THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH PRESENTS

Dr. Elizabeth Whelan, President ACSH, 1995 Broadway 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023 Nutrition Accuracy in Popular Magazines January 2004 – December 2005

Written for the American Council on Science and Health by Kathleen Meister, M.S.

Project Coordinator: Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D.

Magazine articles evaluated by: Irene Berman-Levine, Ph.D., R.D. F.J. Francis, Ph.D. Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D. Manfred Kroger, Ph.D. Statistical analysis by Heidi Berman, B.A. Articles selected and compiled by Mara Burney, B.A. Judges’ evaluations and survey results compiled by Jaclyn Eisenberg, B.A.

Art Director: Jennifer Lee

March 2007

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH 1995 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023-5860 Phone: (212) 362-7044 • Fax: (212) 362-4919 URLs: http://acsh.org • http://HealthFactsAndFears.com E-mail: [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE WISHES TO THANK ALL THE REVIEWERS WHO EVALUATED THE MAGAZINE ARTICLES USED AS THE BASIS OF THE RANKINGS IN THIS SURVEY: Introduction ...... 1 Irene Berman-Levine, Heidi Berman, B.A., is a The Survey: Methodology and Rating Criteria ..... 2 Ph.D., R.D., is a nutrition graduate student at the Magazine Rated EXCELLENT (90-100%) ...... 6 consultant in Harrisburg, PA University of Washington. Consumer Reports ...... 6 and Clinical Assistant Magazines Rated GOOD (80-89%) ...... 6 Professor in Nutrition at the Kathleen Meister, M.S., is Glamour ...... 6 University of Pennsylvania. a freelance medical writer and former Research Ladies’ Home Journal ...... 7 F.J. Francis, Ph.D., is Associate at ACSH. Shape ...... 7 Professor Emeritus of Food Child ...... 8 Science at the University of Mara Burney, B.A., is a Parents ...... 8 Massachusetts, Amherst. former ACSH Research Cooking Light ...... 8 Intern. Fitness ...... 9 Ruth Kava, Ph.D., R.D., is Woman’s Day ...... 9 Director of Nutrition at the Jaclyn Eisenberg, B.A., is American Council on an ACSH Research Intern. Good Housekeeping ...... 9 Science and Health (ACSH). Redbook ...... 10 Self ...... 11 Manfred Kroger, Ph.D., is Health ...... 11 Professor Emeritus of Food Runner’s World ...... 11 Science and Professor Better Homes and Gardens ...... 12 Emeritus of Science, Prevention ...... 12 Technology and Society at Magazines Rated FAIR (70-79%) ...... 13 the Pennsylvania State University. Men’s Health ...... 13 Reader’s Digest ...... 13 Cosmopolitan ...... 14 ACSH accepts unrestricted grants on the condition that it is sole- Muscle and Fitness ...... 14 ly responsible for the conduct of its research and the dissemina- Magazine Rated POOR (69% and below) ...... 15 tion of its work to the public. The organization does not perform Men’s Fitness ...... 15 proprietary research, nor does it accept support from individual corporations for specific research projects. All contributions to Conclusions — and ACSH’s Recommendations .16 ACSH—a publicly funded organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code—are tax deductible. Tables Table 1. Ranking of Evaluated Magazines ...... 3 Copyright © 2007 by American Council on Science and Health, Table 2. Ranking of Magazines by Overall Mean Inc. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission. Ratings and Subcategory Ratings ...... 4 Table 3. General Comments ...... 5 Nutrition articles in magazines can be an asset coverage in popular magazines may have deteri-

n or a threat to the public’s health. But such arti- orated slightly since the beginning of the current cles often sell magazines. Thus it’s no surprise decade.

o that they publish an abundance of information

i about nutrition. According to the Magazine In this, the tenth Nutrition Accuracy in Popular

t Publishers of America, 6.7% of all editorial Magazines survey, ACSH found that more than (nonadvertising) pages in American consumer three quarters (16 of 21) of the magazines c magazines were devoted to food and nutrition in included in the survey were EXCELLENT or 2005; that’s more than eleven thousand pages in GOOD sources of nutrition information; less 1 u that year alone! People read and trust what’s than one quarter scored in the FAIR or POOR written on those pages. National surveys con- range. Overall, the highest scoring magazines d ducted in 2000 and 2002 by the American were those in the “Consumer” category, while Dietetic Association2 and a 2006 Tufts the “Health” category received the lowest o University study of people over the age of 503 scores; however, there were substantial differ- r all indicated that between 50 and 60% of the ences among the scores of magazines within

t survey respondents turn to magazines for infor- each category. As was also true in ACSH’s most mation about nutrition. And readers aren’t just recent previous survey, which included articles n skimming magazine articles; many of them are published in 2000 through 2002, health maga-

I changing their eating habits on the basis of what zines aimed at male readers were especially they read. In a 2006 survey of U.S. consumers likely to score in the FAIR or POOR range. Only conducted by the International Food one magazine earned a rating of EXCELLENT. Information Council, 42% of the respondents Thus, there is still room for improvement in reported that they had made diet-related changes nutrition coverage, even in some of America’s in the previous six months on the basis of infor- most respected magazines. mation they had obtained from health and fit- ness magazines.4 The results of the current survey indicate the following: With such a large proportion of the population 1. Most of today’s consumer magazines are making changes in their eating habits on the providing their readers with generally sound basis of information obtained from magazines, it information about nutrition, but some errors is crucial to know just how accurate that infor- and misconceptions can nevertheless be mation is. To evaluate the quality of nutrition found in their articles. information presented in popular magazines, the 2. The quality of reporting on nutrition in pop- American Council on Science and Health ular magazines did not improve between (ACSH) has been tracking nutrition reporting in 2000–2002 and 2004–2005 and may even these publications for more than 20 years. Over have deteriorated over that time period. that period as a whole, ACSH has found that the 3. Health and fitness magazines aimed at male quality of the reporting has improved, reflecting readers continue to have the poorest nutri- most magazines’ growing commitment to edu- tion coverage. cating their readers. In the shorter term, howev- 4. Because the nutrition coverage in popular er, the current survey, which included articles magazines may not always be reliable, read- published in 2004 and 2005, did not show any ers should be cautious about making improvement over the immediate previous sur- changes in their eating habits exclusively on vey, which covered articles published between the basis of information they have obtained 2000 and 2002. In fact, the quality of nutrition from magazine articles.

1. Magazine Publishers of America. The Magazine Handbook: information sources vary with education level in a population A Comprehensive Guide 2006/07. Available online at of older adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Association http://www.magazine.org/content/Files/MPAHandbook06.pdf. 2006;106:1108-1111. 2. American Dietetic Association, Nutrition and You: Trends 4. IFIC Foundation, Food & Health Survey. Consumer Attitudes 2002, Final report of findings, October 2002. toward Food, Nutrition & Health, 2006. Available online at 3. McKay DL, Houser RF, Blumberg JB, Goldberg JP. Nutrition http://www.ific.org/research/upload/2006foodandhealthsurvey.pdf 1 tical recommendations? Were the recommen- The Survey: Methodology and dations supported by information in the arti- Rating Criteria cle? Were they based on accepted nutritional practices?) For this survey, as for the previous surveys in this series, ACSH identified top-circulating U.S. For each of eight separate points, the judges were magazines that regularly publish articles on nutri- asked to indicate whether they “strongly agreed,” tion topics. We made an effort to include maga- “somewhat agreed,” were “neutral,” “somewhat zines with different target audiences in order to disagreed,” or “strongly disagreed” with the sample articles aimed at a variety of readers. All statement. These responses corresponded to 20 of the magazines included in ACSH’s most numeric values ranging from a high score of five recent previous survey were evaluated this time to a low of one. A composite score was deter- as well. In addition, one magazine, Child, was mined for each article based on the judges’ eval- evaluated for the first time. uations, and the composite scores for each maga- zine were determined by averaging the scores for For each magazine, we identified all nutrition all articles in that magazine. The results were articles of at least one-half page in length pub- then tabulated to determine each magazine’s lished between January 2004 and December ranking. The highest possible score was 100%. 2005, inclusive. If more than 10 appropriate arti- Categories were assigned as follows: EXCEL- cles were available, we selected 10 of the articles LENT (100–90%), GOOD (89–80%), FAIR at random, using a random number generator (79–70%), POOR (below 70%). (however, due to an error only 9 articles from Shape magazine were evaluated). To minimize The overall results of the survey were not encour- judging bias, we electronically scanned the arti- aging. As judge Dr. Irene Berman-Levine put it, cles and reformatted them to eliminate identify- in comments written before the results had been ing features such as magazine titles and author tabulated, “In reviewing articles this year I do not names. This method of masking cannot be count- see the continual improvement that I have wit- ed upon to obscure the origins of all articles, nessed in previous years with the exception of however. For example, the judges might have improvement (in some articles) in trying to refer- surmised that articles about children’s nutrition ence the source of their information. This is dis- most likely came from Parents or Child, that arti- appointing.” cles about nutrition for runners most likely came from Runner’s World, and that articles about The analysis of the results is consistent with Dr. nutrition for bodybuilders most likely came from Berman-Levine’s impression. In ACSH’s most Muscle and Fitness. The unique product ratings recent previous survey, which covered articles published by Consumer Reports would probably published between 2000 and 2002, the ratings also be identifiable. were higher than those in earlier surveys, reflect- ing a continuing long-term trend toward improve- Four experts in nutrition and food science inde- ment. The current survey, however, did not show pendently judged the quality of each of the 210 any further increase in the quality of nutrition magazine articles in the following three areas: reporting; in fact, the proportion of magazines scoring at least 80% (the lower limit of the • Factual accuracy (Was the information in the GOOD range) was lower in the current survey article scientifically sound? Did the article than in the previous one (current survey: 15 of 21, document the sources of the information?) or 71%; 2000–2002: 16 of 20, or 80%). There • Presentation (Was the article objective? Was was some good news in the current survey: one the headline consistent with the content? Were magazine scored in the EXCELLENT range this the conclusions logical?) time, while none did in 2000–2002; and only one • Recommendations (Did the article make prac- magazine scored in the POOR range this time,

2 compared to two in 2000–2002. Overall, though, that each magazine earned in the previous ACSH the quality of nutrition reporting in popular mag- survey, which appeared in 2004 and covered arti- azines seems to have leveled off and may be cles published in 2000 to 2002. Because the rat- declining. ing criteria and methodology of the current sur- vey are the same as those used in the previous Table 1 presents the results of the current survey, survey, the new results can be directly compared with the magazines classified into four groups, with the older ones. based on their focus and readership: Consumer, Women, Home, and Health. The overall score of the magazines in the TTableable 1. 1. Ranking Ranking of of Evaluated Evaluated Magazines Magazines Consumer group was sta- Magazine (listed Circulation (in Previous Current Group tistically significantly by target audience millions)* (2000–2002) (2004–2005) Score group) Survey Score Survey Score (percent) higher than that for the (percent) (percent) Health group; the finding Consumer 84%† of “statistical significance” Consumer 7.4 86 90 indicates that the differ- Reports ence between these two Child 0.8 NA 86‡ Parents 2.0 89 86 particular groups is unlike- Reader’s 10.1 83 76 ly to be due to chance Digest alone. Other differences Women 83% between groups were not Glamour 2.4 81 87 statistically significant. Ladies’ Home 4.1 89 87 Among magazines in the Journal Woman’s Day 4.0 82 84 Health group, the lowest Redbook 2.4 83 83 scores were earned by Self 1.4 80 83 magazines aimed at male Cosmopolitan 3.0 78 75 readers; this pattern has Home 83% also been seen in previous Cooking Light 1.7 88 84 ACSH surveys. Good 4.6 86 83 Housekeeping Better Homes 7.6 87 81 In addition to the scores and Gardens from the current survey, Health 79% Table 1 also shows scores Shape 1.7 80 87 Fitness 1.5 81 84 Health 1.4 87 82 Runner’s World 0.6 85 82 Prevention 3.3 82 80 Men’s Health 1.8 71 76 Muscle and 0.4 68 72 Fitness Men’s Fitness 0.7 68 67 NA, not applicable – this magazine was not included in the 2000–2002 survey. * Most of the circulation information in this table was obtained from the Circulation Trends & Magazine Handbook on the Magazine Publishers of America Web site, at http://www.magazine.org/circulation/circulation_trends_and_magazine_hand- book/16117.cfm, and represents average total paid circulation for 2005. Exceptions are as follows: The value for Consumer Reports is for fiscal year 2006 and is derived from the company’s annual report, available at http://www.consumerreports.org/annu- alreport/annualreport2006.pdf. The values for Child, Muscle and Fitness, and Men’s Fitness were obtained from the Web sites of their parent companies (Meredith Corporation for Child; American Media, Inc., for the other two). The value for Runner’s World is a “rate base” value, obtained from the magazine’s Web site. † Significantly better than the Health category. ‡ When scores were tied (to the nearest percentage point), magazines were listed alphabetically. 3 Table 2 shows the overall ranking of the 21 mag- tion coverage of the magazines near the bottom azines and their rankings in the three subcate- of the rankings should be viewed as the least reli- gories of Accuracy, Presentation, and able, but small differences in scores among bet- Recommendations. It also indicates when there ter-scoring magazines may not be meaningful. were statistically significant differences between Table 3 summarizes the judges’ findings about the scores of specific magazines. In general, the each individual magazine. The next sections of statistical analysis indicates that true differences this report describe those findings in greater exist between magazines near the top of the rank- detail. ings and those at the very bottom. Thus, the nutri-

Table 2. Ranking of Magazines by Overall Mean Ratings and Subcategory Ratingsa Table 2. Ranking of Magazines by Overall Mean Ratings and Subcategory Ratingsa Rank Overall Accuracy Presentation Recommendations 1 Consumer Consumer Consumer Consumer Reportsb,c Reportsd Reportse,f Reportsg,h 2 Shapeb Glamourd Ladies’ Home Shapeg,h Journale 3 Ladies’ Home Ladies’ Home Parentse Childg Journalb Journald 4 Glamourb Fitness Shapee Glamourg 5 Parentsb Child Glamoure Parentsg 6 Childb Redbook Childe Ladies’ Home Journalg 7 Fitnessb Shape Woman’s Day Fitnessg 8 Woman’s Dayb Woman’s Day Cooking Light Good Housekeepingg 9 Cooking Lightb Parents Good Runner’s Worldg Housekeeping 10 Redbookb Cooking Light Self Cooking Lightg 11 Selfb Self Redbook Woman’s Dayg 12 Good Better Homes Health Redbookg Housekeepingb and Gardens 13 Health Health Fitness Selfg 14 Runner’s World Good Runner’s Healthg Housekeeping World 15 Better Homes Runner’s Better Homes Prevention and Gardens World and Gardens 16 Prevention Prevention Prevention Better Homes and Gardens 17 Reader’s Digest Cosmopolitan Cosmopolitan Men’s Health 18 Men’s Health Men’s Health Reader’s Reader’s Digest Digest 19 Cosmopolitan Reader’s Muscle and Muscle and Digest Fitness Fitness 20 Muscle and Muscle and Men’s Health Cosmopolitan Fitness Fitness 21 Men’s Fitness Men’s Fitness Men’s Fitness Men’s Fitness a For the purposes of this table, the data were Muscle and Fitness. carried out to as many decimal places as nec- e Significantly better than Men’s Fitness. essary to break ties. f Significantly better than Men’s Health. b Significantly better than Men’s Fitness. g Significantly better than Men’s Fitness. c Significantly better than Muscle and Fitness. h Significantly better than Cosmopolitan and d Significantly better than Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness. 4 Table 3. General Comments Table 3. General Comments Magazine General Comments Consumer The best in all respects. Did a great job with both long and short articles. Reports Ranked #1 in all three subcategories: Accuracy, Presentation, and Recommendations. Glamour Most articles were very good, although some could have used more interpretation or perspective to help readers understand scientific findings. Ranked #2 in Accuracy. Ladies’ Home Has maintained recent improvements. Published an outstanding food Journal safety article; a few flaws in other articles. Ranked #2 in Presentation. Shape Superb long articles. Compilations of shorter pieces had a few factual errors and omissions. Ranked #2 in Recommendations. Child Excellent advice in full-length articles. Compilations of shorter articles had some errors. Parents Most articles earned high scores, but this magazine’s overall score suffered because of one very inaccurate and misleading article about food additives. Cooking Light Some articles offered excellent advice. Others, however, omitted information that would have been useful to readers. Fitness Articles varied in quality. The judges were impressed with some articles, especially those aimed at parents, but other articles included misconceptions. Woman’s Day Some very good articles. Others, however, lacked documentation of sources or included scientifically unsound information. Good Would have scored much higher if its writers had documented their Housekeeping sources of information. Redbook Some articles scored high, but others lost points for overextrapolation from preliminary, unreplicated scientific studies or for the presence of factual errors. Self Several good weight-control articles. Other articles contained exaggerated claims or omitted crucial information. Health Some articles were good, but others overextrapolated from preliminary or disputed scientific evidence. Runner’s World Did a much better job with long articles than with compilations of short pieces. Better Homes Lost points primarily because of factual errors in several articles. and Gardens Prevention Had some problems with poor documentation of sources and overinterpretation of preliminary data, but did a better job than most of including crucial warnings in short items. Men’s Health A clever, attention-grabbing writing style seemed to triumph over accuracy and documentation of sources in this magazine. Reader’s The judges noticed factual errors and instances of overgeneralization of Digest scientific findings. Cosmopolitan Two articles scored high, but they were more than offset by other articles that contained scientific misconceptions and by an article that recommended an appallingly unsound weight-loss diet. Muscle and Some articles overextrapolated from preliminary scientific information, did Fitness not document sources adequately, and/or included factual errors. Men’s Fitness Many articles had inaccurate, exaggerated, and/or undocumented statements about various aspects of nutrition.

5 May 2005 article “We Have the Skinny on Magazine Rated EXCELLENT Cracker Nutrition” made good use of nutritional (90% or higher) analyses of 15 popular brands of crackers to make the point that the calorie, fat, and sodium Consumer Reports content of different types of crackers varies great- (#1 in our survey; overall score 90%) ly. Indeed, Consumer Reports is unusual among the magazines in this survey in that its short arti- The highest-rated magazine in ACSH’s survey cles are of the same quality as the longer ones. and the only one to receive an EXCELLENT rat- ing, is Consumer Reports. This magazine also earned the highest scores in each of the three rat- Magazines Rated GOOD ing subcategories: Accuracy, Presentation, and Recommendations. Consumer Reports has been (80% to 89%) at or near the top of the rankings in every ACSH survey in which it has been included, always Glamour scoring in the EXCELLENT range or in the top (tied for #2, overall score 87%) half of the GOOD range. Glamour magazine tied for second place in The August 2004 Consumer Reports article ACSH’s current survey, with a GOOD score of “Designer Eggs: The Best Way to Get Your 87%. In 2000–2002, this magazine received a Omega-3 Fatty Acids?” received top marks from score of 81%. ACSH’s judges. Dr. Irene Berman-Levine, one of the judges, called this a “great article that critical- ACSH’s judges gave high marks to the August ly evaluated claims.” Another judge, Dr. Ruth 2005 article “What’s Your Healthiest Weight?”, Kava, complimented the article’s “common- which Dr. Manfred Kroger described as “a good sense, rational approach” to assessing the value analysis of what constitutes ideal weight.” The of designer eggs. The judges were also impressed judges were pleased with the very thorough dis- with the June 2004 article “The Truth About cussion of the dangers of overweight that this Low-Carb Foods,” an “excellent and exhaustive article provided. Another article that scored high investigative report,” in the words of judge Dr. was March 2004’s “Your Big Fat Questions Manfred Kroger. About Fat Answered,” which provided well- researched information on various aspects of both When Consumer Reports devotes a full-length fat in foods and fat in the human body. article to a topic, they investigate that topic very thoroughly. One example of this was the June The judges were more critical of other Glamour 2005 article “Rating the Diets from Atkins to articles, though. Reviewing the June 2005 article Zone,” for which the magazine calculated the “Why You Love Sugar, and Is That So Bad,” Dr. calorie counts and nutrient composition of a Ruth Kava noted that the article missed an oppor- week’s worth of menus from each of nine popu- tunity to inform readers that more can be gained lar weight-loss diets, compared them to the by choosing foods on the basis of their positive Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and evaluated nutritional qualities rather than merely looking published research on each diet’s effectiveness for those with the lowest sugar content. This arti- and dropout rates. The result was a very informa- cle also included outdated, inaccurate informa- tive report that would be of great value to anyone tion on the safety of saccharin. The July 2004 who is trying to intelligently select a weight-loss article “50 Ways to Lose Weight,” which consist- diet plan. ed of a collection of weight-loss tips from women who had dieted successfully, also received some Consumer Reports’ analytical approach also criticism from the judges, primarily for its lack of serves readers well when it comes to shorter arti- interpretation and scientific perspective. cles and simpler topics. For example, the brief

6 Ladies’ Home Journal Shape (tied for #2, overall score 87%) (tied for #2, overall score 87%)

In the report on our last survey, we raved about Shape magazine tied for second place in ACSH’s the improvement in nutrition coverage in Ladies’ new survey, with a GOOD score of 87%. In the Home Journal. This time, we’re delighted to 2000–2002 survey, it had scored considerably report that the improvement has been maintained. lower, at fifteenth place and 81%. This magazine, which scored 89% last time, scored 87% this time, placing it in the GOOD The nutrition articles in Shape are of two differ- range. ent kinds: long articles that examine a particular subject in depth and compilations of short news ACSH’s judges were very impressed with the items. The long articles are usually well May 2004 article “The Fatal Flaw in Your Fresh researched and well written. The compilations are Foods,” which outlined the need to revamp and of less consistent quality. As ACSH has noted in consolidate roles within the U.S. government to previous surveys, some nutrition topics simply strengthen food safety procedures and reduce the cannot be covered adequately in a short news risk of foodborne illness. According to Dr. Irene item, and the omission of crucial facts can leave Berman-Levine, “Everyone, including every sen- readers misinformed. This problem is not unique ator and representative, should read this article to Shape; it is simply more visible in this maga- before they get hepatitis or other foodborne ill- zine than in some others because so much of nesses.” The September 2004 article “What Even Shape’s nutrition coverage is in the form of com- Young Women Need to Know About Bone pilations. Health,” a thorough and accurate discussion of osteoporosis that emphasized the effects of diet Among the longer articles, the April 2004 article and lifestyle on bone health in the years before “Six Reasons You Overeat,” which discussed menopause, also received high marks from research on eating cues and provided practical ACSH’s judges. advice on how to avoid the pitfalls they create, particularly impressed the judges. Dr. F.J. Francis Other Ladies’ Home Journal articles received gave this article high marks and noted that it was more mixed reviews. For example, the judges both unusual and very interesting. Another praised the accuracy of the information in the impressive long article was the October 2004 June 2005 article “Bottoms Up for Better “Size Matters!” — an informative discussion of Health,” which summarized recent research on portion size that included a day’s worth of recipes the health effects of alcoholic beverages, but crit- that carefully specified the appropriate amounts icized it for presenting only the positive side of to serve. alcohol and for failing to specify how much of an alcoholic beverage constitutes “one drink.” And The judges were more critical of Shape’s compi- the judges were disappointed with the December lation articles, usually because one or two of the 2004 article “Diet Soda Danger,” which linked items within them included inaccurate informa- the caffeine, carbonation, and artificial sweeten- tion. For example, a July 2004 compilation (in ers in diet sodas with bladder irritation, when in which the first item was “Are You a fact there is solid evidence of such a relationship Flexitarian?”) was downrated because an item on only for caffeine. omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids gave the mis- taken impression that all fatty acids of both types are nutritionally essential. Similarly, a May 2004 compilation (first item: “Fish Florentine”) was criticized by the judges because one of the items incorrectly implied that liquid sugar is nutrition- ally superior to regular sugar.

7 Child The drop in Parents’ score was attributable pri- (tied for #5; overall score 86%) marily to a startlingly and uncharacteristically poor May 2005 article about food additives, titled Child magazine, a newcomer to ACSH’s survey, “What’s in Your Food?” This article received earned a GOOD score of 86%. very low scores from ACSH’s judges both because it contained factual errors and because it One of the best articles in Child was the perpetuated the misconception that “natural” September 2004 article “Eating for 2: A Three- automatically means “healthful.” Trimester Menu,” which provided sound and sen- sible advice on many aspects of nutrition during The other articles in Parents fared much better pregnancy, including potentially confusing topics with the judges. Dr. Manfred Kroger was espe- such as the potential benefits and risks of con- cially impressed with the April 2005 article suming various types of fish. Good guidance was “Weighing In,” which discussed body image and also offered by the October 2004 article “Starting dieting issues as they pertain to preteens. He Solids,” which Dr. Ruth Kava described as “well- described the article as a “good, serious treatment organized and clearly written, with common- of a common problem.” The judges also liked the sense advice.” sound advice presented in the November 2004 article “Better Breakfasts,” although Dr. Irene As was the case in several other magazines, sev- Berman-Levine pointed out that the hypothesis eral Child articles that consisted of compilations that young children who don’t eat breakfast every of short items did not score as high as the longer day are more likely to have tooth decay has not feature articles did. For example, a September been proven. The December 2005 article “10 2004 compilation (first item: “Loving the Amazing Foods for Kids” also scored high, Lunchbox”) lost points with the judges because although Dr. Ruth Kava noted that the wording of an item on the reformulation of food products to the discussion of whole-wheat bread might have remove or reduce trans fats did not make it clear mistakenly led parents to believe that this type of that eliminating trans does not necessarily make bread is fortified. a food healthful. Another compilation, published in February 2004 (first item: “Red Hot Lunch”) Cooking Light lost points for stating, incorrectly, that strawber- (tied for #7, 84%) ries are a good source of calcium. Another issue with the compilation articles was their frequent Cooking Light earned a GOOD score of 84% in recommendation of specific brand-name items. ACSH’s survey, tying it for seventh place; in the Although it may be helpful to readers to draw 2000–2002 survey, Cooking Light scored 88%. their attention to new or interesting products, there is a risk that recommending a specific One of the best Cooking Light articles, according brand-name product in a nutrition article may to ACSH’s judges, was the July 2004 article imply that the product is nutritionally superior to “What to Eat After a Workout,” which not only other brands; often, this implication is not justi- provided good nutrition advice from a registered fied. dietitian but also gave practical quick meal sug- gestions for people who are trying to squeeze Parents exercise and eating into a single lunch hour. The (tied for #5; overall score 86%) April 2004 article “The Good Egg” also scored high, thanks to its balanced, non-alarmist discus- Parents consistently ranked very high in ACSH’s sion of this often-controversial food. “At last — past surveys, usually earning a score of around common sense on egg consumption!” comment- 90% and placing among the top four magazines. ed Dr. Ruth Kava. This time, though, Parents ranked a bit lower, with a GOOD score of 86%, tying it for fifth Other Cooking Light articles did not fare so well. place in ACSH’s survey. A July 2004 compilation article (first item: “Try Sunshine and Bran for Colon Health”) lost points

8 for not making clear that much of the research Woman’s Day described was preliminary. A December 2005 (tied for #7, 84%) compilation (first item: “Allspice Berry”) con- tained an inaccurate value for the sodium content Woman’s Dayearned a GOOD score of 84% in of oatmeal that affected the article’s conclusions ACSH’s survey, tying it for seventh place. In the about the relative nutritional merits of oatmeal vs. 2000–2002 survey, this magazine scored 82%. cream-of-wheat cereal. And the December 2005 article “Healthful Seasonal Foods” encouraged ACSH’s judges gave good marks to the April the consumption of chocolate without mentioning 2005 article “Should You Take Diet Pills?” — a its calorie content. “good, professional discussion” of this subject, in the words of Dr. Manfred Kroger. The October Fitness 2004 article “Snacks That Satisfy” also scored (tied for #7, 84%) well and was praised for its “practical nutrition suggestions” by Dr. Ruth Kava. Fitness magazine received a GOOD score of 84%, tying it for seventh place in ACSH’s survey. Several other articles in Woman’s Daylost points, This magazine earned a score of 81% in the however, for inadequate documentation of infor- 2000–2002 survey. mation sources or for including information that does not have a sound scientific basis. For exam- The August 2004 article “Diet Slipups Every ple, although some of the diet and lifestyle sug- Mom Makes” was one of Fitness’s best. It offered gestions in the September 2004 article “50 Ways good, common-sense advice about how to count- to Live to 100” were based on sound science, oth- er some of the poor eating habits that busy moth- ers, such as drinking red wine because it extends ers can easily slip into, such as eating off a child’s the life of yeast cells, were not. (Yeasts are not plate, eating too quickly, and skipping meals. people.) And while the April 2004 article “Herbal Another article that earned a relatively high score Remedies: How to Use Them Safely?” correctly was the February 2005 Healthy Pregnancy article pointed out that herbs can have risks as well as “Eat This Before You Conceive.” The judges benefits, it did not distinguish between well-doc- noted, however, that the article could have been umented facts and anecdotal reports, and the improved by adding a discussion of the desirabil- sources of much of the information in the article ity of getting to and maintaining a healthy body were unclear. weight. Good Housekeeping Less successful articles in Fitness included the (tied for #10; overall score 83%) December 2004 article “The Get Gorgeous Diet,” which advised readers to Good Housekeeping’s coverage of nutrition “load up on vitamin A” — a bad idea since exces- seems to be slipping a bit. In the current ACSH sive doses of this vitamin can be toxic — and the survey, it earned a GOOD score of 83%, as com- May 2005 article “The Best Healthy-Eating Tips pared to 86% in the previous survey, and 90% in from Around the World,” which exaggerated the the one before that. benefits of diet, according to the judges. As Dr. Irene Berman-Levine noted with regard to the lat- Good Housekeeping’s most important problem ter article, it shouldn’t be assumed that differ- was poor documentation of sources. In some ences in dietary patterns between countries are instances, the sources of information were indi- necessarily responsible for differences in disease cated so vaguely that a reader would not have rates. Differences in lifestyle, activity levels, and been able to track them down; in other cases, the other factors could also be important. magazine did not provide any indication at all of Unfortunately, this perspective was not included where its information came from. An example in the Fitness article. was the October 2005 article “Easy Ways to Eat

9 Right,” which was full of excellent advice and Redbook would probably have received a perfect score, (tied for #10; overall score 83%) except for one huge flaw — a complete lack of documentation. Redbook earned a GOOD score of 83% in ACSH’s survey, tying it for tenth place. This Length may also be an issue for Good magazine also received a score of 83% in Housekeeping. Several brief articles or items ACSH’s 2000–2002 survey. within compilation articles seemed to be too short to cover their topics adequately. For example, in ACSH’s judges gave relatively high marks to the a January 2005 compilation (first item: “Cocoa: April 2004 Redbook article “The Smartest Fast The New Health Drink”) one item informed read- Food Picks for Your Kids,” a rational, non-hyster- ers who hate swallowing pills that a new brand of ical look at fast foods that was marred only by an calcium supplement with tablets 30% smaller exaggerated statement about the presence of vita- than those of competitors had just come on the min C in French fries. Another sensible article for market. Unfortunately, though, the article did not parents, the April 2005 article “How Experts Get point out that chewable calcium supplements, Their Kids to Eat Healthy,” also scored well. The which are even less intimidating for people who article, which described techniques that several have trouble swallowing pills, are also available. physicians, dietitians, and other knowledgeable It would have taken only one more sentence to professionals use to improve their own children’s provide this information. Even more seriously, a diets, offered well-thought-out ideas such as serv- short September 2004 article titled “Are You ing a snack of vegetables with dip before dinner, Getting Enough Potassium?” told readers to when children tend to be very hungry, and allow- check with their doctors before taking potassium ing children who don’t like traditional breakfast supplements, but did not say that hyperkalemia foods to choose other nutritious foods in the from supplements can be dangerous and can morning. cause cardiac arrythmias and other serious prob- lems. The article also stated that most women are Other Redbook articles, however, lost points for not getting enough potassium “according to the overextrapolating from preliminary, unreplicated latest guidelines” but did not say what guidelines scientific studies. For example, the September it was referring to; it would have taken only a few 2004 article “September’s Best Mind and Body more words to explain this important point. Boosters” made much of a very preliminary study indicating that frequent consumption of honey On the other hand, ACSH’s judges had high might boost antioxidant levels, inappropriately praise for a July 2004 Good Housekeeping com- concluding that if you add honey to your diet, you pilation (first item: “Can This Diet Prevent can avoid cancer. Other articles contained factual Cancer?”), in which one item critically evaluated errors, such as the statement in the October 2004 a controversial diet book. Dr. Manfred Kroger article “Eat to Beat Breast Cancer” that folate is a described this article as “very courageous” and mineral (it is actually a vitamin). Some articles said, “This is what magazines should do: point lost points for failing to include important safety out the useless in popular culture.” Another arti- information. For example, an item in the previ- cle that scored high was the August 2005 article ously mentioned “September’s Best Mind and “Good Food!”, which provided a variety of sug- Body Boosters” said that iron supplements could gestions for good nutrition for children during the correct attention span problems caused by iron school year, including advice on difficult situa- deficiency but failed to note that people should tions such as 10:30 a.m. lunch periods. not take iron supplements without consulting a doctor since these supplements are not safe for everyone. And, as was the case with several other magazines, some articles in Redbook lost points for not documenting information sources well enough so that interested readers could locate the sources.

10 Self Dr. Ruth Kava commented that this article’s (tied for #10; overall score 83%) “excellent, common-sense approach to healthful eating” could have been enhanced, though, if Selfmagazine received a GOOD score of 83% in some mention had been made of increased phys- ACSH’s current survey. In the 2000–2002 survey, ical activity. Another article that scored well was it scored slightly lower, at 80%. December 2004’s “Sodium Shakedown,” which, as Dr. F.J. Francis pointed out, did a good job of Self’s nutrition articles usually focus on weight covering its subject despite its brevity. control, and some of them are accurate and informative. One example was the June 2004 arti- Other Health articles, however, received much cle “Prevent Pound Rebound,” which provided lower scores, usually because the authors overex- “good practical advice” on how not to gain back trapolated from preliminary or disputed scientific lost weight, according to Dr. Manfred Kroger. evidence. For instance, a June 2005 compilation The March 2005 article “Sip Yourself Slimmer,” (first item: “California Roll for a Cure”) grossly which cautioned readers not to overlook the calo- overstated the case for a possible protective effect ries in beverages and provided advice on how to of seaweed against breast, ovarian, and endome- make lower-calorie beverage choices, also earned trial cancers (the evidence comes from a study in high marks. rats, and people are not rats). The April 2004 arti- cle “Olive Oil Pills Are Worth a Taste” recom- The judges were much less impressed, though, mended supplements of hydroxytyrosol, an with the October 2005 article “Eat to Beat Breast antioxidant derived from olive oil, on the basis of Cancer,” which wildly overextrapolated prelimi- evidence from test tube studies (people aren’t test nary scientific findings and would be more likely tubes full of chemicals, either). And the April to scare readers than to inform them. The article 2005 article “Are You Eating Too Little?” placed also fell short by advising readers to “eat more too much faith in some not-very-well-accepted fish” without mentioning the limitations on fish evidence that calcium promotes weight loss. consumption recommended for women who are or who may become pregnant. Another article Runner’s World that fared poorly with the judges was the (tied for #13; overall score 82%) February 2004 compilation “Flash,” which included a variety of items that were far too short Runner’s World tied for thirteenth place in to cover their topics adequately. For example, an ACSH’s survey with a GOOD score of 82%. In item that noted that British women who drank the 2000–2002 survey, this magazine scored more than 7.5 pints of beer per week were slight- 85%. ly thinner than nondrinkers failed to note that this amount of beer exceeds the established limit of Runner’s World did a good job with a sophisticat- moderate drinking for women. ed topic of special interest to its readers — the roles of carbohydrate and protein in exercise — Health in the June 2005 article “Should Your Sports (tied for #13; overall score 82%) Drink Contain Protein?” In the words of Dr. Irene Berman-Levine, the authors “corrrectly interpret- Health magazine earned a GOOD score of 82%, ed and explained very challenging research. This placing it in a tie for thirteenth place in ACSH’s was a truly outstanding way to present truth to the survey. In 2000–2002, this magazine did consid- consumer.” The October 2005 article “The New erably better, at 87% and fourth place. Rules of Food,” which explained the 2005 changes in both the Dietary Guidelines for One Health article that received high marks from Americans and the U.S. government’s food pyra- the judges was a sensible, informative weight- mid, also earned high scores. loss article from the January/February 2004 issue titled “The Choose the Best, Lose the Rest Diet.” Where Runner’s World fell short was with articles that consisted of compilations of short items.

11 Some of the brief pieces in these compilations that cottage cheese is “a great way” to get calci- provided sound, sensible advice, but others con- um; in actuality, cottage cheese is lower in calci- sisted of unsubstantiated notions. For example, a um than most other types of cheese and other December 2004 compilation (first item: dairy products such as yogurt. All of these errors “Mmmmm…Pastries”) lost points for claiming could have been caught before they appeared in that the fermented milk product kefir is “a must print if the articles had been reviewed by a regis- during the cold and flu season” and for overstat- tered dietitian or other qualified professional ing the evidence that the bacteria in kefir may before being submitted for publication. ACSH help to lower blood cholesterol and “rid the intes- recommends that all magazines arrange for this tines of cancer-causing agents.” Similarly, a type of review in order to avoid publishing incor- December 2005 compilation (first item: “Magic rect nutrition information. Garden”) was criticized by the judges for placing too much faith in the health benefits of herbs and Prevention for quoting an alternative (orthomolecular) nutri- (#16, 80%) tionist as an expert. A June 2004 compilation (first item: “A Full Morning”) was downrated for Prevention magazine ranked sixteenth in ACSH’s presenting exaggerated claims about the benefits survey, just barely making it into the GOOD of green tea extract while providing no documen- range with a score of 80%. This magazine earned tation whatsoever. a score of 82% in the 2000–2002 survey.

Better Homes and Gardens Unlike some of the other magazines in this sur- (#15, overall score 81%) vey, Prevention actually does a reasonably good job with articles that consist of compilations of Better Homes and Gardens received a GOOD short items, often including crucial details and score of 81%, placing it fifteenth in ACSH’s sur- warnings that other magazines omit. For exam- vey. In 2000–2002, this magazine did consider- ple, a December 2004 compilation (first item: ably better, with a fourth place score of 87%. “Holiday No-Splurge Tips”) received good scores from ACSH’s judges, who particularly The July 2005 Better Homes and Gardens article complimented the magazine for specifying a def- “Build Your Own Food Pyramid” did a good job inition of “one drink” in an item that reported on of explaining the 2005 revisions to the U.S. gov- the potential health benefits of consuming one ernment’s food pyramid, emphasizing the reasons alcoholic drink per day. ACSH was also pleased for the changes from “servings” to specific meas- that an item in this same compilation on the pos- urements such as ounces and cups, as well as the sible benefits of probiotics in irritable bowel syn- individualized, personalized nature of the new drome recommended getting a doctor’s diagnosis recommendations and the ways in which con- first. Irritable bowel syndrome can easily be con- sumers can take advantage of the government’s fused with other ailments that may require differ- My Pyramid Web site. ent types of treatment; patients need to know what type of digestive condition they are dealing Other articles in Better Homes and Gardens, with before trying methods to relieve the symp- however, were marred by factual errors. An April toms. 2005 article on juicing titled “Health by the Glass” stated, incorrectly, that the enzymes in Other articles in Prevention came in for more raw, juiced vegetables are of nutritional signifi- criticism from the judges. The basic concept of cance. The January 2000 article “Weight the July 2004 article “The Perfect Meal,” which Warriors” inappropriately advised “everyone” to presented three menus designed to be “perfect” drink 64 to 80 ounces of water each day; this for staving off heart disease, avoiding breast can- quantity is far too much for some people, includ- cer, and strengthening bones, respectively, was ing sedentary individuals and small children. The criticized by Dr. Irene Berman-Levine, who April article “Healthy Snacks” mistakenly stated noted that “there is no perfect meal to stop dis-

12 ease.” This article also lost points for inadequate sary (but potentially dull) caveats about the pre- documentation of the sources of some of the sci- liminary nature of certain scientific findings. entific information it provided. The judges were also disappointed with a March 2004 “Ask Dr. Sensationalism showed up often in the Men’s Weil” column on multiple sclerosis, which made Health articles that ACSH’s judges reviewed, and dietary recommendations for people with this it prompted reduced scores for several articles. condition that are not supported by sound scien- For example, the February 2005 article “Eat tific evidence and that could lead to unnecessary Right Every Time” lost points for describing restrictions on food choice and nutrient intake — high-fructose corn syrup as “liquid obesity.” (It is such as avoiding milk products. The column also no more caloric than table sugar and has no did not emphasize the tentative nature of the sci- unique link to obesity.) A May 2005 compilation entific evidence underlying the author’s supple- article (first item: “Redder Is Better”) lost points mentation recommendations. for advising readers to avoid instant tea mixes on the grounds of excessive fluoride content on the basis of a single study. And the March 2004 arti- cle “Building the Perfect Feast” was downrated Magazines Rated FAIR for recommending whey (in the form of ricotta (70% to 79%) cheese) as a cancer fighter on the basis of a study of cells in a laboratory. Men’s Health (tied for #17, 76%) Some Men’s Health articles also contained factu- al errors. The July/August 2004 article “The Abs Men’s Health earned a FAIR score of 76%, tying Diet” stated, incorrectly, that whole-grain breads it for seventeenth place in ACSH’s survey. In prevent the body from storing fat and that Egg 2000–2002, Men’s Health scored 71%. Beaters are nutritionally equivalent to whole eggs. The November 2004 article “Right On, The best article in Men’s Health, according to Red” said that creatine is an enzyme. It isn’t. And ACSH’s judges, was the April 2004 article “The the previously mentioned article “Build the Sandwich Showdown,” which compared the Perfect Feast” indicated that fructose and high- nutrient content and taste of the most nutritional- fructose corn syrup are the same thing. They are ly desirable sandwiches served by six national not. All of these errors would almost certainly restaurant chains. The only weakness that have been caught before publication if the articles ACSH’s judges found in this article was that it had been reviewed by a registered dietitian. did not include information on the calorie counts of the sandwiches, although it did provide infor- Reader’s Digest mation on protein, fiber, saturated fat, and sodi- (tied for #17, 76%) um. Reader’s Digest received a FAIR score of 76% in Other articles in Men’s Health had more serious ACSH’s current survey. This is substantially problems, many of which seemed to be linked to lower than the GOOD score of 83% that this the magazine’s editorial style. Reporters for magazine received in the two most recent previ- men’s magazines strive for cleverness in their ous ACSH surveys. writing style and attention-grabbing content in their articles. Unfortunately, especially in short The Reader’s Digest article that the judges scored articles or compilations where space may be at a highest was the June 2004 short article “Iron Out premium, efforts at cuteness may crowd out use- Fatigue,” which accurately reported the results of ful information, and attempts to attract the read- a research study on iron and included the warn- er’s attention can easily slip into sensationalism. ing, “Since iron supplements can cause serious Clever wordings can distort facts, and writers can problems in some people, ask your doctor before mislead their readers if they fail to include neces- swallowing any.” Some other magazines that

13 reported on this same study did not include any dairy products, fruit, and most grain foods includ- mention of this important safety precaution; it’s ing bread, rice, and pasta. Grossly unhealthful, good to see that Reader’s Digest is more careful. nutritionally unbalanced fad diets like this one used to appear regularly in popular magazines, Other Reader’s Digest articles, however, had a but they are now much less common than they variety of flaws. The April 2004 article “Foods used to be. However, as this example illustrates, That Harm, Foods That Heal” overstated both the they are not extinct. ACSH recommends that benefits and risks of the foods it discussed and readers avoid any diet that prohibits one or more perpetuated the long-disproven myth that adding major food groups, such as fruit or dairy, unless mayonnaise to foods increases the risk of food the diet is recommended by a physician or regis- poisoning. A November 2005 compilation article tered dietitian. Eliminating entire food groups (first item: “The Real Skinny on Soda”) confused from the diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. fructose with high-fructose corn syrup, leading the author to reach incorrect conclusions about Other articles in Cosmopolitan suffered from the the effects of soft drinks on weight gain. The authors’ incorrect assumptions that certain August 2005 article “Meals That Heal” made no unproven notions have been established as facts. distinction between preliminary scientific evi- The authors of two Cosmopolitan articles, the dence and well-established nutrition principles, July 2004 article “Food Mistakes All Women thereby giving readers no way to determine Make” and an April 2005 compilation (first item: which of its many dietary suggestions were more “Bad Girl Rehab”), made this error when they important than others. And a August 2005 compi- stated that low-calorie sweeteners increase sugar lation (first item: “Eat in Vein”) advised readers cravings and therefore prompt people to overeat to seek out the word “hydrogenated” on food — an idea that has never been proven. The author labels to indicate the presence of trans fats. of “Food Mistakes All Women Make” also put far Actually, though, only partially hydrogenated too much faith in the unsubstantiated concept that fats contain trans fatty acids; fully hydrogenated fasting for five hours “slows your metabolism to fats do not.5 a halt.”

Cosmopolitan Muscle and Fitness (#19, overall score 75%) (#20, overall score 72%)

Cosmopolitan received a FAIR score of 75% in Muscle and Fitness earned a FAIR score of 72%, the current ACSH survey. In 2000–2002, it also placing it in twentieth (second to last) position in scored in the FAIR range, at 78%. ACSH’s survey. This magazine scored 68% in the 2000–2002 survey. ACSH’s judges gave high scores to two Cosmopolitan articles: an October 2004 article on Muscle and Fitness makes an effort to meet the eating disorders titled “When a Diet Turns nutrition information needs of its specialized Deadly” and the September 2005 article “Your readership of bodybuilders, with varying degrees Future Fertility: How to Protect It — Starting of success. One of the better articles was the Now.” Both of these articles were well February 2004 “Training Table,” which featured researched, and both covered their topics thor- good, common-sense advice about bread prod- oughly and accurately. ucts, such as “If you’re trying to lose weight, skip the butter, not the bread.” The article also noted Unfortunately, however, Cosmopolitan also had that bagels are often larger than the model bagel the dubious distinction of publishing the lowest- in nutrition charts and that although whole-grain scoring article in ACSH’s entire survey — the breads are nutritionally desirable, white bread is appalling July 2005 article “Detox Diet,” which not “poison.” These are all valid and helpful recommended a weight-loss diet that prohibited points.

5. This article was published before the current requirement difference between partially and fully hydrogenated fats in for inclusion of trans fatty acids in food labeling went into order to determine whether a food product contains trans effect. Today’s consumers do not need to be aware of the fat. They can simply look at the Nutrition Facts label. 14 Other articles in Muscle and Fitness, however, of publishing fiction. The most notable example did not score well. For example, the September was the March 2005 article “The Best and Worst 2004 article “Aminos Plus Carbs: The Anabolic Foods a Man Can Eat,” which managed to make Snack” lost points for giving advice on the basis inaccurate, exaggerated, or undocumented state- of a single study and for failing to provide any ments about most of the 54 foods it evaluated. documentation of its information sources. The The lack of documentation was a real disappoint- June 2004 article “Nutrition Rx” was criticized ment; we would have loved to read the studies for not pointing out that the digestive enzymes that allegedly show that “guys who eat bran cere- recommended by a bodybuilder quoted in the al frequently are happier, more alert, and have article are unnecessary; healthy people do not greater energy levels than guys who don’t” or need to take supplements of digestive enzymes. those that demonstrate that “alcohol plus a steak And the January 2004 compilation article “Health dinner works like lighter fluid on your metabo- and Nutrition” lost points for condemning orange lism.” juice because its acid content could be harmful to tooth enamel. Actually, the acid in orange juice is The statements quoted above may be silly, but a meaningful dental health threat only for tod- they are unlikely to do real harm. On the other dlers who take a bottle of it to bed with them; we hand, the article’s unproven claim that “apples doubt that this description applies to any of help to counteract damage from inhaled cigarette Muscle and Fitness’s readers. The same compila- smoke” is a real concern. Cigarette smokers tion also lost points for “jumping from animal should not be misled into thinking that their studies to human conclusions without explana- dietary choices can minimize the risks of smok- tion of caveats,” in the words of Dr. Irene ing; this kind of misinformation could decrease Berman-Levine. their motivation to kick the cigarette habit.

And that’s not all that was wrong with this article. For example, while we would never argue that Magazine Rated POOR French fries are one of the best dietary choices, (below 70%) the article’s claim that they are the new “cancer sticks” because of their acrylamide content is Men’s Fitness alarmist and misleading; as Dr. Ruth Kava noted, (#21, overall score 67%) “acrylamide has never been shown to cause can- cer in people.” Also, in addition to the errors The lowest-rated magazine in ACSH’s survey already mentioned, the article 1) stated that fast was Men’s Fitness, which received a POOR food burgers are high in fat, but that those grilled score of 67%. In the 2000–2002 survey, it at home are not (in reality, both are likely to get scored 68%. Men’s Fitnessscored lowest of all most of their calories from fat); 2) argued that the of the 21 magazines in this survey in all three calories in fruit juice are more likely than those in rating subcategories: Accuracy, Presentation, whole fruit to be stored as body fat (the scientific and Recommendations. evidence does not support this idea); 3) promoted the consumption of anchovies but condemned The best article in Men’s Fitness, according to cottage cheese on the basis of its sodium content ACSH’s judges, was the September 2005 article (anchovies contain much more sodium than cot- “Fish as Firepower,” which provided extensive tage cheese does); and 4) claimed that “com- information on choosing, buying, storing, and pounds in fresh berries work like Drano, inhibit- cooking fish, along with some mostly accurate ing the buildup of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in your information on the nutrition and food safety arteries” (if any such effect were strong enough to aspects of fish consumption. be meaningful, doctors would prescribe berries instead of statins). We have rarely seen so many Other articles in Men’s Fitness, however, led us to myths, misconceptions, and unproven notions in wonder whether this magazine is in the business a single article.

15 Although the quality of nutrition reporting in Conclusions — and ACSH’s most major magazines is relatively good, not Recommendations to everything that appears in print is scientifically sound or even safe. Readers should especially Magazines and Their Readers beware of information published in magazines that earned a FAIR or POOR rating in ACSH’s The quality of nutrition reporting in popular mag- survey and of information published in short arti- azines seems to have reached a plateau. The long cles or articles that consist of compilations of period of consistent improvement from the 1980s brief news items. In most magazines, the quality to the 1990s to the beginning of the current of short pieces is poorer than the quality of full- decade seems to have ended. Fortunately, most length articles. major magazines, with the possible exception of health and fitness magazines for men, are doing a If you’re considering making a change in your reasonably good job of providing their readers eating habits on the basis of something you read with sound nutrition information. The dangerous in a magazine article, we suggest that you do the weight-loss diets and unwarranted claims for following: dietary supplements that once dominated popular magazines’ coverage of nutrition are now rare. 1. Consider the source of the information. Look But there is still room for further improvement. first at the magazine in which the article was published. Did it rank low or high in ACSH’s ACSH recommends that magazines that want to survey? Also, ask where the author obtained improve their coverage of nutrition consider the information that forms the basis of the doing the following: article’s recommendations. Did it come from a trustworthy source that reflects a scientific 1. Require all writers to document their sources consensus, such as the Dietary Guidelines for of information well enough so that readers Americans? Or did it come from a single sci- can track down those sources. entific study, perhaps one that was conducted in animals or cultured cells, rather than peo- 2. Do not allow writers to advise readers to ple? Can you even figure out where the change their eating or supplementation habits author obtained the information? If no source on the basis of preliminary scientific evi- at all is given, beware. dence. “Preliminary” means a single human study or findings from animal or cell culture 2. Consider the length of the article. Short arti- experiments that have not been confirmed in cles, or short items within longer compilation human beings. articles, often do not provide enough informa- tion to cover a topic adequately and they tend 3. Edit articles consisting of compilations of to be more error-ridden than longer articles short items with greater care, and avoid dis- are. Sometimes, crucial safety information is cussing complex topics or those with impor- omitted (for example, the item may mention tant safety implications in such items. that a particular dietary supplement had a ben- eficial effect but neglect to warn that certain 4. Have all articles reviewed for factual accura- groups of people cannot take this type of sup- cy by a registered dietitian or other qualified plement safely). You may want to seek out health professional before publication. other information to supplement these snip- pets. ACSH believes that readers can continue to rely on magazines as useful sources of nutrition infor- 3. Consider whether the information in the arti- mation but that they should be cautious about cle is consistent with the principles of good adopting any new dietary or supplementation nutrition. To do this, you need to be familiar practices on the basis of magazine articles alone.

16 with some basic nutrition concepts. Good tor is especially important. If you take any places to look for basic nutrition information kind of medication, you should definitely ask include the websites devoted to the federal your doctor before starting to take any new government’s Dietary Guidelines for dietary supplement; some supplements can Americans (http://www.health.gov/Dietary interact in detrimental ways with medica- Guidelines/) and the food pyramid tions. In general, you should not adopt any (http://www.mypyramid.gov/). You can also eating pattern that excludes one or more of find reliable information on nutrition and a the basic food groups (grains, vegetables, wide variety of other health topics at the fruit, dairy products, and meat and other pro- National Library of Medicine’s consumer tein foods) or take any dietary supplement health site, MedlinePlus that provides substantially more than 100% (http://medlineplus.gov/). Once you know the of the recommended intake of any nutrient basics, you’ll find it easier to distinguish without the approval of your physician. If well-accepted ideas from outlandish ones. you need help in changing your diet, ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian, or con- 4. Consider whether you need to check with tact the American Dietetic Association for your doctor or a registered dietitian before referral to one in your locality (http://www. making a change. If you’re considering a eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/home_48 drastic change in your diet, it’s prudent to 74_ENU_HTML.htm). discuss it with your doctor before you pro- ceed. If you have any type of ongoing health problem or if you’re considering making changes in your child’s diet, talking to a doc-

17 CHAIRMAN VICE CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT

John Moore, Ph.D., M.B.A. Frederick Anderson, Esq. Elizabeth M. Whelan, Sc.D., M.P.H. Grove City College, President Emeritus McKenna Long & Aldridge ACSH

ACSH BOARD OF TRUSTEES

AlbertNigel EinsteinBark, M.D. College of Medicine UniversityJames E. ofEnstrom, California, Ph.D., Los Angeles M.P.H. PThomasamela B. Campbell Jackson and Jackson, Thomas M.P.H.C. Jackson Indo-USRodney Science W. Nichols & Technology Forum PrincetonLee M. Silver, University Ph.D. Charitable Fund UniversityElissa P. Benedek,of Michigan M.D. Medical School UniversityJack Fisher, of California, M.D. San Diego TheGeorge Ohrstrom F. Ohrstrom Foundation HarvardThomas Medical P. Stossel, School M.D. CommitteeElizabeth toMcCaughey, Reduce Infection Ph.D. Deaths TexasNorman A&M E. University Borlaug, Ph.D. NewHon. York, Bruce NY S. Gelb CKennetholumbia UniversityM. Prager, Medical M.D. Center DykemaHarold D. Stratton, Jr., J.D. TheHenry Hoover I. Miller, Institution M.D. Katherine L. Rhyne, Esq. YMichaelale University B. Bracken, School of Ph.D., Medicine M.P.H. UDonaldniversity A. of Henderson,Pittsburgh Medical M.D., Center M.P.H. King & Spalding LLP

A CSH FOUNDERS CIRCLE

UniversityChristine ofM. California, Bruhn, Ph.D.Davis UniversityThomas R.of DeGregori,Houston Ph.D. LyonsAlbert Lavey G. Nickel Nickel Swift, Inc. KetchumLorraine Thelian CaseRobert Western J. White, Reserve M.D., University Ph.D.

ErnstTaiwo & K.Young Danmola, C.P.A. InstituteA. Alan forMoghissi, Regulatory Ph.D. Science MemorialStephen Sloan-KetteringS. Sternberg, CancerM.D. Center MassachusettsKimberly M. Thompson,Institute of Technology Sc.D.

A CSH STAFF

RJulianneesearch Associate M. Chickering EMarxecutiveie Guillaume Assistant to the President AJennifrt Directorer Lee DTaraevelopment McTeague Assistant AJefssociatef Stier, Director Esq.

ExecutiveJudith A. Assistant D’Agostino DirectorRuth Kava, of Nutrition Ph.D., R.D. ResearchMolly Lee Associate ExecutiveGilbert L. and Ross, Medical M.D. Director

ResearchJaclyn Eisenberg Associate AccountantA. Marcial C. Lapeña AssociateCheryl E. Director Martin DirectorTodd Seavey of Publications

A CSH BO ARD OF SCIENTIFIC AND POLICY ADVISORS

C.S.Ernest Mott L. Center Abel, Ph.D. Kanosh,Blaine L.UT Blad, Ph.D. BartsRino andCerio, The M.D. London Hospital Institute of Bolinas,Ilene R. CA Danse, M.D. UniversityHenry A. ofDymsza, Rhode Island Ph.D. Pathology TexasGary A&MR. Acuff, University Ph.D. UniversityHinrich L. of Bohn, Arizona Ph.D. UniversitySherrill Davison, of Pennsylvania V.M.D., M.S., M.B.A. FloridaMichael Department W. Easley, of D.D.S.,Health M.P.H. HealthMorris Education E. Chafetz, Foundation M.D. UniversityJulie A. Albrecht, of Nebraska, Ph.D. Lincoln RhodesBen W .College Bolch, Ph.D. UniversityElvira G. ofde Illinois Mejia, Ph.D. Philadelphia,George E. Ehrlich, PA M.D., M.B. UniversityBruce M. ofChassy, Illinois, Ph.D.Urbana-Champaign HunterPhilip College,Alcabes, CUNY Ph.D. MedicalJoseph CollegeF. Borzelleca, of Virginia Ph.D. UniversityRobert M. of Devlin, Massachusetts Ph.D. WesternMichael Health P. Elston, M.D., M.S. Milan,Martha MI A. Churchill, Esq. 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University Safe, D.Phil. Olney,John G.MD Keller, Ph.D. Gordon W. Newell, Ph.D., M.S., F.- F. Peter Guengerich, Ph.D. Frank C. Lu, M.D., BCFE A.T.S. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Miami, FL Cupertino, CA StanfordWallace UniversityI. Sampson, School M.D. of Medicine DeltaKathryn Toxicology E. Kelly, Dr.P.H. Caryl J. Guth, M.D. William M. Lunch, Ph.D. Thomas J. Nicholson, Ph.D., M.P.H. Advance, NC Oregon State University Western Kentucky University UniversityHarold H. of Sandstead, Texas Medical M.D. Branch UniversityGeorge R. of Kerr,Texas, M.D. Houston Philip S. Guzelian, M.D. Howard D. Maccabee, Ph.D., M.D. Robert J. Nicolosi, Ph.D. University of Colorado Alamo, CA University of Massachusetts, Lowell PurdueCharles University R. Santerre, Ph.D. ProgressGeorge A.and Keyworth Freedom Foundation II, Ph.D. Steven P. Novella, M.D. Yale University School of Medicine AmericanSally L. EnterpriseSatel, M.D. Institute VLowellergas, MND. Satterlee, Ph.D. OAnnehio State M. 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ColumbiaMark V. Sauer,University M.D. ColoradoGary C. StateSmith, University Ph.D. McGuireWoods,Andrea D. Tiglio, LLP Ph.D., J.D. WhiteJohn S.Technical White, Research Ph.D.

TexasJeffrey A&M W. UniversitySavell ColoradoJohn N. StateSofos, University Ph.D. TuftsJames University W. Tillotson, Ph.D., M.B.A. RochesterCarol Whitlock, Institute Ph.D., of Technology R.D.

RoslynMarvin Heights, J. Schissel, NY D.D.S. UniversityRoy F. Spalding, of Nebraska, Ph.D. Lincoln HarvardDimitrios School Trichopoulos, of Public Health M.D. Wilmington,Christopher NC F. Wilkinson, Ph.D.

KEdgaraiser PermanenteJ. Schoen, MedicalM.D. Center FLeonardlorida Atlantic T. Sperry, University M.D., Ph.D. WMurrayinchendon, M. Tuckerman,MA Ph.D. NMarkational L. Institute Willenbring, on Alcohol M.D., Abuse Ph.D. and Alcoholism UDavidniversity Schottenfeld, of Michigan M.D., M.Sc. JRobertohns Hopkins A. Squire, University D.V.M., Ph.D. URobertniversity P. of Upchurch, Arizona Ph.D. UniversityCarl K. Winter, of California, Ph.D. Davis AJoelmerican M. Schwartz, Enterprise InstituteM.S. URonaldniversity T. of Stanko, Pittsburgh M.D. Medical Center UMarkniversity J. Utell,of Rochester M.D. Medical Center RJamesochester J. InstituteWorman, of TechnologyPh.D. BrooklynDavid E. College Seidemann, Ph.D. UniversityJames H. of Steele, Texas, HoustonD.V.M., M.P.H. UniversityShashi B. of Verma, Nebraska, Ph.D. Lincoln URussellniversity S. of Worrall, California, O.D. Berkeley UniversityPatrick J. of Shea, Nebraska, Ph.D. Lincoln PennsylvaniaRobert D. Steele, State University Ph.D. UniversityWillard J. of Visek, Illinois M.D.,College Ph.D. of Medicine NS.ational Stanley Institute Young, of Statistical Ph.D. Science SkepticMichael Magazine B. Shermer, Ph.D. UniversityJudith S. ofStern, California, Sc.D., Davis R.D. UniversityLynn Waishwell, of Medicine Ph.D., and DentistryC.H.E.S. of New Jersey, School of Public Health UStevenniversity H. of Zeisel, North Carolina M.D., Ph.D. MSidneyedical CollegeShindell, of WisconsinM.D., LL.B. Ronald D. Stewart, O.C., M.D., Donald M. Watkin, M.D., M.P.H., Michael B. Zemel, Ph.D. DFRCPCalhousie University Nutrition Institute, University of F.A.C.P. SSarahyracuse Short, University Ph.D., Ed.D., R.D. George Washington University Tennessee ColoradoMartha BarnesState University Stone, Ph.D. Miles Weinberger, M.D. Ekhard E. Ziegler, M.D. UniversityA. J. Siedler, of Illinois, Ph.D. Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics University of Iowa PurdueJon A. UniversityStory, Ph.D. John Weisburger, M.D., Ph.D. NewMarc York K. Siegel,University M.D. School of Medicine New York Medical College Gaithersburg,Michael M. Sveda,MD Ph.D. Janet S. Weiss, M.D. WayneMichael State S. Simon,University M.D., M.P.H. The ToxDoc Topeka,Glenn Swogger,KS Jr., M.D. Simon Wessley, M.D., FRCP ScienceS. Fred &Singer, Environmental Ph.D. Policy Project King’s College London and Institute of UniversitySita R. T atini,of Minnesota Ph.D. Psychiatry ElkinsRobert Park, B. Sklaroff,PA M.D. Steven D. Wexner, M.D. HouseDick Taverne of Lords, UK Cleveland Clinic Florida

The opinions expressed in ACSH publications do not necessarily represent the views of all members of the ACSH Board of Trustees, Founders Circle and Board of Scientific and Policy Advisors, who all serve without compensation.