Too good to be true

“100% natural!”

‘Natural’ nutrition interventions are not necessarily better or ‘natural’.

People often believe that nutrition interventions claimed to be ‘natural’ do not contain any ‘artificial’ (man-made) ingredients and are therefore healthier and more effective. Most ingredients in nutrition interventions are derived from nature in some way (plants or animals) and the concept of ‘natural’ versus artificial is often misleading. Even the ‘natural’ nutrition interventions contain some man-made ingredients.

The claim ‘natural’ also does not guarantee safety, as certain ingredients can be harmful. For example, some ‘natural’ weight loss supplements have caused severe liver injury.

BEWARE of claims about ‘natural’ nutrition interventions being healthier, more effective or safe.

REMEMBER: Do not rely on claims about ‘natural’ nutrition interventions being healthier, more effective or safe if they are not based on fair comparisons of interventions.