Publications and Links

This section presents general resources on nutrition (journals, newsletters, magazines, and websites) as well as links related to different parts of the human lifecycle.

The most credible sources of information are peer-reviewed journals. However, in recent years authors have been asked to disclose if they have received funding or serve on boards that may be seen as conflicts of interest. This has been true especially for physicians with ties to the pharmaceutical industry. In nutrition the conflict of interest would be researchers with ties to the food industry.

Many websites give nutrition advice, but not all of it is good. The Tufts Nutrition Navigator is the first online rating and review guide that solves the two major problems web users have when seeking nutrition information: how to quickly find information best suited to their needs and whether to trust the information they find. Web sites are reviewed by Tufts nutritionists, who apply rating and evaluation criteria developed by the Tufts University Nutrition Navigator Advisory Board.

Critical Thinking Issues for Evaluation of Journals, Newsletters, Magazines and Websites

Is there a financial connection or advantage that is connected to the resource?
Do they include advertising from the food industry?
Are they peer-reviewed and what are their criteria for evaluation?
Do they give references to support their information?
Do they have a political agenda and what is it? Is it for the general good or for a special interest group?