A study reports that Compound Z lowers LDL by 15% in a single small randomized controlled trial funded by the supplement maker. Which evaluation best captures how to weigh this evidence?

• A. Assume the supplement maker's funding guarantees better trial quality and therefore greater credibility than academic-funded research.
• B. Reject the study outright because industry funding automatically invalidates any research regardless of methods or outcomes.
• C. Treat it as preliminary: peer review and RCT design are strengths, but the small size, single study status, and industry funding introduce bias and reduce confidence until independent replication and larger trials confirm findings.
• D. Accept the result as conclusive because any randomized trial, regardless of size or funding, proves efficacy and should change clinical practice immediately.

Answer: (C)