Festive medical myths
Open accessAbstract
More medical myths hit the dust, thanks to Rachel C Vreeman and Aaron E Carroll
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
3 of 48 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Interpretationcitation
The myth probably originated with an old military study where subjects in arctic survival suits without hats lost most heat through their heads because it was the only exposed part.
“This myth probably originated with an old military study in which scientists put subjects in arctic survival suits (but no hats) and measured their heat loss in extremely cold temperatures.20 Because it was the only part of the subjects' bodies that was exposed to the cold, they lost the most heat through their heads.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [20] 20. Dubois L, Girard M, Potvin Kent M, Farmer A, Tatone-Tokuda F. Breakfast skipping is associated with differences in meal patterns, macronutrient intakes and overweight among pre-school children. Public Health Nutr 2008:1-10. source
The paper’s Discussion and energy-and-macronutrient analyses concern breakfast skipping, diet, and overweight in pre-school children. Searches for arctic survival suits, an old military study, and heat loss through the head found no passage addressing the claim. (LLM, conf=0.76)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
Had the experiment been performed with subjects wearing only swimsuits, they would not have lost more than 10% of their body heat through their heads.
“Experts say, however, that had this experiment been performed with subjects wearing only swimsuits, they would not have lost more than 10% of their body heat through their heads.20”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [20] 20. Dubois L, Girard M, Potvin Kent M, Farmer A, Tatone-Tokuda F. Breakfast skipping is associated with differences in meal patterns, macronutrient intakes and overweight among pre-school children. Public Health Nutr 2008:1-10. source
The Methods and Energy and macronutrient analyses sections concern breakfast habits and dietary intake in pre-school children. Searches for the swimsuit experiment and heat loss through the head found no relevant passage in our copy, so it cannot verify the claimed 10% figure. (LLM, conf=0.78)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
When parents think their children have been given a drink containing sugar (even if it is really sugar-free), they rate their children's behaviour as more hyperactive.
“When parents think their children have been given a drink containing sugar (even if it is really sugar-free), they rate their children's behaviour as more hyperactive.4”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4] 4. Hillard JR, Holland JM, Ramm D. Christmas and psychopathology. Data from a psychiatric emergency room population. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1981;38:1377-81. source
- Interpretationcitation
Sugar consumption does not cause hyperactivity in children.
“Regardless of what parents might believe, however, sugar is not to blame for out of control little ones.”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · hedged
“None of these studies, not even studies looking specifically at children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, could detect any differences in behaviour between the children who had sugar and those who did not.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] 2. Nishi M, Miyake H, Okamoto H, Goto Y, Sakai T. Relationship between suicide and holidays. J Epidemiol 2000;10:317-20. source
- cites [3] 3. Panser LA, McAlpine DE, Wallrichs SL, Swanson DW, O'Fallon WM, Melton LJ, 3rd. Timing of completed suicides among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1951-1985. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1995;92:214-9. source
- Also stated in: § Abstract · hedged
- Premisecitation
In double-blind randomised controlled trials, children on diets with different sugar levels showed no differences in behaviour, including children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or those considered sensitive to sugar.
“At least 12 double blind randomised controlled trials have examined how children react to diets containing different levels of sugar. 2 None of these studies, not even studies looking specifically at children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, could detect any differences in behaviour between the children who had sugar and those who did not.3”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [2] 2. Nishi M, Miyake H, Okamoto H, Goto Y, Sakai T. Relationship between suicide and holidays. J Epidemiol 2000;10:317-20. source
- cites [3] 3. Panser LA, McAlpine DE, Wallrichs SL, Swanson DW, O'Fallon WM, Melton LJ, 3rd. Timing of completed suicides among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1951-1985. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1995;92:214-9. source
- Premisecitation
No one died from exposure to or ingestion of poinsettia.
“No one died from exposure to or ingestion of poinsettia, and most (96%) did not even require medical treatment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
- Premisecitation
A smaller study of adolescents showed a peak in suicide attempts at the end of the school year.
“A smaller study of adolescents showed a peak in suicide attempts at the end of the school year, 11 possibly reflecting a decrease in social support.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [11] 11. Stone RP, Collins WJ. Euphorbia pulcherrima: toxicity to rats. Toxicon 1971;9:301-2. 19 source
- Premisecitation
In an analysis of 849,575 plant exposures, none of the 22,793 poinsettia cases resulted in considerable poisoning.
“In an analysis of 849 575 plant exposures reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, 17 none of the 22 793 cases involving poinsettia resulted in considerable poisoning.17”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
- Premisecitation
Data from Ireland on suicide in 1990-8 failed to connect suicides with the holidays.
“Data from Ireland on suicide in 1990-8 also failed to connect suicides with the holidays.12”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] 12. US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76: US Department of the Army, 1970:148.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Studies of suicide rates from India show peaks in April and May.
“Studies of suicide rates from India also show peaks in April and May.15”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [15] 15. Berteus Forslund H, Lindroos AK, Sjostrom L, Lissner L. Meal patterns and obesity in Swedish women-a simple instrument describing usual meal types, frequency and temporal distribution. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:740-7. source
- Premisecitation
Another study looking at poinsettia ingestion by rats could not find a toxic amount, even at equivalent of 500-600 leaves or nearly a kilogram of sap.
“Another study, looking at poinsettia ingestion by rats, could not find a toxic amount of poinsettia, even at amounts that would be the equivalent of 500-600 poinsettia leaves or nearly a kilogram of sap.18”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [18] 18. Howarth NC, Huang TT, Roberts SB, Lin BH, McCrory MA. Eating patterns and dietary composition in relation to BMI in younger and older adults. Int J Obes (Lond) 2007;31:675-84. source
- Interpretationcitation
Poinsettia exposure or ingestion does not result in considerable poisoning or death.
“none of the 22 793 cases involving poinsettia resulted in considerable poisoning.17 No one died from exposure to or ingestion of poinsettia”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
- Premisecitation
In a US study of suicides over 35 years, there was no increase before, during, or after holidays.
“In contrast, in a study from the United States of suicides over a 35 year period, there was no increase before, during, or after holidays.9”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [9] 9. Ambade VN, Godbole HV, Kukde HG. Suicidal and homicidal deaths: a comparative and circumstantial approach. J Forensic Leg Med 2007;14:253-60. 16 Paghat's Garden: Poinsettia pulcherrima. URL here 17 source
- Premisecitation
Studies from the US reflect the pattern of lower suicide rates in November and December than in typically warmer months.
“Studies from the US reflect this pattern, with lower rates in November and December than in typically warmer months.6”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [6] 6. Corcoran P, Reilly M, Salim A, Brennan A, Keeley HS, Perry IJ. Temporal variation in Irish suicide rates. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2004;34:429-38. source
- Interpretationcitation
There is no good scientific evidence to suggest a holiday peak in suicides.
“While the holidays might, indeed, be a difficult time for some, there is no good scientific evidence to suggest a holiday peak in suicides.[5][6][7]”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [5][6][7]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
The differences in children's behaviour in the sugar myth are all in the parents' minds.
“The differences in the children's behaviour were all in the parents' minds.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Most (96%) of poinsettia exposure cases did not require medical treatment.
“No one died from exposure to or ingestion of poinsettia, and most (96%) did not even require medical treatment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
- Premisecitation
Toxicologists concluded that poinsettia exposures and ingestions can be treated without referral to a healthcare facility.
“In 92 of the cases, children ingested substantial quantities of poinsettias, but none needed medical treatment, and toxicologists concluded that poinsettia exposures and ingestions can be treated without referral to a healthcare facility.17”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
- Interpretationreasoning
The epidemiological evidence does not support that the holidays are a time of increased risk of suicide.
“The epidemiological evidence just does not support that the holidays are a time of increased risk.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
People are not more likely to commit suicide during the dark winter months.
“Further debunking myths about suicide, people are not more likely to commit suicide during the dark winter months.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [13] 13. O'Connor A. The claim: you lose most of your body heat through your head. New York Times October 26, 2004. URL here.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [14] 14. Pretorius T, Bristow GK, Steinman AM, Giesbrecht GG. Thermal effects of whole head submersion in cold water on nonshivering humans. J Appl Physiol 2006;101:669-75. source
- cites [15] 15. Berteus Forslund H, Lindroos AK, Sjostrom L, Lissner L. Meal patterns and obesity in Swedish women-a simple instrument describing usual meal types, frequency and temporal distribution. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:740-7. source
- Premisecitation
Irish women were no more likely to commit suicide on holidays than on any other days.
“While Irish women were no more likely to commit suicide on holidays than on any other days, Irish men were actually significantly less likely to do so.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] 12. US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76: US Department of the Army, 1970:148.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Irish men were significantly less likely to commit suicide on holidays than on other days.
“While Irish women were no more likely to commit suicide on holidays than on any other days, Irish men were actually significantly less likely to do so.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [12] 12. US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76: US Department of the Army, 1970:148.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Another study of 15 obese people found that the timing of meals did not change the circadian rhythm pattern of energy expenditure.
“Another study of 15 obese people found that the timing of meals did not change the circadian rhythm pattern of energy expenditure.24”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [24] 24. Venkataranganna MV, Gopumadhavan S, Sundaram R, Peer G, Mitra SK. Pharmacodynamics and toxicological profile of PartySmart, a herbal preparation for alcohol hangover in Wistar rats. Indian J Med Res 2008;127:460-6.
- Interpretationcitation
Other studies found no link at all between eating at night and weight gain.
“Other studies found no link at all between eating at night and weight gain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [23] 23. Jung TW, Lee JY, Shim WS, Kang ES, Kim SK, Ahn CW, et al. Rosiglitazone relieves acute ethanol-induced hangover in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alcohol 2006;41:231-5. source
- cites [24] 24. Venkataranganna MV, Gopumadhavan S, Sundaram R, Peer G, Mitra SK. Pharmacodynamics and toxicological profile of PartySmart, a herbal preparation for alcohol hangover in Wistar rats. Indian J Med Res 2008;127:460-6.
- cites [25] 25. McGregor NR. Pueraria lobata (Kudzu root) hangover remedies and acetaldehyde-associated neoplasm risk. Alcohol 2007;41:469-78.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Swedish men did not show any evidence of gaining weight with night time meals.
“Swedish men did not show any evidence of gaining weight with night time meals.23”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [23] 23. Jung TW, Lee JY, Shim WS, Kang ES, Kim SK, Ahn CW, et al. Rosiglitazone relieves acute ethanol-induced hangover in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alcohol 2006;41:231-5. source
- Premisecitation
Records of calorie intake suggest that those who eat breakfast maintain healthy weights because their calorie intake is more evenly distributed over the day.
“Records of calorie intake suggest that those who eat breakfast maintain healthy weights because their calorie intake is more evenly distributed over the day.26 27”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [26]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [27]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Breakfast skippers eat more during the rest of the day.
“Breakfast skippers eat more during the rest of the day.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [26]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
When you eat three regular meals, you are not as likely to overeat at any one particular meal or time.
“In other words, when you eat three regular meals, you are not as likely to overeat at any one particular meal or time.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
No scientific evidence supports any cure or effective prevention for alcohol hangovers.
“No scientific evidence, however, supports any cure or effective prevention for alcohol hangovers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [28]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
In a study of 86 obese and 61 normal weight men, there were no differences in the timing of when they ate.
“In a study of 86 obese and 61 normal weight men, there were no differences in the timing of when they ate.23”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [23] 23. Jung TW, Lee JY, Shim WS, Kang ES, Kim SK, Ahn CW, et al. Rosiglitazone relieves acute ethanol-induced hangover in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alcohol 2006;41:231-5. source
- Premisecitation
A systematic review of randomised trials evaluating medical interventions for preventing or treating hangovers found no effective interventions in either traditional or complementary medicine.
“A systematic review of randomised trials evaluating medical interventions for preventing or treating hangovers found no effective interventions in either traditional or complementary medicine.28”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [28]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- May combine two claims. 12
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 2
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationThere is nothing special about the head and heat loss.
“A more recent study confirms that there is nothing special about the head and heat loss.21”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites [21] 21. Pittler MH, Verster JC, Ernst E. Interventions for preventing or treating alcohol hangover: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2005;331:1515-8. source
The Conclusions (page unavailable) address interventions for alcohol hangover, not heat loss from the head. Searches for head heat loss and body-temperature comparisons found no passage in our copy addressing the claim. (LLM, conf=0.78)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn Japan 1979-94, the suicide rate was lowest in the days before a holiday and highest in the days after the holiday.
“One study from Japan that looked at suicides in 1979-94 showed that the rate of suicide was lowest in the days before a holiday and highest in the days after the holiday.8”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [8] 8. Zonda T, Bozsonyi K, Veres E. Seasonal fluctuation of suicide in Hungary between 1970-2000. Arch Suicide Res 2005;9:77-85. source
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn 92 cases, children ingested substantial quantities of poinsettias, but none needed medical treatment.
“In 92 of the cases, children ingested substantial quantities of poinsettias, but none needed medical treatment, and toxicologists concluded that poinsettia exposures and ingestions can be treated without referral to a healthcare facility.17”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] 17. Consoli A, Capani F, Del Ponte A, Guagnano T, Iezzi M, Ditano G, et al. [Effect of scheduling of meal times on the circadian rhythm of energy expenditure]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1981;57:2322-4.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationAround the world, suicides peak in warmer months and are lowest in winter.
“Around the world, suicides peak in warmer months and are actually lowest in the winter.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [13] 13. O'Connor A. The claim: you lose most of your body heat through your head. New York Times October 26, 2004. URL here.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites [14] 14. Pretorius T, Bristow GK, Steinman AM, Giesbrecht GG. Thermal effects of whole head submersion in cold water on nonshivering humans. J Appl Physiol 2006;101:669-75. source
- cites [15] 15. Berteus Forslund H, Lindroos AK, Sjostrom L, Lissner L. Meal patterns and obesity in Swedish women-a simple instrument describing usual meal types, frequency and temporal distribution. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:740-7. source
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningObesity and eating more meals at night are associated, but one does not cause the other.
“But just because obesity and eating more meals at night are associated, it does not mean that one causes the other.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22] 22. How to handle a hangover. Drinking fluids may help with the morning-after misery from getting drunk. Harv Health Lett 2006;31:3.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn Finland, suicides peak in autumn and are lowest in winter.
“In Finland, suicides peak in autumn and are lowest in the winter.13”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [13] 13. O'Connor A. The claim: you lose most of your body heat through your head. New York Times October 26, 2004. URL here.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn the US, rates of psychiatric visits decrease before Christmas and increase again afterwards.
“In the US, rates of psychiatric visits decrease before Christmas and increase again afterwards.10”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] 10. Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis JM. Poinsettia exposures have good outcomes . . . just as we thought. Am J Emerg Med 1996;14:671-4. source
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe obese women in the Swedish study were not just night eaters, they were also eating more meals, and taking in more calories makes you gain weight regardless of when calories are consumed.
“The obese women were not just night eaters, they were also eating more meals, and taking in more calories makes you gain weight regardless of when calories are consumed.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22] 22. How to handle a hangover. Drinking fluids may help with the morning-after misery from getting drunk. Harv Health Lett 2006;31:3.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: People gain weight because they take in more calories overall than they burn up.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn a 30 year study of suicides in Hungary, highest rates were in summer and lowest in winter.
“In a 30 year study of suicides in Hungary, researchers again found the highest rates of suicides in the summer and the lowest in the winter.14”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [14] 14. Pretorius T, Bristow GK, Steinman AM, Giesbrecht GG. Thermal effects of whole head submersion in cold water on nonshivering humans. J Appl Physiol 2006;101:669-75. source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThis was not a systematic review of either the evidence to refute these medical myths or of doctors' beliefs.
“This was not a systematic review of either the evidence to refute these medical myths or of doctors' beliefs.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn a study of over 2500 patients, eating at night was not associated with weight gain, but eating more than three times a day was linked to being overweight or obese.
“In a study of over 2500 patients, eating at night was not associated with weight gain, but eating more than three times a day was linked to being overweight or obese.25”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [25] 25. McGregor NR. Pueraria lobata (Kudzu root) hangover remedies and acetaldehyde-associated neoplasm risk. Alcohol 2007;41:469-78.
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenWe applied rigorous search methods to compile data.
“None the less, we applied rigorous search methods to compile data, and evidence of the prevalence of these medical beliefs is readily available.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationStudies have connected skipping breakfast with gaining more weight, but this is not because breakfast skippers eat more at night.
“Studies have connected skipping breakfast with gaining more weight, but this is not because breakfast skippers eat more at night.26”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [26]
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
The paper relies on this without support.
The medical beliefs discussed are commonly held.
“we previously discussed the evidence disputing seven commonly held medical myths.”
“We generated a list of common medical or health beliefs related to the holidays and winter season”
The paper relies on this without support.
A hangover is caused by excess alcohol consumption.
“A hangover is caused by excess alcohol consumption.”
The paper relies on this without support.
People gain weight because they take in more calories overall than they burn up.
“People gain weight because they take in more calories overall than they burn up.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Any uncovered part of the body loses heat and will reduce the core body temperature proportionally.
“Any uncovered part of the body loses heat and will reduce the core body temperature proportionally.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Evidence of the prevalence of these medical beliefs is readily available.
“None the less, we applied rigorous search methods to compile data, and evidence of the prevalence of these medical beliefs is readily available.”
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“Scientists have even studied how parents react to the sugar myth. When parents think their children have been given a drink containing sugar (even if it is really sugar-free), they rate their children’s behaviour as more hyperactive.”
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ROSIGLITAZONE RELIEVES ACUTE ETHANOL-INDUCED HANGOVER IN SPRAGUE–DAWLEY RATS
JUNG, T. W., LEE, J. Y., SHIM, W. S., KANG, E. S., KIM, S. K., AHN, C. W., LEE, H. C., & CHA, B. S. (2006) · Alcohol and Alcoholism · doi:10.1093/alcalc/agl013 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Euphorbia pulcherrima: toxicity to rats
Stone, R. P., & Collins, W. J. (1971) · Toxicon · doi:10.1016/0041-0101(71)90088-2 · Cited by 12 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Another study, looking at poinsettia ingestion by rats, could not find a toxic amount of poinsettia, even at amounts that would be the equivalent of 500-600 poinsettia leaves or nearly a kilogram of sap.”
Background(2008) · PubMed · Cited by 12 · see citing works
Timing of completed suicides among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1951–1985
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(1981) · PubMed · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Flagged first, then by citations
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- [22]22. How to handle a hangover. Drinking fluids may help with the morning-after misery from getting drunk. Harv Health Lett 2006;31:3.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
The validity and clinical utility of night eating syndrome
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Hofstra, E., Elfeddali, I., Bakker, M., de Jong, J. J., van Nieuwenhuizen, C., & Feltz-Cornelis, C. M. V. D. (2018) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00045 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“This increased connectedness and social support might have a protective effect as well (11, 37).”
BackgroundSartwelle, T. P., & Johnston, J. C. (2018) · The Surgery Journal · doi:10.1055/s-0038-1632404 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“20 – 22 In this age of evidence-based medicine, a modality like EFM should certainly not rest on a belief that it is ef fi cacious merely because it “ is widely used in the obstetrics community, ” 8 especially when multiple lives are at risk as in labor and delivery.”
50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology
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Effects of Sugar Consumption on Human Behavior and Performance
Flora, S. R., & Polenick, C. A. (2013) · The Psychological Record · doi:10.11133/j.tpr.2013.63.3.008 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Spencer, J., & Sheridan, S. (2015) · Perspectives in Public Health · doi:10.1177/1757913913517977 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Modern Folk Devils: Contemporary Constructions of Evil
Frederiksen, M. D., & Knudsen, I. H. (2021) · Helsinki University Press eBooks · doi:10.33134/hup-13 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The Ethics of Teaching Physicians Electronic Fetal Monitoring: And Now for the Rest of the Story
Sartwelle, T. P., Johnston, J. C., & Arda, B. (2017) · The Surgery Journal · doi:10.1055/s-0037-1599229 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Combating Myths is Harder Than You Think
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“Medical myths are common.(6,7) But I have always believed that with the right information and the right coverage we could convince people that vaccines do not cause autism, that you really do not need 8 glasses of water a day, and that sugar does not really make kids hyperactive.”
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Catto, N., & Vincent, G. R. (2026) · World regional geography book series · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-04391-7_19
- Authors
- Vreeman, R. C., & Carroll, A. E.
- Affiliations
- Indiana University Indianapolis (US)
- Corresponding author
- Vreeman, R. C.
- Venue
- BMJ
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Published
- 2008-05-29
- Volume
- 337
- Issue
- dec17 2
- Pages
- a2769-a2769
- ISSN
- 1756-1833 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2094536649
- Cited by
- 11
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 2
- FWCI
- 2.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- hdl.handle.net
- Locations
- BMJ (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- IUScholarWorks (Indiana University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Misinformation and Its Impacts
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Academic Publishing and Open Access
- Keywords
- health myths, health misinformation, public health communication
- MeSH terms
- Ethanol, Anniversaries and Special Events, Child, Christianity, Feeding Behavior, Holidays, Humans, Hypothermia, Mythology, Plants, Toxic, Psychomotor Agitation, Suicide, Weight Gain, Dietary Sucrose
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.
Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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