Evaluation of Nutrition Claim

These directions explain 1) how to choose a nutrition-related article or claim to evaluate and 2) how to format your
typed paper to make sure you answer all the required questions in your evaluation.
Also, please make sure you watch the librarian’s instructional videos for 1) how to use the library’s free databases to
locate 2 scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles to support or refute your nutrition claim and 2) how to properly include these 2 citations in MLA format at the end of your paper.

Directions:
Choose a nutrition-related claim to critique. The claim can come from a popular magazine, newspaper, website, book,
documentary, video, social media page, product label or advertisement. The claim can be related to any popular diet,
supplement, food, ingredient, or eating strategy as it relates to any aspect of health, fitness, wellness, or performance.
To receive full credit, please choose a claim (from one of the above sources) that cites some supporting “research” and contains enough information to do a thoughtful critique.
CHOOSE FROM FOLLOWING TOPICS:
– The Keto Diet
– The Atkins Diet
– The Paleo Diet
– Weight Loss Supplements
– If you would like to do it on anything else please ask me first.

Write a 3 page, typed, double-spaced paper (12 pt. font with 1” margins) in which you thoroughly answer the 3
questions below and include your references in MLA format at the end. NOTE: Your citations should include your
nutrition claim source, as well as 2 additional scientific research references (from peer-reviewed journals or credible
government/professional organizations) that either support or refute the claim. Please proof-read your paper for correct
grammar/spelling.

#1. What is the nutrition claim being made and how trustworthy is the source?
– Who is the author/person making the claim? Do this person’s credentials, work affiliations, education, and experience
provide you with confidence that they are a credible and unbiased source of nutrition information?
– Where is the claim published? Is this a reliable source of nutrition information? Who paid for the publication? Is there
any conflict of interest or potential sources of bias?

#2. How good is the “research” supporting the claim?
– Is it anecdotal/testimonials or actual research published in peer-reviewed journals?
– How strong is the study design (observational vs. intervention; randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled)? Any
confounding factors that may affect the study’s results?
– Who were the subjects, how many subjects were used, what was the study duration?
NOTE: If any of the above details are not provided by the claim’s source and therefore unknown to you, that weakens the claim’s credibility – be sure to state that in your paper!

#3. What is your overall evaluation of the nutrition claim? Is the claim put in proper perspective and presented in a
responsible manner?
– Any mention to how many studies support vs. reject the claim?
– Any warning about adverse side effects or risks?
– Any acknowledgement of other factors that have a more significant impact on health, fitness, wellness, and
performance than the one being mentioned in the claim?
NOTE: Please use 2 scientific research references (from peer-reviewed journals or government/professional
organizations) to give your overall evaluation about the claim.

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