Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat Self-Study Course

Credits: 10
Course Expiration: June 25, 2023
Professional Approvals: CDR
Availability:Currently Available
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Required Reading!

Challenge yourself to consider another perspective on the relationship between the food industry and scientific research with this course!

This CPE course is based on a book that presents a critical look at the relationship between the food industry and its influence on research and medical and nutrition professionals. The premise of the book is that the line between product marketing and science can be thin and sometimes blurred. According to Marion Nestle, the book’s author, without understanding who paid for the research, it is hard for anyone to know what dietary advice to follow. While acknowledging funding dilemmas faced by nutrition researchers, Unsavory Truth calls on nutrition researchers and educators of professionals and the public to recognize industry-skewed information. Nestle’s perspective will challenge the nutrition care professional to consider the relationships between scientific research, media coverage of research studies, product marketing, and alliances between professional organizations and industry.

This course uses a case-study based format to assess knowledge and understanding of the content to help the participant apply what they have learned to education, research, and clinical practice.

Course includes hard copy book and 1 certificate.

Registered dietitians are regarded as the experts in nutrition by virtue of our education, training, successful completion of the Commission of Dietetic Registration national examination, extensive clinical experience and maintenance of continuing education requirements. Who is better qualified to examine and interpret the ever-evolving field of nutrition research and communicate it accurately to the public? The Unsavory Truth book and self-study course equips us to do just that!
- Mary Osak, RD
Unsavory Truth Self-Study Course
This self-study course provides insight to potential bias in nutrition research as well as how to navigate your way to finding the most accurate research supported information available. This can help practitioners ensure that they provide the most factual recommendations/guidance in the nutrition industry.
- Erin Allen, MS, RDN, LD
Unsavory Truth Self-Study Course
This self-study course covers a topic that many RDNs don't know much about. The book takes a good look at the research used and what we need to be aware of in regards to the data and who is sponsoring the study. I gained a better understanding of food companies, the difference in marketing versus a healthy product. Now I have more knowledge I can share with my patients.
- Stacey Phillips, MS, RD
Unsavory Truth Self-Study Course

After completing this continuing professional education course, the learner should be able to:

  1. Recognize and manage situations related to interpretation of scientific research that may have ethical implications.
  2. Interpret and integrate evidence-based research and literature in decision-making, considering funding sources and potential for bias.
  3. Interpret, analyze, synthesize, and critically appraise research findings, considering funding sources and potential for bias.
  4. Review and evaluate science and evidence-based literature for marketing claims.

This course is intended for: RDNs and NDTRs

CDR Activity Number: 156406  Self Study Activity Type: 720 Printed
CPE Level: II

Suggested CDR Performance Indicators:

  • 1.1.6 Recognizes and manages situations with ethical implications.
  • 4.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision making.
  • 6.3.8 Interprets, analyzes, synthesizes and critically appraises research findings.
  • 11.2.5 Reviews and evaluates science and evidence-based literature, to validate claims.

Note: Numerous other Performance Indicators may apply.

This self-study course includes required reading, a downloadable course document and an online exam with multiple choice, case study based questions. This course exam includes 50 questions. Upon passing the test, the learner can download and print the certificate.

Required Reading for this Course: Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat is written by Marion Nestle, MPH, PhD.

The text/book associated with this course is required solely for the course taker to learn the underlying principles which they will apply in taking a case-study based exam. Neither the authors nor the publishers of the text/book have contributed to or endorsed this course.