Evidence-based reviews of popular health claims. Powered by meta-analyses, not marketing.
435
Claims Reviewed
1193+
Meta-Analyses
5262+
RCTs Cited
Monthly
Updated
Type any health question and find our evidence-based review.
Get a confidence score based on meta-analyses and RCTs, not opinions.
Read plain-language summaries with key caveats and source links.
Moderate evidence suggests 5-HTP may improve depressive symptoms by increasing serotonin synthesis, with some RCTs showing efficacy comparable to SSRIs. However, most studies are older, small, and methodologically limited, and safety concerns exist regarding long-term use.
Conflicting evidence: Most regulatory agencies consider artificial sweeteners safe at approved doses, but emerging research raises concerns about gut microbiome disruption, metabolic effects, and appetite dysregulation. The evidence is actively evolving.
Overwhelming scientific evidence from millions of children confirms no link between vaccines and autism. The original 1998 Wakefield study was retracted for fraud. Multiple large-scale studies across different countries consistently demonstrate vaccine safety.
Despite viral social media claims, randomized trials consistently show that linoleic acid from seed oils does not increase inflammatory markers at normal dietary intakes. The claim is not supported by clinical evidence.
Very weak evidence supports activated charcoal for general body detoxification. While medically effective for acute poisoning within 1-2 hours of ingestion, no credible evidence supports routine charcoal supplementation for removing everyday toxins, heavy metals, or metabolic waste. The detox marketing claims lack biological plausibility for systemic toxin removal.
Moderate evidence supports acupuncture for chronic pain relief, particularly for back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and headaches. Effect sizes are small to moderate, and separating true physiological effects from enhanced placebo response remains challenging.
Request a health claim and we'll research it based on the best available evidence.
Request a Claim →