Article Review - Supplements

• By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:

• Evaluate the objectivity and legitimacy of biology information found in articles and online.

• Compare article with multiple sources of information about the same concepts.

• Evaluate sources by answering the questions in the source evaluation forms and provide an analysis within the paper.

• Apply biological concepts to factors related to human health.

• Describe the main points presented about supplements, including specific areas of research and the findings.

• Explain the role of supplements and athletics, including why supplements are currently unregulated, and if supplements should undergo more stringent testing.

• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.

• Write coherently to support a central idea in appropriate format with correct grammar, usage, and mechanics, including correct APA format and citations.

The media (newspapers, magazine articles, television news programs, and Web-based information) provide us with much of what we know about human biology. People often overlook these learning opportunities, but after taking a course on human biology, one is primed to take advantage of these chances for additional learning. Magazine articles on a special topic are particularly informative because they often go into greater depth and are a good way to continue learning or reviewing biology as a lifelong practice. Current articles are a good source of information about advances in a particular area of human biology, and they also highlight possible future advances in the treatment of certain conditions.

Still, with so much information available in the media, it is important to understand how to evaluate the credibility of these sources of information. We have all seen statistics presented in the media that we questioned, and information that appeared to be biased, misleading, or even inaccurate. How can we be sure we are taking in information that is objective, thorough, and accurate? Although we may not be experts, we can do our best to be informed and critical evaluators of information.

Review the article "Athletics and Herbal Supplements" from this unit's readings and write and submit a summary. Include the following:

•Describe the main points presented in the article. What message is the author trying to convey? Discuss specific areas of research and the findings.

•Explain the role of supplements and athletics. Why are supplements currently unregulated? Do you think supplements should undergo more stringent testing? If so, how would this be monitored and paid for?

•Cross-check the information. What do other sources of information say about the same concepts presented in the article? Are there discrepancies between the information in the article and from other sources?

•Include an evaluation of your source by answering the questions in the Source Evaluation Form - Journals given in the resources. Explain in a paragraph or two why you would or would not consider this article to be a credible source of information on this topic.