Editorial policy: how we fact-check

Our standards

• People first. Articles answer real questions clearly and in plain English.
• Evidence first. Health claims are based on primary sources and linked so readers can check them.
• No invention. We never fabricate data, quotes, case studies, testimonials or credentials.
• Balanced. We report benefits, risks and uncertainty, and say when evidence is limited.

Sources we use

In order of preference: FDA prescribing information and safety communications; peer-reviewed clinical trials and systematic reviews; guidance from the NIH, CDC and professional medical societies; then reputable medical references. We avoid relying on press releases, forums or marketing material for health claims.

Our process

1. Research: the writer gathers primary sources before drafting.
2. Writing: each article starts with a short, direct answer, then explains the details.
3. Fact-check: every health claim is checked against its cited source before publishing.
4. Medical review (when available): if a licensed clinician reviews an article, their name and credentials are shown at the top. We never display a reviewer who did not review the article.
5. Updates: we revisit articles when labels, approvals, prices or evidence change, and show a "Last updated" date.

Advertising and independence

Advertisers have no influence over our articles. Ads and partner offers sit in labeled boxes, separate from editorial content. See our affiliate disclosure.

AI and tools

We may use software tools to help with research and drafting. Every article is checked against its sources before publishing, and we take responsibility for everything we publish.