title: Analysis of the accuracy and readability of herbal supplement information on Wikipedia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the completeness and readability of information found in Wikipedia for leading dietary supplements and assess the accuracy of this information with regard to safety (including use during pregnancy/lactation), contraindications, drug interactions, therapeutic uses, and dosing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional analysis of Wikipedia articles.
  
  
  METHODS
  The contents of Wikipedia articles for the 19 top-selling herbal supplements were retrieved on July 24, 2012, and evaluated for organization, content, accuracy (as compared with information in two leading dietary supplement references) and readability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Accuracy of Wikipedia articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No consistency was noted in how much information was included in each Wikipedia article, how the information was organized, what major categories were used, and where safety and therapeutic information was located in the article. All articles in Wikipedia contained information on therapeutic uses and adverse effects but several lacked information on drug interactions, pregnancy, and contraindications. Wikipedia articles had 26%-75% of therapeutic uses and 76%-100% of adverse effects listed in the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database and/or Natural Standard. Overall, articles were written at a 13.5-grade level, and all were at a ninth-grade level or above.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Articles in Wikipedia in mid-2012 for the 19 top-selling herbal supplements were frequently incomplete, of variable quality, and sometimes inconsistent with reputable sources of information on these products. Safety information was particularly inconsistent among the articles. Patients and health professionals should not rely solely on Wikipedia for information on these herbal supplements when treatment decisions are being made.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Phillips
authors: Connie
authors: C
authors: Lam
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Palmisano
mesh_terms: D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet