When research findings are reported in the media, the normal reaction for most is to accept the findings as reported. Because the public doesn’t have access to the research material it is next to impossible to confirm the validity of the findings, identify bias, confirm cause versus association, determine sample size or review any of those other points that determine good research from bad.
We have to trust that we are getting accurate information. But what happens when the research and the reporting is ‘iffy’.
Food Insight recently blogged about a flawed study published in Nature that claimed to show a possible link between artificial sweeteners and conditions that could lead to weight gain and diabetes.
Key Highlights from the post are:
- A study Sept. 17 in Nature showing a possible link between artificial sweeteners and conditions that can lead to weight gain and diabetes raises interesting questions, but is flawed in many ways.
- Several better-designed studies show positive effects on weight management when people incorporate artificial sweeteners into their diets.
- The media’s extensive coverage of the story fits a documented pattern of paying the most attention to the least-reliable studies.
To see more on this post, visit – www.foodinsight.org/blogs/mice-and-media-credulous-response-iffy-sweetener-study