Which stepwise approach best synthesizes how a clinician should evaluate a new diet promoted to patients?

• A. Recommend immediately if the diet is popular on social media; popularity equals safety and efficacy, so no further review is needed
• B. Advise the patient to purchase the proprietary products to ensure they follow the diet correctly before evaluating evidence
• C. Check for peer-reviewed evidence and duration of trials; review macronutrient and micronutrient adequacy against DRIs; identify elimination of food groups, product sales, or unrealistic promises; counsel based on safety and sustainability
• D. If testimonials are compelling, accept the diet since individual stories are the strongest form of clinical evidence

Answer: (C)