PHED 2507 The Science of Nutrition TheScienceofNutrition
GOAL: The goal of this task is to familiarize you with the concepts of valid nutrition information. We will NOT be covering this material in class, however, your ARE responsible for it. This information will appear on a quiz held as well as on the mid‐term and final exams. Directions:
A. Read The Science of Nutrition (p12‐16) and Sorting the Imposters from the Real Nutrition Experts (p21‐27) B. Answer the “Reading Questions” below. C. Take the quiz as directed by your instructor (either on‐line or in class). Please ask your instructor when the quiz will be and in what format. TheScienceofNutrition(p13–15)
1. Valid nutrition information is obtained through the scientific method. Describe the scientific method used by nutrition scientists (Figure 1‐3) 2. Read through the examples of research design and explain what research design is chosen to study an individual? What are the key aspects of this type of design? 3. What research design is chosen to study whole populations? What are the key aspects of this type of design? 4. What research design is chosen to investigate an intervention? What are the key aspects of this type of design? 5. What research design is chosen to study the mechanisms by which nutrients might be acting? What are the key aspects of this type of design? TheAnatomyofaResearchArticle(Table1‐7)
6. List the 7 parts of a research article and what you would expect to find in each of these sections. ThinkCritically!
7. If a researcher publishes one research paper reporting that “product X” promotes weight loss, would you immediately believe that this proves product X can promote weight loss? Why or why not? Explain TrustingtheMediatoDeliverNutritionNews(p16)
8. Can the media be a trusted source of accurate nutrition information? Nutrition and Health 1 | P a g e PHED 2507 The Science of Nutrition ValidNutritionInformation:sortingtheimpostersfromtheexperts(p
21‐22)
9. According to research, what are the top 2 sources people rely on to provide most of their nutrition information? 10. How does the textbook define fraud or quackery? 11. List the claims that are “earmarks of nutrition quackery”. [figure C1.1] 12. List some credible sources of nutrition information. NutritionontheNet(p23&p24)
13. How true is the statement “nutrition information found on the internet is usually trustworthy”? 14. When evaluating a website to determine if it is reliable, there are a few questions you can use to check the reliability. List these questions and identify the key concepts for each that indicate the site you are viewing is reliable [table C1.3]. NutritionExperts(p24‐26)
15. Would your physician be an expert in nutrition or dietary advice? 16. What is the credential that easily identifies a qualified nutrition expert? What does the credential stand for? 17. What are some “fake credentials” that may fool the public? 18. Is the title “nutritionist” regulated in Canada? Nutrition and Health 2 | P a g e