
How to Screen and Judge the Scientific Literature
By Dr. Miriam Sonntag from the PAN Academy – our online learning platform where you can learn all about nutrition science. Do you want to know more about this topic? Check out Module 3 “Evaluation of Nutrition Studies” where we go into many more details about how to navigate the world of science literature.
Planning your search
No one can read all the books, articles, and other printed material related to a given area of nutrition science. You need to be selective. Not everything written about your questions is relevant to you.
You need to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information as efficiently as possible. A deliberate, well-organized approach can save you much time and energy.
But how do you get started? Take a look at our six practical tips on how to plan your search into the scientific literature on nutrition studies.
We hope you learned some useful tips to conduct any literature review.
For more information on this topic, have a look at PAN Academy Module 3. It’s all about evaluating nutrition studies.
For the definitions of important terms, go to our Glossary.

Making better physicians
Ready to improve your nutrition knowledge?
Sign up for the PAN Academy and take our free online courses on nutrition science.
Module #3 Evaluation of Nutrition Studies
This module includes 6 video lessons with quizzes and practical exercises. It teaches you how to read and interpret nutrition science. And how to use it to make informed evidence-based decisions.

Making better physicians
Ready to improve your nutrition knowledge?
Sign up to the PAN Academy and take our free online courses on nutrition science.
Module #3 Evaluation of Nutrition Studies
This module includes 6 video lessons with quizzes and practical exercises. It teaches you how to read and interpret nutrition science. And how to use it to make informed evidence-based decisions.
References List:
- Hart C. Doing a Literature Search. A Comprehensive Guide for Social Science. London: Sage Publications; 2001.
- McCombes, S. (2023, January 02). How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/

Author
Dr. Miriam Sonntag
Dr Miriam Sonntag is the Medical Content Executive of the online learning platform, PAN Academy. Having worked in basic research, she knows how to decipher complex information. Working now at PAN, she scans and pours over scientific papers and books. She breaks down the latest nutritional research into actionable advice for everyday life. She is committed to sharing the bigger picture of why it is good to put more plants on your plate.
Recent posts
Is Soy Healthy?
Is Soy Healthy?By Carlijn Wagenaar, MD and Wendy Walrabenstein, RD from PAN The Netherlands.Whether you do a google...
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet
Rheumatoid Arthritis and DietBy Carlijn Wagenaar, MD and Wendy Walrabenstein, RD from PAN The Netherlands.“Doctor,...
Coffee: Healthy or Unhealthy?
Coffee: Healthy or Unhealthy?Today I’m going to ‘spill the beans' on a hot topic. It would be an understatement to say...
Is Chocolate Healthy? What the Latest Science Says
Is Chocolate Healthy? What the Latest Science SaysHi there, I’ve “bean” expecting you. Globally, around 4 million tons...
MedMonth Hummus Recipes
Seven Delicious Twists on the Humble Hummus RecipeTo continue our celebration of #MedMonth and to honour International...
MedMonth Legumes Quiz
Test your knowledge - What do you really know about legumes?Legumes have been part of the human diet for over 10,000...