New information on nutrition is always flying across TV airwaves and the Internet. We are constantly exposed to information on what is healthy and what is not and the newest discovery scientists have made about this or that food.

But what we read and hear should be carefully scrutinized to distinguish fact from fiction.

“The average consumer can’t distinguish between good information and bad information,” said Diane Birt, distinguished professor of food science and human nutrition.

While the Web can be a great resource for reading up on nutrition, people should objectively consider what they are reading and the basis behind the health claims they find.

Birt said people should identify and consider the source of their information.

“[Consumers] need to learn to identify scientifically based information,” Birt said.

One of the problems with material found on the Internet is that it’s very easy to post information, but there is no guarantee it’s scientifically based.

“Everybody thinks they’re an expert on nutrition,” Birt said.

The openness of Internet statements stems from the fact that they aren’t regulated by the government, like food labels and advertising are.

“[The Internet] can go much further and make more outlandish claims,” Birt said.

As an example, statements presented on the Internet are not always required to have disclaimers.

Companies can then freely claim their products have health benefits that have not been verified by an independent agency. But there is little solid, scientific evidence to back up many of these claims.

Even though food labels are regulated – the Food and Drug Administration governs them – they still need to be read with a careful eye.

“Labels can be misleading,” Birt said. “They make health claim statements, but then have a disclaimer in small print that claims have not been proven.”

Being aware of this obscure placement is the first step to learning how to properly read a food label.

“Unless you know how to read a food label, it can be misleading,” said Carolyn Chrissotimos, junior in dietetics.

The methods used to promote foods can mislead buyers about their actual nutritional content. One unhealthy element, such as fat, may be taken out, only to be replaced with another unhealthy ingredient.

“It may be reduced fat, but it’s higher in sugar,” Chrissotimos said.

Birt suggested looking at the Web sites of professional organizations of nutritionists and sites that have scientifically based information about foods and label reading.

Web sites for nutrition

www.mypyramid.gov

A service of the United States Department of Agriculture, Mypyramid.gov has information about the nutritional value and content of foods. The MyPyramid Tracker allows you to document what foods you eat and the level of physical activity you maintain. The site also has many tips and other resources about nutrition and special dietary needs.

www.eatright.org

The Web site of the American Dietetics Association isn’t just for professionals – it’s a valuable resource for consumers as well. The Web site has fact sheets about a variety of nutritional topics.

www.extension.iastate.edu

The Food, Nutrition and Health section of the ISU Extension Web site has articles, tips and recipes for healthy living. The site also has links to online tools, such as the Iowa Department of Public Health’s “Pick a Better Snack.”