Consumers can’t seem to get enough nutrition information. Nearly every major news outlet, and most online magazines produce health and nutrition content. In addition, there are an estimated 500 million blogs on the internet, and many of them dole out food and nutrition advice daily.
Unfortunately, much of that content isn’t written by RDNs or nutrition professionals. Often, the writers have no formal nutrition training or research skills. In many cases, it’s produced on behalf of a company with a goal of selling their products. As a result, much nutrition information on the internet is biased and misleading, unclear, or in some cases, downright incorrect.
It’s no wonder our patients, and most consumers are confused.
To help patients and the public avoid misinformation, we’ve rounded up a list of helpful websites for the latest research and nutrition recommendations on common health conditions. All of these publish helpful resources, and accurate, science-based information that’s nicely translated for consumers. They’re also a great place for RDNs to get quick and condensed information on a variety of topics.
General and Family Nutrition
General and disease-specific nutrition information, recipes, lesson plans
Personalize meal plan generator
USDA’s food and nutrient database
US Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans (soon to be updated)
Resources, statistics, recommendations for maternal, infant, and early childhood nutrition
Research, information, supermarket education tools, healthy eating tips, recipes, for traditional diets: Mediterranean, African Heritage, Latin-American, Asian Heritage, Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
Vitamins, Minerals, Nutritional/Botanical Supplements
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Consumer and professional fact sheets about nutritional supplements
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Evidence-based overview of herbal supplements and complementary therapies for a wide range of health conditions
Cancer
Extensive information by cancer type: research, causes, prevention, treatments, statistics, etc.
American Institute for Cancer Research
Research and information on cancer prevention and treatment focused on food and lifestyle
Cardiovascular Diseases
NIH National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Research and recommendations on cardiovascular diseases. Also include pulmonary diseases and sleep disorders
Celiac Disease
Research, resources, support groups, lists of gluten-free products and gluten-free restaurants
Diabetes
Nutrition information for consumers; meal planning tips and tools
American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care
Standards of care for health professionals. Covers all aspects of diabetes management. Updated annually with current research and recommendations
Digestive Diseases
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Facts, causes, treatments (including diet and nutrition), about most digestive diseases and disorders. Also includes liver diseases.
Food Allergies
Food Allergy Research and Education
Research, tips, patient resources for common food allergens
Food Safety/Food Service
Food safety guidelines and information about foodborne illness, product recalls
CDC’s Healthy Food Service Guidelines
Food safety and food service guidelines for federal facilities
Tools and resources for food safety, fact sheets, meat and poultry recalls
Renal Diseases
NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Facts, causes, treatments (including diet and nutrition), about most kidney and urinary tract diseases and disorders
Miscellaneous Diseases and Health Conditions
Searchable encyclopedia of health conditions, risk factors, causes, symptoms, treatments. Interesting articles on health conditions. Also has a more detailed Professional version
