Why We are Confused: The Failures of Nutrition Science

Presented by: Mark Hyman, MD

Science in its purest form should be able to answer hypotheses and prove or disprove them. Research should be well designed, free of bias or conflicts of interest. Today’s competing nutrition paradigms leaves scientists, practitioners and consumers confused. Is meat harmful or healthful? Is coconut oil dangerous? Should everyone be plant based? Is keto the best diet for humans? Is sugar as bad as we think?

Nutrition science is inherently difficult to do, relies disproportionately on epidemiology, and unduly influenced by industry and nutritionism, reductionism focused on individual nutrients rather than foods. Being alert to the challenges of nutrition science allows a more sober and accurate reading of the data to help inform our patients and policy.

This presentation was recorded at the 2019 Integrative Healthcare Symposium Annual Conference.