Lifestyle Choices

The Food and Drug Administration has labeled the “health food” racket as the most widespread quackery in the United States.

Whether athletic or sedentary, the individual on a well- balanced diet does NOT benefit from special organic foods, phosphate, alkaline salts, choline, lecithin, wheat germ, honey, gelatin, aspartates, brewer’s yeast, or royal jelly unless prescribed for medical purposes by a physician. Because these products do not produce the special benefits claimed for them, their use and/or sale can be considered nutritional quackery.

Claims for foods in advertisements may NOT provide accurate information about the nutritional value of the foods.

Labels such as “light,” “lite,” and “organic” often do not provide useful information as to the nutritional value of foods. For example, a product advertised as “lite” may contain a greater number of calories than a regular product. The FDA is attempting to tighten restrictions on claims made for foods. At the present time, it would be wise to limit purchases to foods that clearly indicate the contents including calories, fats, etc.

For most people, dietary supplements, when taken in excess of amounts known to be beneficial to good health, can be considered as nutritional quackery.

As already noted in previous sections of this concept, dietary supplements are not necessary for those who eat a sound diet. However, supplements of vitamins and minerals are sometimes recommended by physicians and dieticians. Supplements are most commonly recommended for pregnant women, postmenopausal women, those who restrict dietary intake to less than 1,500 calories daily (such as athletes trying to control weight), those with special medical problems, and those known to have diets deficient in key nutrients.

The most common forms of nutritional quackery involve nutritional supplements containing protein, vitamins, and minerals. Before considering taking any of these supplements, consider the following guidelines:

1. Analyze the content of your diet before making decisions about its quality. If you assume your current diet is not adequate, on what do you base the assumption? It is recommended that you do a dietary analysis to determine the quality of your diet. This is best done by logging your food intake for several days and determining the content of the foods eaten (see Lab 20A). Expert assistance is useful in conducting a dietary analysis.

2. Have a medical exam to see if you have any symptoms of nutritional deficiencies.

3. Consult an expert (physician or dietician) about your nutrition needs.Most experts will recommend changes in your diet if they decide that you are not getting proper nutrition. Only in special cases will supplements be recommended. Be aware that the term “nutritionist” is one that virtually anyone can use, and the qualifications of such a person should be checked thoroughly before considering him or her an expert. Registered dieticians with a degree in nutrition are considered experts.

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