Current Issues
Population Level Recommendations
See the salt article as an example
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Often based on very old/outdated and/or flawed research, often influenced by commercial interests.
Often only of relevance to white men or conversely, those who are not white or male (see salt).
No one is average. Age, sex, race and many other factors are involved.
Vitamin d is a great example of where the RDI/maximum daily intake is just completely wrong. As of the date of writing this (2025-09-30) the UK's NHS is still recommending an intake 10 times lower than what research concludes is needed. The NHS' advise does at least accommodate for those with darker skin.
Research Biases
Race, sex, age etc.
Cultural Appropriateness
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6geyjd15lo
Research Funding
Research without a commercial outcome or incentive simply doesn't get funded.
The Replication Crisis
Also lack of peer review.
Solved Problems
Vitamin b12
Commercial Interference - Medicine
Poor studies with no peer review
Commercial Gain
Hospitals knew a heart device led to more patients' deaths - but they kept using it - retrieved 2025-11-13
Tobacco
Asbestos - issues discovered in 1900
Commercial Saving - Healthcare
Cheaping out.
This may be an example, although the stated reason is that traditional surgery has a higher failure rate: Vaginal mesh implants: Hundreds sue NHS over 'barbaric' treatment.
Lack of Testing
The mesh scandal once again, involving the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which was heavily critisied during a review for not conducting testing on many products.
Ignoring Patient Feedback over Failures
The mesh scandal once again, involving the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) which was heavily critisied during a review for not conducting testing on many products.
Commercial Gain - Food & Drink
See sweeteners as an example
Poor studies with no peer review
Food pyramid
The 'war on fat': https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/sep/12/sugar-industry-paid-research-heart-disease-jama-report
Weak/Lazy/Corrupt Regulators
See sweeteners as an example
Tobacco
Asbestos - issues discovered in 1900
Political Interference
See paracetamol as an example
Conspiracy Theories
Anti-vaxers
Fluoride
Media Reporting
HRT Is a good example.
Lobbying
Contaminates & Impurities (supplements)
Lead, mercury etc.
Also 'flow agents' and other things added to aid manufacture and processing
A lack of regulation.
It's also been found that qualities are not accurate.
Multivitamins
Easy to overdoes (such as vitamin a)