From misleading supplement claims to exaggerated dietary benefits, the wellness industry thrives on pseudoscientific jargon designed to sell products. Misinformation can be harmful, leading people to trust unproven remedies over evidence-based health practices. It explores how to critically assess health claims, spot red flags, and navigate the overwhelming sea of conflicting information in nutrition and medicine
The Covid-19 pandemic revealed a vast landscape of misinformation on various topics, with science and health being chief among them. Since then, information overload has continued unabated, leaving many people rightfully confused by an onslaught of conflicting health information. Even expert advice is often contradictory. Additionally, people sometimes deliberately distort research findings to promote a specific agenda.
For example, trisodium phosphate is a common food additive in cakes and cookies, used to improve texture and prevent spoilage. However, wellness influencers exploit the fact that a similarly named substance is used in paint and cleaning products to suggest it is harmful to health. Such claims can spread rapidly, creating widespread misconceptions and undermining trust in legitimate scientific research and medical advice. The rise of social media as a news and information source further fuels the spread of pseudoscientific views.
Misinformation is rampant in the fields of health and nutrition. Findings from nutrition research are rarely clear-cut because diet is just one of many behaviors and lifestyle factors affecting health. However, the simplicity of using food and supplements as a cure-all is particularly seductive.
I am an assistant professor specializing in medical education and science communication. I also train scientists and future healthcare professionals in how to communicate their science effectively to the general public. In my view, countering the voices of social media influencers and health activists who promote pseudoscientific health claims requires emphasizing the science of disease prevention. Extensive research has produced a body of evidence-based practices and public health measures that have consistently been shown to improve the health of millions worldwide. Evaluating popular health claims against the standard of this work can help distinguish which ones are based on sound science. Conflicting information can be found regarding nearly everything we eat and drink. This is because a food or beverage is rarely simply good or bad. Instead, its health effects depend on factors such as the quantity consumed and an individual’s genetic makeup. Hundreds of scientific studies describe both the health benefits and risks of coffee. A broad overview may point in one direction or another, but news articles and social media posts often make claims based on a single study.
The confusion is even greater with dietary supplements because their promoters frequently make exaggerated claims about their benefits. Take apple cider vinegar (ACV), for example. It has been touted as an all-natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, urinary health, and weight management. Some studies suggest that it may help lower cholesterol and offer other health benefits, but overall, these studies have small sample sizes and are inconclusive. Advocates claim that one particular component of ACV, the cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle known as “the mother,” is especially beneficial due to its bacteria and yeast content. However, no research supports the claim that it provides any health benefits.
A good rule of thumb is that health hacks promising quick fixes are almost always too good to be true. Even when supplements do offer some health benefits under specific circumstances, it is important to remember that they are largely exempt from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. This means that the actual ingredients in a supplement may not match what is listed on the label, which can lead to potential harm, such as liver toxicity. Additionally, the global dietary supplements industry is worth more than $150 billion per year, meaning that companies and wellness influencers have a financial stake in convincing the public of their value.
There is no doubt that good nutrition is fundamental to health. Studies consistently show that a balanced diet containing a variety of essential nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. For example, minerals such as calcium and iron support bone health and oxygen circulation in the blood, respectively. Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, while healthy fats, such as those found in avocados and nuts, are vital for brain health. However, pseudoscientific claims often distort basic nutritional facts to promote the idea that specific diets or supplements can prevent or cure illnesses. For instance, vitamin C is known to support the immune system and can help reduce the duration and severity of colds. Despite claims to the contrary, consuming large quantities of vitamin C does not prevent colds. The body requires only a certain amount of vitamin C to function properly, and any excess is simply excreted. Some companies claim their supplement is “scientifically proven” to cure illness or boost brain function, even when no credible research supports these claims. Others exaggerate benefits while downplaying hazards. For example, wellness influencers have promoted raw milk over pasteurized milk as a more natural and nutritious choice. However, consuming raw milk is risky, as it can contain harmful bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as avian influenza (bird flu).
Dietary myths can be dangerous. Relying solely on nutrition can lead people to neglect other critical aspects of health, such as regular medical checkups and lifesaving vaccinations. In extreme cases, individuals with cancer have replaced proven, science-backed treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation with unproven and misleading nutrition programs.
Pseudoscience exploits people’s insecurities and emotions, taking advantage of their desire to live the healthiest life possible. While the world may be uncertain and beyond individual control, people want to believe they at least have control over their health. This is where the wellness industry steps in.
What makes pseudoscientific claims so misleading is that they incorporate just enough scientific jargon to sound believable. Supplements or powders that claim to “boost immunity” often list ingredients such as adaptogens and superfoods. While these terms sound credible, they have no scientific basis and were created by the wellness industry to sell products. I have researched and written about reliable ways to distinguish scientific facts from false health claims. To stay informed and find credible information, I suggest following a few key steps:
1. Check your emotions – Strong emotional reactions, such as fear and anger, can be a red flag.
2. Verify the author’s expertise – If the author lacks relevant expertise, they may not fully understand the topic.
3. Assess the source’s credibility – Ask yourself if scientists would trust this source.
4. Look for supporting references – If little or no scientific evidence backs the claims, consider seeking information from a different source.
Following these steps, can help separate facts from misinformation and empower individuals to make evidence-based decisions about their health.
(The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine)
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