WELCOME! Science vs. Sensationalism On behalf of the California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Public Health Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Branch, UC CalFresh, California Department of Aging, and Catholic Charities of California, we are pleased to welcome you to the California SNAP-Ed training:
Science vs. Sensationalism Objectives
• Recognize several “red flags of junk science” developed by the Dairy Council of California and apply them to current nutrition information
• Review guidelines that indicate trustworthy nutrition- related websites and practice using these to evaluate the accuracy of information on various websites Objectives
• Review differences between food allergies and sensitivities to food and discuss how to help SNAP-Ed participants understand these
• Analyze nutrition headlines to see how likely they are to be reliable
• Practice responding respectfully and accurately to possible misinformation in your SNAP-Ed class Today’s Presenters Today’s Presenter I’m confused! What are the red flags of junk science? 1. Recommendations that promise a quick fix
1. No quick fixes 2. Claims that sound too good to be true 3. Simple conclusions drawn from a complex study 4. Recommendations based upon a single study 5. Dramatic statements that are refuted by a reputable scientific organization 6. Recommendations based upon studies without peer review
Working alone vs. Working with peers 7. Recommendations based upon studies that ignore differences among individuals or groups 8. Dire warnings of danger from a single product 9. Lists of “good” and “bad” foods 10. Recommendations made to help sell a product, or by the manufacturer itself Other source red flags
Statements about the superiority of natural dietary supplements Red Bull gives you wings! Testimonials and anecdotes Information that promotes a product’s benefits while overlooking its risks Vague, Meaningless, or scientific sounding terms Sensational statements without citing references or sources Disclaimers, usually in small or difficult to read print Articles…What’s legit? Peer-Reviewed Articles
Peer-reviewed (refereed or scholarly) articles 1st written by experts 2nd reviewed by several other experts in the field 3rd published in a journal generally recognized as having a high quality. Nutrition Information: Fact or Fiction
Be skeptical of claims and ask questions… • What motivates that authors, promoters or sponsors? • Does the promoter/advertiser rely on anecdotes or testimonials? • Are there claims the product caused dramatic results? • Is the product touted as a new scientific breakthrough? More Questions
• Does the source of information have disclaimers? • Is the source scientific? • If a study is cited, how was the research conducted? • Does the source cite respected medical journals or mention reliable experts? • Are only benefits of using the product highlighted and harmful side effects ignored? Tips for Searching Nutrition Information on the Internet
Use multiple web sites, especially government sites Tips for Searching Nutrition Information on the Internet
Rely on sites reviewed or managed by health professionals Tips for Searching Nutrition on the Internet
Avoid sites that do not provide scientific sources. Do not trust sites that attack scientific establishment. What red flags come up for you? “Acai Berries – the World’s Best-Kept Health Secret Is Now Revealed”
elisfanclub What red flags come up for you?
“‘Mexican Beer Dermatitis’: Booze Plus Lime Can Cause Nasty Skin Rash” UC Davis Department of Nutrition Nutrition Information
• http://nutrition.ucdavis.edu
• http://cns.ucdavis.edu Websites with Reliable Nutrition and Health
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: http://www.eatright.org National Institutes of Health: http://www.nih.gov American Council on Science and Health: http://www.acsh.org Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov
What are Food Allergies?
Immune response to eating food proteins (allergens) • The body mistakes food protein for something harmful (such as a bacteria) • Over reaction to fight mistaken “infection” Science Behind Immune Response
2 main kinds
1) Antibodies made to fight mistaken infection . Starts immediately . May involve multiple organ . In severe cases: anaphylactic shock may lead to death
2) White blood cells react . Symptoms may be less severe . Occur hours or even days to appear Symptoms of Severe Food Allergies
May involve GI tract, respiratory system, and skin What to watch for: Common Food Allergies
“The Big Eight”
90% of food allergies in U.S.
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 required food labeling How Many are Affected?
• By the numbers Current Estimate: 15 million in U.S. 30,000 emergency room $24.8 billion annual cost • Leading cause of food allergy death→ peanuts via anaphylaxis Treatment Under Physician’s Care
Anaphylactic shock Immediately use epinephrine (EPI-Pen) and call 911 Desensitization With MD, eat small amounts of food Add slowly to diet Possible to have little to no reaction over time Sensitivities or Intolerances
Trouble with proper food digestion Similar symptoms as minor food allergies
. Stomach pain
. Vomiting NOT life/death
Celiac Disease What is celiac disease?
• An autoimmune disorder • Exposure to gluten results in damage to the intestinal lining • Damage to the lining of the intestine reduces ability to digest and absorb nutrients • Treatment consists of completely eliminating gluten from the diet Gluten-related Disorders
• Celiac Disease • Wheat Allergy • Gluten Sensitivity – Not diagnosed on allergic or autoimmune mechanisms – Subject to risk of placebo effect What would you do?
You are making a stir-fry in a food demonstration for an after school program.
Based on what you know about food allergies – what might you discuss in during your session? jules What would you do? Sensationalized: Artificial Sweeteners Comparing Sweetness of Various Artificial Sweeteners to Sugar Artificial Sweetener Sales in the US in 2015, by brand
• Stevia
• Global market US$ 347 million in 2014
• US$ 565 million by 2020? Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet, Sugar Twin)
• FDA – generally safe • Except folks w/PKU – Can’t handle “phenyalanine” Sucralose (Splenda)
• Approved in United States 1998 • 600x sweeter than sugar • Over 110 FDA safety studies • Concerns???? 1. Leukemia 2. Altered metabolism 3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Sucralose Impairs Metabolism
Study looked at: • 17 obese diabetic subjects • Gave sucralose vs water • Compared respond to drinking glucose Results: sucralose – increased blood glucose levels
– decreases insulin sensitivity Limitations: VERY SMALL study • need larger sample size • Need different BMIs to represent the population. Sucralose (Splenda) leading to Leukemia
Study looked at. • Five groups of male and female mice • Different levels of sucralose Results • High levels of sucralose may lead to leukemia in mice. Limitations Mice study—need human clinical trials or additional research
Leukemia only in males
Only 2 levels found significant leukemia 2000ppm and 16000ppm
BUT at 8000ppm no difference Stevia (Truvia) “Natural Sweetener” herbal plant.
200-400x sweeter than sugar.
Brand names like Truvia has only contains only 1% of stevia in it.
jeepersmedia Stevia as an Anticancer agent
Two studies looked at 2 different chemicals in stevia: Stevioside Rebaudioside Stevia as an Anticancer agent
Two studies looked at 2 different chemicals in stevia: Stevioside and rebaudioside
1) Found: Stevioside: may help killing cancer cells BUT: Done in test-tubes: AND: Stevioside often removed from commercial (replaced with pure rebaudioside) Stevia as an Anticancer agent
Two studies looked at 2 different chemicals in stevia: Stevioside and rebaudioside 1) Found: Stevioside: may help killing cancer cells BUT: Done in test-tubes: AND: Stevioside often removed from commercial (replaced with pure rebaudioside)
2) Found rebaudioside better killing cancer cells BUT: Stevioside did NOT AND: Done in test-tubes American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association say: • artificial sweeteners might help with weight loss or control Artificial Sweeteners Aid in Weight Loss
American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association say: • artificial sweeteners might help with weight loss or control; BUT: only if effective totally calories are cut. Example: IF I cut calories for lunch with stevia or an artificial sweetener… BUT overeat dinner … no weight loss. Artificial Sweeteners Aid in Weight Loss
American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association say:
• artificial sweeteners might help with weight loss or control
BUT: only if effective totally calories are cut.
Example: IF I cut calories for lunch
with stevia or an artificial sweetener
BUT overeat dinner – no weight loss. ALSO: conflicting results about artificial sweeteners effect in weight loss. How much is too much? How much is too much?
• ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)
• weight (mg) of sweetener • per bodyweight (kg) • that is safe to have each daily • over a lifetime How much is too much?
EDI (Estimated Daily Intake)
estimated amount eaten according to food consumption surveys How much is too much? Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes
Study: daily use of diet drinks Found: • 36% greater risk for metabolic syndrome (high risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke) • 67% increased risk for type 2 diabetes Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes
• 36% greater risk for metabolic syndrome (high risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke)
• 67% increased risk for type 2 diabetes BUT Observational study grouped together many different artificial sweeteners. Based on food frequency questionnaire (accuracy questionable?) Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes
Found: • AND: Diabetes related • 36% greater risk for metabolic to many factors: syndrome (high risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke) • genetics • 67% increased risk for type 2 diabetes • exercise BUT • diet (even non sugary Observational study grouped foods like tortillas and together many different artificial sweeteners. pastas) Based on food frequency questionnaire (accuracy questionable?) Sensationalized: Coconut Oil What is Coconut Oil?
Has several saturated fatty acid (SFAs) • Zero double bonds • Tightly packed • Solid at room temperature What is in Coconut Oil?
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) main SFAs 1. Lauric Acid (12 carbon SFA) ~50% • Medium-chain FA • Claims –quick energy vs Long Chain FAs (LCFA) –lower cholesterol –clear up acne –fight HIV 2. Myristic Acid (14 carbon SFA) ~18% What is Coconut Oil? Refined coconut oil also is found in stores and is often bleached and deodorized. Coconut Oil In The Media And In Our Pantries 1980s • push against coconut oil • fears of all saturated fatty acids increasing heart attack risk
Early 2000’s • research MCFAs in coconut oil • metabolic advantages compared to LCFAs. Coconut Oil In The Media And In Our Pantries
Sales have increased 2016 Morning Consult study found the following: Coconut Oil Claims?
Dr. Daniel Hwang • Research molecular biologist • Western Human Nutrition Research Center at UC Davis • Specializing in lauric acid
“There are a lot of claims that coconut oil may have health benefits, but there is no concrete scientific data yet to support this.” Coconut Oil prevents Heart Disease
Good: raises HDL (good cholesterol). BUT: raises LDL levels (bad cholesterol) • Not as much as butter, • but more than unsaturated vegetable oils Coconut Oil prevents Heart Disease
Good: raises HDL (good cholesterol). BUT: raises LDL levels (bad cholesterol) • Not as much as butter, • but more than unsaturated vegetable oils)
HDL research unclear 2010 American Heart Association Dietary Guidelines Keep coconut oil under 7-10% of daily calories
bionicteaching Sensationalized: Coconut Oil Clears Acne
Study: children aged 1- 13 years old - compare VCO and mineral oil applied to skin Sensationalized: Coconut Oil Clears Acne
Study: children aged 1-13 years old - compare VCO and mineral oil applied to skin
Result: • Improved acne (physical signs and irritation) • Medium Chain Fatty Acids penetrate skin better
Affirm Let’s participant know you are listening and honor them Example: AFFIRM: Thank you for mentioning that – I’ve heard that from lots of folks.
(or “That’s interesting!” or “I’m glad you’re interested in that”) Add Make sure everyone else in the room knows what you think is correct!
ADD: Let’s talk about what the science says about it…(mention 1-2 important facts but not a long lecture) Move On Don’t get stuck in an argument with this person and ignore everyone else
MOVE ON: Thanx for bringing it up - now let’s talk about… Example
“Dr Oz says Coconut Oil gives you energy!’ Example
“Artificial sweeteners give you kidney cancer”
Chat out…
What other topics would you like to see in the future on a fact sheet? Contact Information
Rachel E. Scherr, PhD [email protected] Thank you!
Please complete the evaluation.
This material was produced by institutions that represent SNAP-Ed in California, known as CalFresh, with funding from USDA SNAP-Ed. These institutions, the California Department of Social Services, the California Department of Public Health, UC CalFresh, California Department of Aging, and Catholic Charities of California, are equal opportunity providers and employers. CalFresh provides assistance to low-income households and can help buy nutritious food for better health. For CalFresh information, call 1-877-847-3663.