How to critically assess online nutrition information
Ellie Brewer
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Everyone with access to the internet is capable of making and sharing posts related to nutrition, but this does NOT mean everyone who you see posting nutrition-related information online is qualified to do so. Very few people share evidence-based information backed up by randomized controlled trials.
Following nutrition advice you find online can be helpful, but it can also be dangerous, especially if you have an underlying condition that can be influenced by the foods you eat. Examples of these include heart disease, cancer, Celiac disease, kidney disease, elevated blood lipids, heart burn, osteoporosis, and weight loss surgery. Finding credible sources of nutrition information is vital to ensure you are making dietary choices that will result in safe and effective changes to your health.
How to properly analyze nutrition information online
Sometimes, you just know in your gut if something doesn’t seem credible. But oftentimes (especially with AI editors nowadays), it can be super tricky to decipher the good from the bad. Here are some methods to help you sift through all the information online:
Check author credentials
If the author is not a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN or RD), be more critical of the information they present. Other health professionals can share evidence-based nutrition information, but it is not their area of expertise. Content made by influencers without health-related credentials should be examined critically.
Look for sponsorship/ads
If a post is sponsored or the author is affiliated with a company, be more critical of the content. Be aware of the monetary influence sponsorships and advertisements hold and how it can impact the message presented.
Look for sources
If the influencer is making dietary recommendations or referring to research, look for sources of the information in the caption. If you cannot verify the source of information, be more critical of the content. If sources are provided, check to see if a scientific journal or government website is referenced; these are typically more reliable than other websites like Wikipedia.
Check the content
Think critically about the content provided, especially if an influencer is recommending cutting out a food group or promising a quick fix to a problem. Unless they are a medical professional working individually with you, there is no need to cut out an entire food group (ex: dairy, grains, fruit, vegetables).
Content creators we follow at Rise
We totally understand the appeal of nutrition content online - it’s at your fingertips, it’s easy to understand, and it often has lots of ideas for recipes to try. In fact, our coaches love to follow nutrition content, too. Here are a few content creators on social media we follow/recommend for evidence-based nutrition and strength and conditioning information.
@diet.culture.rebel | Bonnie Roney, RD
@kids.eat.in.color | Jennifer Anderson, RD
@trainbloom | Tony
@hubermanlab | Andrew Huberman, PhD
@thealanaragon | Alan Aragon
@soheefit | Sohee Carpenter, PhD, CSCS
@michael_boyle1959 | Michael Boyle
In a world with endless information and resources, it can be extremely overwhelming to know what’s true and what’s not. At Rise, our team of coaches is trained to individually work with each member on strength training and nutrition to formulate a plan that works for you, your lifestyle, and your goals. If you’d like to sit down and learn more about what a membership at Rise looks like, we’d love to chat with you. Get started with Rise today.