Claim reviews
A cancerous tumor is a mass of cancer cells, not “toxins”; biopsies and mammograms don’t cause cancer
CLAIM
A tumor is a “bubble” of toxins from the body; "cancer is basically your friend"; biopsies and mammograms cause cancer
SOURCE: Leonard Coldwell, Facebook, iHealthTube, YouTube
Published: 09 Aug 2024
VERDICT
Calcium is an essential component of bones and helps prevent osteoporosis, contrary to claim by Barbara O’Neill
CLAIM
Bones “are not made of calcium”; wild yam is a treatment for osteoporosis
SOURCE: Barbara O’Neill, Facebook
Published: 05 Aug 2024
VERDICT
Studies show vaccines don’t cause sudden infant death syndrome
CLAIM
Vaccines cause SIDS
SOURCE: Social media users, Instagram
Published: 01 Aug 2024
VERDICT
Hashimoto’s disease is a thyroid disorder that can be treated by hormone replacement therapy, contrary to claim by influencer Gary Brecka
CLAIM
There is nothing wrong with the thyroid in patients with Hashimoto’s disease; vitamin B is a cure for Hashimoto’s disease
SOURCE: Gary Brecka, Facebook
Published: 30 Jul 2024
VERDICT
No evidence that “Dr. Sebi” could cure AIDS and other diseases using natural remedies or change in diet
CLAIM
Dr. Sebi could cure a wide range of diseases using natural remedies or change in diet.
SOURCE: Social media users, Facebook
Published: 26 Jul 2024
VERDICT
Peanut oil isn’t an ingredient in vaccines; doesn’t cause peanut allergies
CLAIM
Peanut allergies are caused by the peanut oil in vaccines
SOURCE: Matt Roeske, Cultivate Elevate
Published: 26 Jul 2024
VERDICT
Edible food coating Apeel doesn’t contain toxic ingredients; its ingredients are recognized as safe for use in foods
CLAIM
Apeel contains harmful ingredients
SOURCE: Alison Steinberg, Social media users, One America News Network, Facebook, TikTok
Published: 25 Jul 2024
VERDICT
No current evidence to support social media fad of “blood type diet”
CLAIM
Eating specific foods based on your blood type can optimize your health
SOURCE: Social media users, Instagram
Published: 24 Jul 2024
VERDICT
Activated charcoal is used to treat poisoning, but isn’t effective for all poisons and isn’t a substitute for medical attention
CLAIM
“Charcoal absorbs and neutralizes poisons”; charcoal can treat diarrhea and bloating
SOURCE: Barbara O'Neill, Facebook
Published: 24 Jul 2024
VERDICT
Unprotected sun overexposure, not sunscreen or sunglasses, causes sunburn and skin cancer
CLAIM
“sunscreen and then skin cancer, it's a direct correlation”; wearing sunglasses increases the risk of sunburn; sunscreen reduces vitamin D production
SOURCE: Social media users, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Published: 19 Jul 2024
VERDICT