The Blonz Guide

Welcome to the Guide

There is an enormous assortment of nutrition and health-related material on social media and the web. The chore is being able to sort out science-based information from the worthless — and sometimes dangerous — cyberjunk, often fostered by well-meaning, but misinformed "influencers." Let the Blonz Guide Rules of the Road listed below, serve as your guide.

The Blonz Guide is a compilation of resources found during wanderings associated with my work, all assembled in the hope that it will help you locate the quality information you seek. My focus is to list science-reliable sites and steer clear of those that only push products, especially those of questionable scientific merit. It is all designed to help you find just about anything that's findable.

My guidelines for evaluating dietary supplements, health-related products, or treatments:

1. 1

   Seek Objective Confirmation

   Always look for objective, evidence-based confirmation for the safety and efficacy of any dietary supplement, health-related product, or treatment.

2. 2

   The Accepted Scientific Standard

   The baseline is competent and reliable scientific evidence published in a reputable, peer-reviewed scientific journal:

   • a) Human Studies: Effects are best confirmed by at least two clinical studies (i.e., done with people) by independent researchers, ideally those with no commercial association with the product.
   • b) Cell & Animal Models: Research using in vitro techniques (isolated cells outside the intact organism) or animal models can be suggestive, but does not, by itself, provide essential support to claim effects in people.
   • c) Disease States vs. Health: Studies on individuals with disease states offer insight into specific mechanisms, but it cannot be assumed that the same reactions will occur in healthy, well-nourished individuals.
   • d) Peer-Review & Disclosure: Studies must undergo substantive peer-review in a reputable journal (ideally indexed by the NIH at pubmed.com) with all conflicts of interest completely revealed.
   • e) Direct Applicability: The evidence must apply directly to the substance being used as directed, for the conditions promoted, and for the same types of individuals studied.
3. 3

   Beware Seductive Testimonials

   Testimonials are carefully designed to sound convincing and emotional. They should never be the sole reason you decide to buy a product.

4. 4

   Check the Source of Funding

   Don't be persuaded when the only available source of "positive" information comes directly from individuals or entities that financially benefit from the sale.

5. 5

   The Regulatory Gap

   The concept of "they couldn't say that if it wasn't true" is dangerous and misleading. Regulatory agencies simply cannot keep up with the ever-changing frontier of false, illegal, and questionable claims online.

6. 6

   Watch for Interactions

   Ingredients in dietary supplements can interact aggressively with each other and with prescription medications. Be completely up front about what you take with your healthcare team.