Tips for writing helpful, accurate nutrition content

Accurate, research-backed nutrition content empowers readers to make informed health decisions while building trust in your brand.

Illustration of someone searching for health and nutrition information, with an image of a salad

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Key takeaways:

Ensure your nutrition content is based on reliable research from trusted universities, hospitals or government organizations to maintain accuracy and credibility.
Collaborate with in-house nutrition experts, like dietitians or clinicians, for authoritative insights and up-to-date information that enhances the quality of your content.
Use cautious language like “may” or “can” when discussing the effects of food and diets, as nutrition science is constantly evolving and some claims are still under study.

Author: WG Content
Last updated: 9/21/23

As healthcare communicators, we’re here to provide trustworthy content that can ease a concern or answer a question. Our mission is to help our readers avoid confusion and misinformation, so they and their families can lead healthier lives.

And when it comes to health and wellness, accuracy is key. Today, consumers crave health and wellness information. Consider these statistics from McKinsey:

82% of U.S. Consumers consider wellness a top or important priority in their everyday lives.
More than 60% of consumers surveyed considered it “very” or “extremely” important to purchase products or services that help with healthy aging.
Millennial and Gen Z consumers spend more on health and wellness than older generations.

With March marking National Nutrition Month, it’s crucial to keep this mission in mind. Healthy eating and dieting tips are everywhere, but nutrition content can often fall prey to exaggerated or over-promised claims.

Tips for writing about nutritional content

How can you avoid some of these common nutrition pitfalls? Here are some tips for writing helpful, accurate nutrition content.

1. Always reference reputable sources

Look for research or studies that can back up the information you’re providing in the article, but try to stick to research from prominent universities, hospitals or government organizations. When in doubt, consult with colleagues or SMEs to gauge their opinion on an organization’s reputation. And don’t forget to double-check your sources!

2. Interview your own nutrition SME

Often the best resource for your content is at your own organization. Take advantage of your dietitians or clinicians and the knowledge they have to share. In addition to providing quotes for your article, they may be able to recommend additional resources or studies.

3. Don’t overpromise

Researchers and doctors are still studying many of the health effects of food. We certainly don’t know everything, and the information we do have is always changing. With that in mind, never over-promise what food or diet can do. Try to use phrasing with “can” and “may” rather than “will.” For example, “Research shows that eating large amounts of processed meat may increase your risk of cancer.”

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4. Encourage professional nutrition consultation

As healthcare communicators, many of us don’t have the expertise and training to offer medical advice in our content. That’s where clinicians come in! With that in mind, always encourage your readers to seek professional help when it comes to nutrition and diet, whether it’s with a primary care physician or a dietitian.

5. Update your nutrition content

If new studies or research comes out, be sure to update your nutrition posts to reflect this information. Updating your content can not only build trust and keep your readers informed, it can also help boost SEO.

Need support for your health and wellness content?

Helpful wellness and nutrition content is something audiences want and need to lead healthier lives. If you need help with your backlog of wellness content, reach out. We’d be happy to help!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March 2019. It was updated in March 2023.

Follow-up questions about writing about wellness and nutrition:

Official websites of institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are go-to resources. These sources publish peer-reviewed studies and evidence-based research that can lend credibility to your content. You can also consult with professionals in your organization or industry for recommendations on trustworthy studies and publications.

To keep your content engaging, use relatable language, include real-life examples and present actionable tips that your readers can easily apply. Incorporating visuals like infographics, charts or simple recipes can also help break down complex information.

It’s a good practice to review and update nutrition content at least once a year, or more frequently if significant new research or guidelines are released. If a major study or breakthrough happens, consider updating your content immediately to reflect the latest findings. Keeping an eye on trusted health and wellness publications, journals and government health websites will help you stay informed about the most relevant updates.