds a Master’s of Science degree in Nutrition and post graduate work in Health Psychology. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has authored or contributed to numerous scientific and popular press publications. Jamie also held several corporate positions, serving as nutrition consultant and media representative.