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 nearly 50 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.
• Any site that promotes "detoxification" through fasting or "internal cleansing."

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 April 10, 2017.