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Medicine LibreTexts

2.5: Trustworthy Sources of Information

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  • Skills to Develop

    • List at least four sources of reliable and accurate nutrition information.

    A motivational speaker once said, “A smart person believes half of what they read. An intelligent person knows which half to believe.” In this age of information where instant Internet access is just a click away, it is easy to be misled if you do not know where to go for reliable nutrition information. There are a few websites that can be consistently relied upon for accurate material that is updated regularly.


    Right information or wrong information? How can you know? © Shutterstock

    Using Eyes of Discernment

    “New study shows that margarine contributes to arterial plaque.” “Asian study reveals that two cups of coffee per day can have detrimental effects on the nervous system.” How do you react when you read news of this nature? Do you boycott margarine and coffee? When reading nutrition-related claims, articles, websites, or advertisements always remember that one study does not substantiate a fact. One study neither proves nor disproves anything. Readers who may be looking for complex answers to nutritional dilemmas can quickly misconstrue such statements and be led down a path of misinformation. Listed below are ways that you can develop discerning eyes when reading nutritional news.

    1. The scientific study under discussion should be published in a peer-reviewed journal, such as the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Question studies that come from less trustworthy sources (such as non peer-reviewed journals or websites) or that are not published.
    4. Credible reports often disseminate new findings in the context of previous research. A single study on its own gives you very limited information, but if a body of literature supports a finding, it gives you more confidence in it.


    1. Who sponsors the website?
    2. Are names and credentials disclosed?
    3. Is an editorial board identified?
    4. Does the site contain links to other credible informational websites? Even better, does it reference peer-reviewed journal articles? If so, do those journal articles actually back up the claims being made on the website?
    5. How often is the website updated?
    6. Are you being sold something at this website?
    7. Does the website charge a fee?

    Trustworthy Sources

    Now let’s consider some reputable organizations and websites from which you can obtain valid nutrition information.

    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( distributes an online newsletter called CDC Vital Signs. This newsletter is a valid and credible source for up-to-date public health information and data regarding food, nutrition, cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, teenage drinking, and tobacco usage.
    2. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND): The AND promotes scientific evidenced-based, research-supported food and nutrition related information on its website, It is focused on informing the public about recent scientific discoveries and studies, weight-loss concerns, food safety topics, nutrition issues, and disease prevention.
    3. US Department of Agriculture (USDA): The USDA site has more than twenty-five hundred links to dietary, nutrition, diet and disease, weight and obesity, food-safety and food-labeling, packaging, dietary supplement and consumer questions sites. Using this interactive site, you can find tips and resources on how to eat a healthy diet, my Foodapedia, and a food planner, among other sections.
    4. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): The HHS website,, provides credible information about healthful lifestyles and the latest in health news. A variety of online tools are available to assist with food-planning, weight maintenance, physical activity, and dietary goals. You can also find healthful tips for all age groups, tips for preventing disease, and on daily health issues in general.
    5. Dietitians of Canada: Dietitians of Canada,, is the national professional association for dietitians. It provides trusted nutrition information to Canadians and health professionals.
    6. Health Canada: Health Canada,, is the Federal department that helps Canadians improve their health. Its website also provides information about health-related legislation.

    Key Takeaways


    Discussion Starter

    1. Discuss why it is important to get information from proper and credible sources and not to rely upon single study findings.