It is becoming increasingly common for consumers to share they are overwhelmed by the amount of nutrition information and claims that are available in magazines, talk shows, infomercials, and online. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on nutrition claims that have little scientific support and may be potentially harmful advice. It can be difficult for individuals to discern what is accurate and backed by science, compared to nutrition and health information that lacks scientific evidence. Many individuals feel ill-equipped to make the right decisions regarding their health and nutrition.

In response to this growing need for reliable nutrition information and protecting consumers from harmful nutrition misinformation, the Crittenden County FCS Agent developed and implemented the Nutrition Misinformation: Sorting Fact from Fiction workshop as a homemaker’s lesson. This program was developed to provide tools for consumers to analyze nutrition-related claims to make wise choices regarding nutrition information. The objectives of the program included 1) identifying “red flags” of junk science in nutrition and health, 2) recognizing reputable sources of nutrition information, 3) identifying ways misinformation can be harmful, and 4) inform consumers how to identify nutrition misinformation on the internet. Fifteen individuals participated in the homemaker’s lesson via zoom.

93% (14/15) of participants reported they will use what they learned to guide decisions related to nutrition information. In addition, 80% (12/15) mentioned they were interested in learning more about nutrition misinformation. 100% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the subject matter was relevant, information was practical, and the program was “very educational.” Participants shared several significant concepts or ideas from the program they will apply. Examples include: “using reliable website to evaluate the products I’m interested in”, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, “read product information more carefully”. 

Side note - This was my first attempt at putting together a homemaker’s lesson.  UK didn’t have a publication on the subject, so I used eXtension to find some publications from North Dakota’s extension service.  A nutrition specialist from University of Tennessee also shared some information from her thesis.  University of Kentucky FCS specialist Heather Norman assisted me with my power point and evaluation question. The lesson material developed and distributed to the Pennyrile offices included a marketing flyer, an activity sheet, facilitator’s guide for the lesson leader, a lesson power point and an evaluation.  The lesson was taught in January via zoom in the morning and evening to accommodate the schedule of the homemakers.