Who Should You Trust for Accurate Information?

Anyone can read information. Critical thinkers evaluate it and decide what is credible. In this age of information, where instant Internet access is just a click away, it is easy to be misled if you do not know where to go for reliable nutrition information.

---

When reading information on websites, remember the following criteria for discerning if the site is valid:

1. Who sponsors the website?
2. Are names and credentials disclosed?
3. Is the editorial board identified?
4. Does the site contain links to other credible informational websites?
5. Even better, does it reference peer-reviewed journal articles? If so, do those journal articles actually support the claims made on the website?
6. How often is the website updated?
7. Are you being sold something on this website?
8. Does the website charge a fee?

Trustworthy Nutrition Sources

Authoritative nutrition news is based on strong scientific evidence. It is supported by multiple studies and published in peer-reviewed journals. You can find reliable nutrition information from many reputable organizations, websites, and professionals—if you know how to evaluate your sources. No matter where the information comes from, always apply the evaluation criteria from this unit to judge its credibility.

Many trustworthy sources promote good nutrition to support health and prevent disease using evidence-based science.

Trusted Organizations Active in Nutrition Policy and Research

• US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Information Center. Their website has more than 2,500 links to information about diet, nutrition, disease, body weight and obesity, food safety, food labeling, packaging, dietary supplements, and consumer questions. 
• The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Acadeny promotes scientific, evidence-based food and nutrition information. . This website also offers lots of practical tips and suggestions for planning and preparing nutritious meals.
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This website provides credible information on healthy lifestyles and the latest health news. A variety of online tools are available to assist with food planning, weight maintenance, physical activity, and dietary goals. You can also find healthful tips for all age groups, disease prevention tips, and information on general health issues.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They provide up-to-date public health information and data on healthful eating, cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol use, breastfeeding, infant and toddler nutrition, and food safety, as well as other public health issues such as physical activity and tobacco use.

Many additional websites, organizations, and professionals provide valid health and nutrition information. Let’s take a look at some of these other resources.

Evaluating Website Domains

A website’s domain (the ending such as .gov, .edu, .org, or .com) can give clues about its purpose and trustworthiness. However, no domain guarantees that information is accurate. Always judge the quality of the content itself.

.gov (Government Websites)

Websites ending in .gov belong to U.S. government agencies such as the NIH, CDC, USDA, and FDA. Traditionally, content from these sites has been considered reliable because experts create it and public funding supports their work.

More recently, some information may reflect political priorities or policy goals. Read government sites carefully by checking sources, looking for evidence, and confirming that claims are supported by scientific research. For sites related to health or nutrition, look for organizational sites such as the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

.edu (Educational Institutions)

Websites ending in .edu are connected to colleges and universities. Their goal is usually to educate, not to sell products. Faculty pages, research centers, and university health sites often provide strong, research-based information. However, quality can vary depending on who wrote the content.

.org (Organizations)

The .org domain is often used by professional groups and nonprofit organizations such as the American Heart Association or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Many .org sites share high-quality, research-based information. However, anyone can use a .org domain. Some sites promote specific causes or viewpoints and may present only one side of an issue.

.com (Commercial Websites)

Websites ending in .com are usually commercial and may try to sell products or services or earn money through ads. This does not mean the site is unreliable, but it does mean you should watch for bias or marketing that appears to be educational. Many respected news organizations (such as The New York Times, NPR, and major science or health outlets) also use .com domains. Larger organizations often have fact-checking systems, which can improve accuracy. Smaller sites may not have the same level of review.

Bottom Line

Any type of domain can contain accurate information—or misinformation. Being a savvy consumer means looking beyond the web address and applying critical thinking skills:

• Who is the author?

• What are their credentials?

• Are credible sources cited?

• Is there evidence of bias or a financial motive?

Use these skills as you explore the list of recommended websites provided in this chapter for generally reliable, trusted sources of health and nutrition information.

 The CRAAPP Test

While there is a wealth of information about nutrition on the internet, in books, and in magazines, it can be challenging to separate accurate information from hype and half-truths. You can use the CRAAPP Test ^[1] to help you determine the validity of the resources you encounter and the information they provide. By applying the following principles, you can be confident that the information is credible. We’ve added several notes to the traditional CRAAPP Test to help you expand your analysis and apply it to nutrition information. ^[2]

When seeking credible nutrition information, one of the most important factors to consider is the expertise of the individual providing it. Nutrition is a tricky field because so many titles that include “nutrition” or “diet” are not legally protected or regulated.  So it’s imperative to seek experts who are formally educated and credentialed in nutrition. Look for professionals with the following degrees or backgrounds:

• Registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)
• Certified nutrition and wellness educator (CNWE)
• Professional with advanced degree(s) in nutrition (MS or PhD)
• Physician (MD) with appropriate education and expertise in nutrition

Registered dietitians, nutritionists, certified nutrition and wellness educators, or professionals with advanced degrees in nutrition are the most credible sources for sound nutrition advice. Be skeptical of other official-sounding credentials, like “holistic nutrition practitioner” or even “nutrition counselor.” There are no standards for these titles, which means that anyone can call themselves a nutrition expert, and you could be taking advice from a well-qualified individual or someone who just took an online course or got a mail-order certificate.

Physicians can also be good sources for nutrition information, depending on their education and background. But be mindful that most medical schools offer minimal or no nutrition education and training, so most physicians may have limited knowledge in this field unless they have sought out specific nutrition training on their own.

Careers in Nutrition

If you’re considering a career in nutrition, it’s important to understand the opportunities available. Dietitians, nutrition and wellness educators, and qualified nutrition professionals provide nutrition-related services to people in the private and public sectors.  All three of these groups can provide nutrition education and coaching about healthy eating for weight management, fitness programs, cooking tips, label reading, food safety, and similar consumer-focused topics.  However, to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT)  for special diets for patients with diabetes, renal disease, and similar health conditions, the individual must be an RDN.

A certified nutrition and wellness educator is not authorized to provide specialized MNT but works in community-based and government nutrition and wellness education programs, such as Cooperative Extension, WIC, or YMCA, or as health or nutrition coaches.  They also have the background to work in business and industry, including nutrition advisory roles in grocery stores, fitness and wellness programs, and food service. Those with advanced degrees often work in research, the food industry, or community-based programs.

Two Pathways to Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN)

Students interested in becoming an RDN must complete rigorous academic preparation and earn a master’s degree. Regardless of the pathway, all students complete coursework in chemistry, biology, nutrition, food science, and foodservice management, along with extensive supervised practice under the supervision of an RDN.

There are currently two pathways to become eligible to sit for the RDN credentialing exam:

1. Traditional Pathway (DPD + Dietetic Internship + Graduate Degree)

This long-established pathway involves completing an undergraduate Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), which provides all required nutrition and science coursework.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, students apply to a dietetic internship combined with a graduate degree. The internship includes at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in:

• Clinical nutrition

• Community nutrition

• Foodservice management

Students must successfully complete both the internship and the graduate degree before becoming eligible for the credentialing exam.

2. Graduate Program Pathway

This newer pathway allows students to apply directly to a graduate program that integrates:

• Required graduate-level dietetics coursework

• A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice in the three areas listed in the traditional pathway.

Supervised practice experiences are embedded throughout the curriculum, allowing students to complete all academic and supervised practice requirements within a single program of study. This pathway streamlines the process by combining graduate education and hands-on training.

Credentialing and Licensure for RDNs

Graduates of either pathway must pass the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and must complete ongoing continuing professional education to maintain the RDN credential.

In addition, many states—including Tennessee—require dietitians to obtain state licensure, which involves submitting additional documentation and meeting specific state requirements. You can learn more about the paths to becoming a registered dietitian at the Commission on Dietetic Registration website.

---

Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educator (CNWE) Option at MTSU

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) offers coursework that prepares students to become Certified Nutrition and Wellness Educators (CNWE) through the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).

Preparation for the CNWE credential includes coursework in:

• Nutrition

• Obesity and weight management

• Education and teaching methods

• Health and wellness

• Food science

• Food safety

• Anatomy and physiology

The CNWE credential is designed for individuals who want to promote nutrition and wellness in schools, community programs, wellness initiatives, and other educational settings.

Students can learn more about eligibility requirements and the CNWE exam through the AAFCS Credentialing Center.

Whether you pursue nutrition as a career or simply work to improve your own dietary choices, what you are learning in this course can provide a solid foundation for the future. Remember, your ability to think clearly, communicate, hope, dream, go to school, gain knowledge, and earn a living is impacted by your health. Good health allows you to function normally and work hard to pursue your goals. Yet achieving optimal health is a complex process that involves multiple dimensions of wellness, along with your physical or medical reality. It’s our hope that you use the knowledge gained in this class, not just to earn a good grade, but that you also apply it to make a difference in your life.

attributions

This section is an adaptation of “Finding Accurate Sources of Nutrition Information” and “Who Can You Trust for Nutrition Information?” in Nutrition: Science and Everyday Application, v. 1.0 by Alice Callahan, PhD; Heather Leonard, MEd, RDN; and Tamberly Powell, MS, RDN under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.