Be wary of preliminary studies
Peer review and publication may lend credence to studies.
A news release from the University of Maryland’s Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute stated, “This press release refers to study results that are preliminary and have not been subjected to the peer review scientific process.” The release relates to Fifth Quarter Fresh, a high-protein chocolate milk, and cognitive and motor function. Fifth Quarter contains 40% more protein, calcium and electrolytes than conventional milk.
A study involved 474 football players from 7 high schools in Maryland during the 2014 season. Fifth Quarter Fresh helped the players improve their cognitive and motor function, even after experiencing concussions, according to the release.
The Maryland Industrial Partnerships program, which jointly funds commercial development projects that team Maryland companies with University of Maryland faculty, was involved in the study.
HealthNewsReview.org, which evaluates health care journalism, advertising, marketing, public relations and other messages that may influence consumers, said it found flaws in the news release. HealthNewsReview.org said the news release did not say if the study measured intake of other milk or included a placebo control, did not say if the study had been peer-reviewed or published, and did not disclose any relationship between the research and the manufacturers and distributors of Fifth Quarter Fresh.
