Provide names of other journalists involved.
Sidebars were produced by EatingWell editors and Lisa D’Agrosa.
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sep-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
YouTube star and UCSF physician Robert Lustig has made the tantalizing claim that sugar is a poison. Most physicians think he’s sensationalizing the science. This research-based story finds that Lustig’s theory pushes scientific limits, but his idea may, in fact, be on the right track.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I scoured scores of original scientific papers.
Explain types of human sources used.
I interviewed many scientists and public health specialists.
Results:
Lustig’s charisma and good-vs-evil story line has captured the public’s imagination, but the science does not definitively state whether or not sugar is a poison.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Organize scientific studies early and often. Otherwise, the paper takes over your office.