Judging Nutrition Information

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

The scientific method offers a systematic, unbiased approach to evaluating the relationships among food, nutrients, and health.

Question 2

Scientific Method Order

Answer 2

Observation –> Hypothesis –> Experiment –> Theory

Question 3

What makes a good experiment?

Answer 3

(a) quantifiable data, (b) an appropriate experimental population, (c) appropriate number of subjects, (d) suitable study duration, (e) statistical analysis of results, and (f) publication after a peer-review process.

Question 4

Quantifiable Data

Answer 4

This means that the data can be measured in a way that provides numerical results and uses methods that can be repeated by others.

Question 5

Biomarker

Answer 5

Indicators of future disease development.

Question 6

Appropriate Experimental Population

Answer 6

For an experiment to produce useful results, the right experimental population must be studied.

Question 7

Appropriate Number of Subjects

Answer 7

The number of subjects included in a study is also important. Statistical methods are used to determine how many subjects are needed to demonstrate the effect of the experimental treatment. The number of subjects will depend on the type of study and the effect being tested.

Question 8

Suitable Study Duration

Answer 8

It is important for scientists to design their study to last long enough to see an effect.

Question 9

Statistical Analysis of Results

Answer 9

Statistical methods are essential for the analysis of the results.

Question 10

Publication of Results After Peer Review

Answer 10

The sharing of experimental results is essential to the progress of science, so after completing an experiment, scientists publish their results in a scientific journal.

Question 11

Epidemiology

Answer 11

This study of diet, health, and disease patterns

Question 12

Observational studies

Answer 12

The dietary intake and the health of the population being studied are being observed.

Question 13

Confounding factors

Answer 13

Factors associated with both the dietary intake of interest and the disease

Question 14

Prospective cohort study

Answer 14

The dietary intake of a healthy population is recorded and the health of this population is followed for a number of years, that is, it is prospective or moving forward in time.

Question 15

Case-Control Studies

Answer 15

Compare individuals with a particular condition to similar individuals without the condition.

Question 16

Human Intervention Trials or Studies

Answer 16

Also called clinical trial or clinical studies. Unlike the observational study, this type of experiment actively intervenes in the lives of a population and examines the effect of this intervention.

Question 17

Laboratory Study

Answer 17

Laboratory studies are conducted in research facilities such as hospitals and universities. They are used to learn more about how nutrients function and to evaluate the relationships among nutrient intake, levels of nutrients in the body, and health. They may study nutrient requirements and functions in whole organisms—either humans or animals—or they may focus on nutrient functions at the cellular, biochemical, or molecular levels.

Question 18

Depletion-repletion studies

Answer 18

A classic method for studying the functions of nutrients and estimating the requirement for a particular nutrient. This type of study involves depleting a nutrient by feeding experimental subjects a diet devoid of that nutrient. After a period of time, if the nutrient is essential, symptoms of a deficiency will develop. The symptoms provide information on how the nutrient functions in the body. The nutrient is then added back to the diet, or repleted, until the symptoms are reversed.

Question 19

Balance Study

Answer 19

Comparing a nutrient with its excretion

Question 20

What 5 questions should be asked before believing a claim?

Answer 20

1. Does this Information make sense?
2. Where did the information come from?
3. Is the Information Based on Well-Designed, Accurately Interpreted Research Studies?
4. Who Stands to Benefit?
5. Has it stood the test of time?