Podcast Episode 107: Industry Funding, Sci Comm & Dr. Oz – Dr. Taylor Wallace

Can You Trust Nutrition Research that is Funded by the Food Industry?

Industry funded research is often criticized for being biased. However, bias in research can occur in many forms from sample size to confounding variables, pressure to publish and more. Evaluating nutrition research must include an assessment of not only signs of bias, but also the strengths and limitations of the research study.

Melissa & Taylor In the Canadian Canola Fields

The research community has to wake up – and speak up about our research so it doesn’t get misinterpreted. Better that the scientist communicates about their own research than the many other unqualified people who will – if they don’t.  – Dr. Taylor Wallace

Consumers Want Information

There’s a great deal of chatter these days about “transparency” in the food system. Research shows that “transparency” means different things to different people. However, at the end of the day, consumers want information about food and food products. While the media perpetuates worries about processed foods, GMOs and clean labels, health professionals are more focused on nutrients of concern, empty calories and educating the public about healthful diets.

Taylor C. Wallace, PhD, CFS, FACN, is Principal and CEO at the Think Healthy Group and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George Mason University. Dr. Wallace’s background includes a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from The Ohio State University.  In his free time, Dr. Wallace manages and operates a large food and nutrition blog and is a regular guest on NBC and the Dr. Oz Show. He is a fellow of the American College of Nutrition and is the 2015 recipient of the Charles A. Regus Award, given by the American College of Nutrition for original research and innovation in the field of nutrition.  Dr. Wallace is a Senior Fellow of the Center for Magnesium Education & Research, the Deputy Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Editor in Chief of the Journal of Dietary Supplements, the editor of six academic textbooks, and an author of over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.

Taylor’s Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

• The Not So Skinny Drama on Added Sugars – blog post
• Dietitians and the Food Industry: An Important Seat at the Table blog post
• Transparency in the Food System: Helping Your Clients Make Informed Choices – webinar by Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG and PepsiCo North America Nutrition
• A Researcher’s Perspective & Passion for Nutrition – Dr. Taylor Wallace – Episode 46, Sound Bites Podcast

Get Melissa’s Sound Science Toolkit here!

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