Evaluating Online Health Claims and Information
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1000728
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲Advances in technology have many benefits including access to a vast amount of information our fingertips. However, we must take caution that the information we are receiving is correct, especially when it comes to health claims and information. Whether you are searching for information to help manage a health condition or you come across a health claim while scrolling through social media, it’s important to be sure that the information is safe and reliable. So, how can you do this?
Ask questions about the source, their intentions, where they get their information, and their sponsors. Just because a health or nutrition video or website looks professional doesn’t mean that it’s a credible source for health information. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself about websites, social media posts, or other sources of nutrition/health information on the internet.
1. Who is giving the information?
- Who is in charge of the website or account that is sharing this information?
- What is the purpose of sharing this information?
- What action are they asking from you?
Know your websites. Website domains ending in .edu are usually run by universities, colleges, or educational institutions. Websites ending with .gov are owned and operated by the government. If you come across health websites ending with .org and .com as they can be owned and operated by anyone.
2. Is the information credible?
- Is the information based on research?
- Is the information recent?
- Are the claims too good to be true?
Pay attention if the information is not based on research or is out of date. Look for the most current information possible as research is always advancing.
3. Who benefits from giving this information?
- Is there a sponsor paying someone to share this information?
- What do the sponsor or the entity sharing the information stand to gain?
- Are they asking for money?
Keep all of these questions in mind as you navigate health claims on the internet and don’t forget to do your research. Be sure to consult your medical care provider before trying new health products or practices.