World Health Organization

Does dairy consumption lead to calcium deficiency due to acidity, as a video on Facebook claims? No, that's not true: The International Osteoporosis Foundation writes that milk and other dairy foods are not acid-forming and do not leach calcium from the bones. A registered dietician who is a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told Lead Stories that…

Should everyone routinely take dewormer medication, as a post on X suggested? No, that's not true: In certain parts of the world, the World Health Organization recommends periodically giving deworming medication to preschoolers, school-age children, women of reproductive age and those working in high-risk professions. These recommendations are specific to certain regions, primarily sub-Saharan Africa, China, South America and Asia.…

Does stretching the back and arms improve liver and spleen function by stimulating certain "meridians," as a post on Facebook suggested? No, that's not true: A gastroenterologist told Lead Stories that "there is no conclusive scientific evidence that meridians exist" and "no evidence that [stretching] can be used to improve liver and spleen function." The page that posted the claim…

Does a paste of dates, walnuts, almonds and raisins steeped in water have scientifically proven deworming properties? No, that's not true: A board-certified medical doctor specializing in infectious diseases and internal medicine told Lead Stories that such a mixture is not proven to be effective. Lead Stories found no evidence supporting the claim. The claim appeared in a reel (archived…

Does proof exist that fluoride toothpaste causes brain damage in adults? No, that's not true: The amount of fluoride consumed when brushing teeth, even with a high-fluoride toothpaste, is far below the toxic levels cited by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. A study from that agency that reported the death of rodents exposed to fluoride referred only to…

Does sodium bicarbonate in bottled water pose significant health risks? No, that's not true: This element is commonly known as baking soda, which is chemically salt. The Food and Drug Administration considers sodium bicarbonate safe to be used in food. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on Instagram on March 2, 2024. It opened: What are your thoughts…

Is exposure to radium beneficial to human health, as a post on Instagram implies? No, that's not true: Radium is recognized by public health experts as a known carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. While it is true that radium was historically touted in the 20th century for its supposed health benefits and used in a variety of products at the time,…

Did Amy Schumer say she developed "vaccine acquired immune deficiency syndrome" (VAIDS) as a result of COVID-19 vaccination? No, that's not true: Schumer said on her Instagram account that she has endometriosis, a disease that causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside the uterus. VAIDS is not a recognized medical condition related to COVID-19 vaccination…

Did the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps execute World Health Organization official Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu? No, that's not true: A Pentagon duty officer told Lead Stories that this claim is "false." The claim appeared in an article on a website that regularly publishes fabricated content. The claim appeared in an article published by Real Raw News on February 10,…

Did a drop in vaccine uptake in Japan cause a drastic drop in infant mortality, as a post on Instagram suggested? No, that's not true: While there was a policy change in 1994 that removed government requirements for childhood vaccines, Japanese health authorities and experts still recommend a routine vaccine schedule similar to those implemented in the U.S. Japan has…