Field guide standards Evidence methodology
The guide uses transparent evidence contexts rather than assigning simplistic universal scores to complex research questions. A strong result in one setting may not answer the next question a reader has.
Human research, animal studies, and laboratory findings answer different questions. Preclinical work can support a hypothesis or guide further investigation, but it does not demonstrate human benefit, long-term safety, or appropriate use.
When evaluating a claim, readers should consider study design, comparison group, sample size, duration, outcome definition, reproducibility, and whether the exact product or preparation matches the claim being made.
Approval applies to a particular product, formulation, population, and intended use. A research name, a class-level claim, a compounded product, or an online listing should not be treated as interchangeable with a current approved label.
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