DEAR DR. BLONZ: A popular alternative-medicine speaker from Australia says that dairy is a "dirty protein," but doesn't go into detail about why. Much of what she says makes sense, but I rely on dairy, especially fermented dairy products, for calcium and protein, so I am concerned. Do you have any idea what might be behind this? -- B.O., Charlotte, North Carolina
DEAR B.O.: Lots to unravel here. Diet and health versions of "fake news" continue to flood social media. Let's tackle your issue first: Dairy is not "dirty protein." While dairy is not essential, it provides a wide range of essential nutrients, including complete proteins, vitamins and minerals. Personally, I enjoy kefir or yogurt, fermented dairy products, high-fiber granola and fresh berries for my healthful breakfast. The "dirty protein" comment you heard betrays a twisted ethos. Misleading statements such as this cast doubt on that speaker's reliability.
Social media has unleashed a flood of charlatans peddling bogus health advice. I recommend you consider it a red flag whenever you come across statements devoid of evidence-based explanations. Such advice can mislead, promote misinformation or con you into buying their products, services or advice -- or simply get you to "follow" them. Even more serious is when these claims promote unproven cures for disease.
No matter how convincing they sound -- and remember, this is their skill -- you need to check their training. Look for graduate-level education in the field in which they claim to be an expert. (Some pay-to-play certification organizations allow participants to state they are "board certified" when all it takes is a payment to gain that credential.) Checking for background training should reveal those whose primary skill is sales talk rather than education in the health sciences. Don't be fooled by the "doctor" title, which can be earned in unrelated fields, and can even be purchased from "diploma mills." You want your information to come from trained health professionals, ideally with a peer-reviewed publication history in the field they are discussing. Consider these guidelines:
-- Seek objective, evidence-based confirmation for the safety and efficacy of any dietary supplement, health-related product or service.
-- The accepted standard is competent and reliable scientific evidence published in a reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journal.
-- Look for research done with people, not animals; the active ingredient in the product being promoted should be comparable to that used in published studies cited as support.
-- Many products rely on testimonials designed to seduce and sound convincing -- such testimonials should not be the sole reason you buy a product or service.
-- Don't be persuaded when the only available "positive" information source is individuals or entities that benefit from the purchase they're soliciting.
-- The concept of "they couldn't say that if it weren't true" is misleading. There are various methods by which dietary supplements and other health products get promoted, and regulatory agencies can't keep up with the ever-changing frontier of false, illegal and questionable claims being made.
-- Finally, be aware that the ingredients in dietary supplements and prescription medications can interact. Be upfront about what you take with the health professionals you entrust with your care.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.