Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digestās primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here.
Predictors of susceptibility to health misinformation identified. Communication researchers from the University of Maryland reviewed 61 studies published between 2004 and 2022 to try to understand why people are susceptible to health misinformation. The researchers placed psychological predictors examined in the studies into four categories:
- the ability to reason accurately (expected to reduce susceptibility)
- the motivation to reason accurately (expected to reduce susceptibility)
- directionally motivated reasoningāmeaning the desire to reach a preferred conclusion (expected to increase susceptibility)
- personal- and social-identity-motivated reasoning (expected to increase susceptibility)
Findings from the review included:
- An ability to reason accurately was strongly associated with reduced susceptibility to health misinformation.
- Two predictors related to accuracy-motivated reasoning were associated with reduced susceptibility: (a) analytical thinking and (b) trust in scientists or scientific institutions.
- Trust in healthcare professionals appears to play a weak role in susceptibility.
- Trust in journalists is associated with increased susceptibility.
- Conspiracy thinking predicts more susceptibility.
- Feelings of worry and anxiety tend to predict more acceptance of health misinformation.
- Psychological predictors aligned with identity-motivated reasoning are generally associated with increased susceptibility.
- The evidence is mixed regarding age, gender, educational attainment, and income as predictors of susceptibility.
- Being African American or Hispanic American was consistently associated with increased susceptibility.
- Social-media use was associated with increased health misinformation susceptibility in most studies, although about one-third found no relationship.
Based on their findings, the researchers suggest that potentially effective strategies to counter misinformation in some populations include: (a) correcting misperceptions with factual information, (b) preparing people to resist misleading arguments or rhetorical strategies, (c) increasing transparency in public health communications, and (d) using trusted in-group sources to debunk misinformation. [Nan X and others. Why do people believe health misinformation and who is at risk? A systematic review of individual differences in susceptibility to health misinformation. Social Science & Medicine 314:115398, 2022]
Fad weight-loss diets scrutinized. Based on a review of the literature on several dietary weight loss fads, scientists in Pakistan and Romania have concluded:
Fad diets facilitate fast and easy weight loss, improve appearance, and do not require a longer time to achieve the results. These diets are effective in improving health to some extent. However, compliance is always a significant concern because of the unrealistic combinations and nutritional inadequacy due to the complete elimination of one or more essential food groups. Despite the rapid weight reduction, there are some concerns for those with comorbidities. All these diets have not been extensively studied while those studies that have been mentioned in the literature have high dropout rates and are sometimes non-conclusive. More randomized controlled trials of prolonged duration need to be done to establish the safety of [fad diets] for the public and to make people aware of the possible consequences of long-term adherence to such dietary patterns. [Tahreem A and others. Fad diets: Facts and fiction. Frontiers in Nutrition, July 5, 2022]
The paper also discusses potential negative health consequences for people on the Atkins, ketogenic, Paleolithic, intermittent-fasting, and detox diets. The authors found no evidence of adverse health effects of the Mediterranean diet approach. They identify potential health benefits of vegetarian diets, but also warn of the potential for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Warnings issued about āArtriā and āOrtigaā products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters toĀ Amazon,Ā Walmart, andĀ Latin Foods MarketĀ for distributing various āArtriā and āOrtigaā unapproved and misbranded drug products.
Latin Foods MarketĀ has issued voluntary recalls for such products. The FDA has received adverse-event reports, that include liver toxicity and death, associated with the use of Artri King products, since the agency issued its firstĀ warningĀ about an Artri Ajo King product on January 5, 2022. Artri Ajo King, Artri King, Ortiga Mas Ajo Rey, and Ortiga Mas Ajo Rey Extra Forte have been promoted for treating conditions such as arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, and bone cancer. Some were claimed on their label to be 100% effective against pain. These products were also found to contain one or more of three potentially dangerous active drug ingredients not listed on the product label:
- dexamethasone:Ā a corticosteroid that can cause serious adverse events, including infections, increased blood glucose (sugar) levels, changes in blood pressure, damage to bones, psychiatric problems, and adrenal dysfunction
- diclofenac sodium:Ā an anti-inflammatory drug that can lead to adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, or cause serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal tearing of the stomach and intestines, and liver toxicity, including liver failure that can cause the need for a liver transplant or death
- methocarbamol:Ā a muscle relaxant that can cause sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
The FDA advises health care professionals to evaluate whether patients who have used Artri and Ortiga products with the undisclosed ingredients have experienced adverse effects. People who suddenly stop taking corticosteroids after long-term use or high doses can have a serious withdrawal syndrome that includes fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood glucose levels, fever, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, and shortness of breath. Medical intervention may be necessary. [FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use Artri and Ortiga products, which may contain hidden drug ingredients. FDA, Nov 1, 2022]
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