READING THE LABELS
Human trialA planned study that gives people a treatment and measures what happens, ideally against a control group.
Human studyObservational data from people: associations, cohorts and measurements, not cause and effect.
RegulatoryA decision or filing by a regulator such as the FDA. It changes what may happen next, not what the science shows.
Animal studyResults in mice, dogs or other animals. Many do not carry over to people.
Cell studyResults in cells or tissue in a dish. An early step, far from a treatment.
PreprintA paper shared before peer review. It may change or be withdrawn.
ReviewA summary of earlier studies. Only as strong as the studies it covers.
Company claimAnnounced by a company, often before full data are published or reviewed.
Self-reportOne person’s own measurements or experience. Interesting, not proof.