n/a
Article Publish Status: FREE
Abstract Title:

Boosting the Immune System, From Science to Myth: Analysis the Infosphere With Google.

Abstract Source:

Front Med (Lausanne). 2019 ;6:165. Epub 2019 Jul 25. PMID: 31403046

Abstract Author(s):

Arthur Cassa Macedo, André Oliveira Vilela de Faria, Pietro Ghezzi

Article Affiliation:

Arthur Cassa Macedo

Abstract:

The concept that one can"boost"immunity is a popular one. Although the only evidence-based approach to this is vaccination, the lay public is exposed to a wide range of information on how to boost immunity. The aim of this study was to analyze such information available on the Internet.We visited 185 webpages returned from a Google search on"boost immunity"and classified them by typology (blogs, commercial, government, no-profit, news, professional, scientific journals) and by using standard indicators of health information quality (JAMA score, HONCode). We then analyzed their content in terms of disease and"boosters"mentioned. Commercial and news websites represented one third of the results each. Of the 37 approaches to boost immunity recorded, the top ones were diet (77% of webpages), fruit (69%), vitamins (67%), antioxidants (52%), probiotics (51%), minerals (50%), and vitamin C (49%). Interestingly, vaccines ranked 27th, with only 12% of webpages mentioning them.Commercial websites are an important component of the information available to the public on the topic, and thus contribute providing biased information.

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.