How to Spot a "Quacky" Web Site

Stephen Barrett, M.D.

The best way to avoid being quacked is to reject quackery's promoters. Each item listed below signifies that a Web site is not a trustworthy information source. The hyperlinks will take you to articles on Quackwatch that explain why. The same criteria can be used to identify untrustworthy books, talk-show guests, etc.

General Characteristics

Any site used to market herbs or dietary supplements. Although some are useful, I do not believe it is possible to sell them profitably without deception, which typically includes: (a) lack of full disclosure of relevant facts, (b) promotion or sale of products that lack a rational use, and/or (c) failure to provide advice indicating who should not use the products. During more than 35 years of watching the health marketplace, I have never encountered a seller who did not do at least one of these three things.
Any site used to market or promote homeopathic products. No such products have been proven effective.
Any site that generally promotes "alternative," "complementary," and/or "integrative" methods. There are more than a thousand such methods. The vast majority are worthless.
Any site that promotes "nontoxic," "natural," "holistic," or "miraculous" treatments.

False Statements about Nutrition

Everyone should take vitamins.
Vitamins are effective against stress.
Taking vitamins makes people more energetic.
Organic foods are safer and/or more nutritious than ordinary foods.
Losing weight is easy.
Special diets can cure cancer
Diet is the principal cause of hyperactivity.

False Statements about "Alternative" Methods

Acupuncture is effective against a long list of diseases.
Chelation therapy is an effective substitute for bypass surgery
Chiropractic treatment is effective against a large number of diseases
Herbs are generally superior to prescription drugs.
Homeopathic products are effective remedies.
Prayer can influence the course of disease.
Spines should be checked and adjusted regularly by a chiropractor.

False Statements about Other Issues

Fluoridation is dangerous.
Immunizations are dangerous or do more harm than good.
Amalgam ("silver") filings should be removed because they make people sick.
All teeth that have had root-canal therapy should be removed because they make people sick.

This page was revised on September 6, 2006.