Ep 17-A Nut Job and a Dodgy Vitamin: Pseudoscience Debunked
Manage episode 483960671 series 3642737
The wellness industry is filled with charismatic figures promising natural cures and easy fixes, but what happens when these health gurus practice what they preach? Gary Null found out the hard way when his own supplement nearly killed him.
This episode examines how Null's story reveals a broken system where supplement manufacturers operate with minimal oversight, and charismatic figures can build fortunes selling both fear and supposed solutions. We'll explore why his pseudoscientific claims persist despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary and provide resources for evaluating supplement safety.
Resources for Listeners:
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
- π Website: ods.od.nih.gov
- β Offers fact sheets on vitamins, minerals, and other supplements.
- π¬ Includes research summaries and safety information.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- π Website: nccih.nih.gov
- β Provides evidence-based information on supplements and alternative health practices.
- π Useful for evaluating claims and risks.
When reading supplement labels, consider these key points:
- Serving Size: Amount recommended per use.
- % Daily Value (%DV): Shows how much of a nutrient is in one serving relative to the daily requirement.
- Ingredients List: Includes active ingredients and often a "proprietary blend" (which may not disclose exact amounts).
- Third-party Certifications:
- USP Verified, NSF Certified, or ConsumerLab Tested β indicators of independent testing and quality assurance.
FDA MedWatch β Safety Reporting Portal
- π Website: www.fda.gov/medwatch
- π Report side effects, bad reactions, or concerns about supplement safety.
- Poison Control Center
- βοΈ 1-800-222-1222
- π©ββοΈ Offers 24/7 advice in the event of a suspected overdose or toxic reaction.
- Your Healthcare Provider
- Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about a supplement or experience unexpected symptoms.
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/articlepdf/96/12/3603/10438456/jcem3603.pdf
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Chapters
1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)
2. Meet Gary Null: Self-Proclaimed Health Guru (00:11:35)
3. Null's Dangerous Claims About Cancer (00:21:29)
4. Vaccine Denialism and Scientific Evidence (00:27:57)
5. HIV/AIDS Denialism: Deadly Misinformation (00:52:48)
6. Poisoned by His Own Supplement (00:58:47)
7. Medical Mishap: The Clinic Ear Irrigation (01:10:27)
19 episodes