Science has already denied numerous fake news about public healthclarifying myths that can compromise the adoption of essential measures. Mistaken information about vaccines, diseases and treatments still circulate widely, confusing the population and influencing decisions without scientific foundation.
In this article, we gathered five examples in which studies and experts helped correct popular beliefs, reinforcing the importance of evidence -based knowledge in the protection of health collective.
Fake News: 5 times that science has denied myths about health
1 – cold is caused by cold
The belief that exposure to cold causes cold is a myth, and science has already denied this fake news. This is because the cold is caused by viruses and not for room temperature. There are about 200 types of viruses capable of triggering the disease, being Rinoviruses one of the most common.
Although cold can influence the body’s immune response, making it more susceptible to infections, it is not a causative agent.
Similarly, coldness cannot be held responsible for frames such as flu, covid-19 or other respiratory infections, since all have viral origin.
2 – Vaccines cause autism
Science has already denied the idea that vaccines cause autism. This myth emerged from a study published in 1998, later discredited and taken from the scientific journal for containing counterfeit data.
Research conducted over the years has analyzed millions of children and found no relationship between vaccines and the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).
One study Conducted by Australian researchers and released in Vaccines magazine in 2014, for example, he analyzed several research involving more than one million children. The results indicated that there is no connection between vaccination and ASD.
3 – Contraceptive fattening
Experts say there is no scientific evidence that contraceptive causes significant weight gain.
According to Endocrinologist Maria Gallo, from the University of Ohio, the belief that the fattening pill is more related to the natural tendency of the human body to gain weight over the years, especially in adulthood.
In addition, studies have analyzed various types of contraceptives and concluded that there is no obvious effect on weight gain. However, some women may experience fluid retention in the first months of use, which may give the impression of weight gain.
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4 – Vitamin supplements prevent all diseases
Vitamin supplements do not prevent all diseases, as their effect depends on factors such as individual need, diet and nutrient absorption by the body.
Scientific studies They indicate that for healthy people who maintain a balanced diet, supplementation does not bring significant benefits in disease prevention.
A review of more than 277 clinical trials showed that only three interventions had proven results in reducing cardiovascular and neurological diseases, while most supplements had no relevant impact.
In addition, research shows that popular multivitamins do not reduce the risk of diseases such as stroke, heart attack or premature death.
5 – Hypothyroidism causes obesity
The myth that hypothyroidism causes obesity has already been denied by science. Although this condition can reduce metabolism, leading to a slight weight gain, it occurs mainly due to fluid retention and not fat accumulation.
Studies They indicate that the impact of hypothyroidism on weight is small and that obesity is more related to factors such as food, physical inactivity and genetics.
In addition, patients receiving proper hormone replacement treatment usually recover metabolic balance and do not have significant weight gain.
That is, hypothyroidism can influence weight, but it is not the direct cause of obesity. Food control and exercise are still the main factors for maintaining a healthy weight.
