The TRUST Test To Tell Whether Nutrition Advice Is Bad

Or at least, whether it’s dubious. Dr. Ruth Machin shares with us a useful tool:

TRUST

The World Cancer Research Fund developed this simple tool, based on research from University College London, to help people assess health and nutrition claims, identify misinformation, and make better-informed decisions.

When considering a health claim, consider the following things:

• T — too good to be true: be skeptical of claims promising rapid weight loss, cures, dramatic results, or other quick fixes. Yes, miraculous developments can sometimes happen (imagine how it seemed when insulin was first used to treat diabetes!), but go into it eyes-open.
• R — research backed: ask whether a claim can be traced to scientific evidence rather than personal experience or opinion. If someone says “studies show,” ask which studies (like those we share all so often at 10almonds!). Check whether the research used sound methods, actually addressed the question, whether it involved humans or just non-human animals or cells so far, and whether it fits with the wider body of evidence. A claim that cannot be supported by published, peer-reviewed research is definitely a red flag (even if the claim itself could eventually turn out to be true when the science has actually be done to test it).
• U — understood: consider whether the person sharing the information understands and communicates the risks, or deliberately minimizes them. “Natural” does not automatically mean safe; for example, high-dose turmeric supplements have been associated with cases of acute liver injury. Be especially wary of people promoting unproven treatments instead of medical care, particularly for serious conditions such as cancer.
• S — source quality: examine who is making the claim, their qualifications, financial interests, and whether other experts broadly agree*. In the US, a Certified Nutrition Specialist is one relevant credential. In the UK, “dietitian” is a protected professional title, while people can check whether a nutritionist is registered with the Association for Nutrition. Doctors should not automatically be assumed to be nutrition experts simply because of their medical qualifications, since nutrition education varies considerably in medical training. Also consider whether someone is selling a diet, program, book, or supplements, and whether they acknowledge potential conflicts of interest.
• T — think before you share: if information fails the TRUST test, don’t amplify it on social media. Let questionable content fade away, and you can even report misleading commercial claims to the relevant advertising regulator.

*Consensus matters, by the way! Do be cautious of people presenting themselves as lone truth-tellers while claiming that doctors, researchers, or the entire scientific establishment are deliberately misleading the public. Contrarian messages, by their very nature, stand out from the crowd, and they can be superficially compelling, but the question is which position is more likely to be correct: the broader body of nutritional research, or one individual making extraordinary claims without strong evidence.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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Take care!