How to Evaluate a Therapy Claim

Why a claim check helps

Therapies get attention through ads, social posts, news stories and word of mouth. Any of these can be accurate or misleading. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says evidence from research studies is stronger and more reliable than something seen in an advertisement or on a website. [1] This page gives a short routine you can apply to any therapy, tradition or product, old or new.

Step 1: Who is saying it, and why?

Ask who runs the website or account and why it exists. NCCIH's five quick questions are who, what, when, where and why, ending with "Why does the site exist? Is it selling something?" [1] MedlinePlus adds that ads designed to look like neutral health information are a warning sign. [2] Check whether a page shows when it was written or reviewed. [2]

Step 2: Is there scientific evidence, or only stories?

Ask: "Is there scientific evidence (not just personal stories) to back up the statements?" [1] A personal story can be sincere and still not tell you what caused the improvement, because other things, including expectation, can play a role (see understanding evidence).

Step 3: Read the wording

NCCIH advises caution with phrases like "scientific breakthrough," "miracle cure," "secret ingredient" or "ancient remedy." [1] It also says claims that something cures a disease or works for a variety of ailments are usually too good to be true. [1] MedlinePlus similarly lists dramatic writing and promises of cures as warning signs. [2]

Step 4: Check the news story's details

When a story reports a study, MedlinePlus suggests asking whether the research involved people or animals. [2] Then look for how many people took part, how long it lasted and who paid. In a lab or animal study, a result is a lead for further research, not proof that a therapy helps people.

Step 5: Match the claim to the right kind of evidence

Use this table as a quick guide. The labels are the ones used across this site.

Step 6: "Natural" and "traditional" are not proof

NCCIH points out that some products from nature have not shown a benefit when studied; several major studies of echinacea did not find benefit against the common cold. [5] Natural medicines also have side effects, and kava, for example, may be associated with severe liver damage. [5] Long use alone does not prove a therapy safe or effective, and it does not prove it useless either; the test is the same for everything.

Step 7: Look for government and independent sources

NCCIH suggests checking the NCCIH website, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information on the product or practice, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for enforcement actions over deceptive advertising. [1] For official safety problems with supplements, see reporting adverse events.

Step 8: Talk it through before deciding

Take what you found to your health care provider. MedlinePlus advises discussing the information you find with your provider before you rely on it. [2] Do not use an unproven product or practice to postpone seeing your provider. [1] If you are choosing a practitioner as well as a therapy, continue with choosing a qualified practitioner and questions to ask before a session.