Read Between the Lines in Research Findings

Research into the benefits and dangers of foods, vitamins and medicines are notoriously conflicting.

Milk has long been seen as a rich source of vitamins and minerals until recent concern over the levels of hormones and other chemicals in dairy products. Vitamin C, historically a godsend to the British Navy and more recently suggested as a potential tool in the fight against cancer is now linked to possible DNA damage when taken in extremely high doses.

Seemingly, for every major health study undertaken, there is a further study with contradictory results.

So how can we make sense of these findings and use them to take positive steps towards improving our health? The secret, according to experts, is to read between the lines.

While some studies make a valid contribution towards our understanding, many are misreported in the media, or are based on inconclusive or flawed research methods, which can seriously affect the results of the study. Also, we must understand that human knowledge is incomplete and our understanding is often gained one step at a time, rather than in giant leaps. The world may not be flat, but at least in the 15th century we understood that it was flat and that something lay beyond it.

So what should we look for in a valid research study?

Who did the research?

Reports from independent organisations such as university research units and independent trusts are more likely to be valid than those carried out by organisations with a vested commercial or political interest. However, even independent organisations can be biased where funding is obtained from an outside source, or where researchers allow personal bias to affect their work.

Any good research should be balanced, reporting any benefits along with any known dangers.

How was it carried out?

Health studies are normally conducted in laboratory conditions, or in animal or human trials.

Laboratory tests contribute to our understanding, but can be misleading if the conditions of the experiment do not reflect conditions in real life. Similarly, tests carried out on animals may be unreliable because the same findings may not always be applicable in the human body.

The results of human trials can also be affected by other factors - was there some unknown factor in the experiment which affected the results, or could it have been due to the "placebo effect"?

In all cases, find a health practitioner you trust (orthodox or complementary) and always discuss any concerns you have with them. Again, any good healthcare specialist will be open to new research and willing to try new approaches (as long as they are safe) in order to improve your health and well-being.

Friday, 10 August 2001