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Is the chemical glyphosate really in food?
Learn why glyphosate may be harmful to your health, how it gets into food, and how you can avoid glyphosate in food.

Glyphosate—the main ingredient in Roundup, a weed killer sold for commercial and home use—has become a common topic of discussion in recent years. Many people who experienced repeated exposure to the chemical (including farmers, landscapers, and groundskeepers) later developed cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While the parent company of Roundup, maintains that there's no link between cancer and glyphosate, many studies have suggested otherwise. Here, we'll explore more about glyphosate, how the chemical can get into food, and steps you can take to lower the amount of harmful chemicals in your diet.
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a commonly-used herbicide (weed killer) that's used across a variety of settings, including farming and home gardening. The chemical was developed by the Monsanto company in the 1970s. The chemical works by interfering with an enzyme called EPSP synthase, which is essential for plant growth. Plants can't survive without this enzyme, and the application of glyphosate results in swift plant death.
Some crops have been genetically modified to tolerate glyphosate. This means that farmers can use glyphosate to kill weeds without killing certain genetically modified crops. Usually, glyphosate is applied directly to plant leaves.
Debates about the safety of glyphosate have been ongoing over the recent decade. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the chemical as a probable human carcinogen (meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans). Other regulatory bodies refuted the studies from the IARC, stating that their evidence was not sufficient.
How does glyphosate get into food?
There are a few different ways that glyphosate can get into food sources, including:
- Direct application during farming: As we mentioned, glyphosate is typically sprayed directly onto the leaves of crops. Often, glyphosate remains on the plants throughout the harvest process, and can be ingested by people who eat the unprocessed crops, as well as those who eat processed foods that contain the crops treated with the herbicide.
- Use during harvest: Some farmers spray glyphosate directly on ready-to-harvest crops, including wheat, oats, and barley to dry out the plant material that will be discarded, as this can speed up the harvesting process.
- Environmental contamination: Glyphosate can end up in food and water indirectly. Wind and water runoff from farms can both carry glyphosate to areas that have never been treated with the chemical.
- Animal feed: Animals raised for human consumption (like pigs, cows, and chickens) are often fed crops (like grass, corn, and soybeans) that have been treated with glyphosate. The chemical enters the bodies and may still be present after the animal is slaughtered and processed.
Glyphosate and your health
When landscaping the area around your home, it makes sense to use natural products instead of glyphosate-based weed killers. While occasional use in accordance with package directions is unlikely to cause ill effects, many people prefer to use natural weed killers for home gardens.
While glyphosate can cause cancer at high doses, current research does not suggest that the low doses found in foods have the same effect. Some studies completed with in vitro cells (collected cells from a living organism that are studied, in isolation, in a lab) have shown that the introduction of glyphosate can disrupt hormones.
While these studies have yet to be replicated in any in vivo (inside the body) studies, the in vitro studies suggest that glyphosate may be associated with fertility issues and other reproductive hormone problems. Some studies also show that glyphosate exposure may create digestive issues similar to celiac disease.
The bottom line: The jury is still out on exactly how glyphosate in food may affect human health. The World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration, and the United States Department of Agriculture all regulate pesticide and herbicide levels in food due to potential harmful effects, and it makes sense to try to lower the amount of pesticides and herbicides in your diet as much as possible.
Tips to keep glyphosate and other harmful chemicals out of your diet
If you've decided that you'd like to keep glyphosate out of your diet as much as possible, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure, including:
- Buy organic foods when possible. Organic farming standards prohibit farmers from using glyphosate. Choose foods that have an organic certification label. This is especially helpful for foods that tend to have high levels of glyphosate, including foods containing high-fructose GMO corn syrup, such as granola bars and breakfast cereals.
- Wash produce thoroughly. Washing fruits and vegetables can help to remove surface pesticides, even though some may remain.
- Enjoy fruits and vegetables that tend to be lower in pesticides. According to the Environmental Working Group, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, papayas, frozen peas, asparagus, honeydew, kiwi, and cabbage tend to be especially low in pesticides.
- Grow produce at home, if possible. If you have the space and time, growing your own food can help to reduce your exposure to glyphosate. You can choose to weed your garden on your own, without the use of any chemicals.
It's important to remember that even when you take conscious steps to reduce your glyphosate intake, it's likely impossible to completely eliminate the chemical from your diet. Runoff and wind transfer can make it difficult for organic farmers and other farmers who choose not to use the herbicide to avoid it completely.
At Evidation, we're here to give you the information you need to move your health forward
When you're working to improve your health, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the myriad of information available. At Evidation, our app helps you sort through the noise. When you download our app, you'll have the chance to share your health data with us (you'll be in control of your privacy every step of the way, and you can choose to stop sharing your data with us at any time). We'll use the information you share to offer you personalized, content-based insights that can help to inform your next steps in becoming your happiest, healthiest self. Click here to learn more about how Evidation works and download the free app today.

Eating for insulin resistance: diet tips
40% of people live with some level of insulin resistance which can lead to prediabetes. Learn more about how this can affect your health and how to eat to maintain healthy blood sugar levels
A recent study found that approximately 40 percent of young adults experience insulin resistance, even without having diabetes.
Insulin resistance can lead to prediabetes which affects an estimated 84 million Americans aged 18 and older.
That’s why eating for insulin resistance can be so important.
But what is insulin resistance?
How does it develop?
What are the symptoms we should look out for?
And how can we eat a diet that keeps our blood sugar at healthy levels and helps to improve our insulin resistance?
In today's article, we’ll be answering all these questions. Keep reading to find out more about insulin resistance and certain diet tips to help you deal with it.
What is insulin resistance? How does it develop?
To understand insulin resistance, we first need to take a look at what insulin is.
Insulin is created in the pancreas. It’s a hormone that helps glucose in our blood enter other cells in our muscles, liver, and fat so our bodies can use that glucose for energy.
Glucose is the main sugar found in our blood, and it’s our body’s main source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat, and it’s also produced by our liver when required.
When glucose levels rise in our blood, the pancreas releases insulin to help glucose enter other cells and aids us in maintaining a normal range of blood glucose levels. Keeping a normal range of glucose is important because high levels can cause damage to our blood vessels, nerves, and even organs. Insulin works to prevent that.
This explains insulin and why we need it.
But what is insulin resistance, and what causes it?
Insulin resistance occurs when the cells in your muscles, liver, and fat can’t take up glucose from your blood effectively. These cells don’t respond well to insulin. As a result, your pancreas creates more insulin in hopes of offsetting this resistance from your cells.
So long as your pancreas creates enough insulin to counteract your cell's weak response, your blood glucose levels will stay in a healthy range.
But, if your cells become too resistant to insulin over time, it could lead to elevated blood sugar levels which can cause prediabetes and eventually Type 2 diabetes.
But, how does insulin resistance actually develop?
It’s still unknown exactly how insulin resistance happens. Some genes have been identified that may cause an increased likelihood of its development, and older aged people might be more susceptible.
It’s thought that excess body fat and a lack of physical activity could be two main contributing factors to insulin resistance.
What are the symptoms of insulin resistance?
If someone has insulin resistance, but their pancreas is still managing to produce enough insulin to counteract the resistance, they won’t have any symptoms.
But if their insulin resistance gets worse with time, they can experience elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Some symptoms of high blood glucose levels include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Slow-healing sores and cuts
- Blurred vision and headaches
- Skin and vaginal infections
It’s important to be aware of common symptoms of high blood sugar levels as it can help you take the proper precautions and get the help and diagnosis you need.
Diet tips for eating with insulin resistance
Because your diet can affect glucose levels, it’s important to know the foods to avoid and low insulin foods that may be more suitable to include in your diet.
When adjusting your diet due to insulin resistance, it’s important to reduce the consumption of simple sugars (simple carbs).
Some foods to avoid if you have insulin resistance include:
- Prepackaged and processed foods
- Simple carbohydrates like white rice and white bread
- Foods high in saturated fats like bacon, milk, and sausage
- Foods or drinks with added sugar like juices, sweets, and soda
It’s recommended that someone experiencing insulin resistance should eat a diet with whole grains and high amounts of non-starchy vegetables and raw fruits.
Non-starchy vegetables are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and they’re usually low in carbohydrates and sugar making them ideal for someone with insulin resistance.
Fruits are naturally higher in carbohydrates and sugars, but in their whole and raw form, they cause lower blood sugar spikes compared to candy or treats with added refined sugars. They also have plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
Some great vegetables and fruits you can add to your diet include:
- Kale
- Plums
- Onions
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Peaches
- Tomatoes
- Cantaloup
- Asparagus
- Berries (blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
Fruits and vegetables are important components of any diet. But you also need a source of energy. And carbohydrates are a key source of fuel for keeping you going throughout the day.
But what are good sources of carbs for someone experiencing insulin resistance?
It’s best to aim to get your source of energy from complex carbs and whole grains. Some examples of whole grains and complex carbs include:
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Buckwheat
- Steel cut oats
- Whole wheat bread
We’ve talked about vegetables, fruits, and carbs - but what are some good sources of protein?
There’s evidence that saturated fats worsen insulin resistance. With this in mind, it’s best to avoid foods with high amounts of saturated fats and get your protein from lean meat sources. If you follow a plant-based diet, certain legumes and beans might be more suitable for you.
Some good sources of lean protein, legumes, and beans include:
- Trout
- Shrimp
- Lentils
- Poultry
- Lobster
- Scallops
- Chickpeas
- Egg whites
- Black beans
Avoiding unhealthy fats and working to ingest healthy fats is also crucial in maintaining a healthy diet with insulin resistance.
This study found that eating more unsaturated fats in place of saturated fats can improve insulin secretion and resistance and can even lower blood sugar levels.
Some healthy sources of fat include:
- Avocados
- Chia Seeds
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts
- Butters from nuts like peanut butter and almond butter
Closing thoughts - Eating for insulin resistance
With 40 percent of the population dealing with insulin resistance to some degree, understanding what it is and how to eat to manage it is a key to maintaining and living a healthy lifestyle.
Whether you have insulin resistance yourself or have a loved one or coworker who deals with it, we encourage you to share this article with them so they can understand it better and learn the best types of foods to eat and avoid.

What is an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
An IRB is a review board designed to protect the rights and well-being of research participants. It acts as a system of checks and balances for any research involving people.
Welcome to the next article in our Research 101 series! We're excited to share with you some important information about Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which are essential to the research process.
If you’ve ever thought about participating in research, you may have had some questions about how the research could affect you. You may have wondered:
- What are the risks and benefits?
- How will my data be used?
- How do I know I am safe?
Researchers care a lot about providing a safe and ethical study experience. One way we do this is by submitting our research protocols to an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
What is an IRB?
An IRB is a review board designed to protect the rights and well-being of research participants. It acts as a system of checks and balances for any research involving people.
IRBs work to ensure the following:
- Research studies have scientific merit and purpose
- The activities involved in the research are ethical
- All regulatory requirements are followed
Every IRB has at least five members with different backgrounds. The members may have training in scientific areas, have expertise and training in non-scientific areas, or be members of the community who may represent the people who would participate in the research study.
IRBs are the gatekeepers when it comes to being able to conduct research involving human beings. Without IRB approval, researchers are unable to conduct their research.
History of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The idea of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed into law the National Research Act. The act led to the creation of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. Events such as the Tuskegee Trials and the Willowbrook Experiments, where research was conducted in an improper manner, proved there was a need for unbiased oversight.
This commission was in charge of identifying the principles that should underlie the conduct of research. They also created guidelines to make sure research is carried out following those principles. In 1979, the commission published "Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research," also known as the Belmont Report.
The Belmont Report is made up of three core principles:
- Respect for Persons - Giving people the right and capacity to make their own decisions.
- Beneficence - Minimizing potential harms and maximizing benefits
- Justice - Distributing benefits and risks fairly
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IRBs were founded on these three basic principles which are still referenced when reviewing research proposals.
What does the IRB review?
The people who make up the committee carefully consider the following:
- Are procedures in place to reduce any harm or risks to the participants?
- Do the benefits outweigh the associated risks?
- Is the selection of participants equitable and fair?
- Are potential participants able and willing to give informed consent?
- Will a participant's consent (or permission) be properly documented?
- Do the researchers have a plan for monitoring the quality of the study data to ensure participant safety?
- Are there adequate procedures in place to protect the privacy of participants?
- Will the researchers be able to maintain the privacy of study participants?
- Are there protections in place for vulnerable populations?
- Does the research meet all regulatory requirements?
Evidation Studies & IRB Oversight
Research conducted by the Evidation Studies (formerly Achievement Studies) team often requires approval from an IRB. The decision to have a study approved by an IRB is based on the design of the study and what the researchers will use the results for.
At Evidation Studies, we have a dedicated team of researchers who help oversee the protection of our study participants every step of the way. Even when IRB approval is not required.
Our study participants can be confident that we’re committed to their safety and that our studies are conducted according to the highest standards.
Want to know more about any of our Evidation Studies and how to get involved? Reach out to us at study@evidation.com and one of our friendly team members can help you get started.
If you want additional general information on health research, we recommend checking out the following public resources:
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Human Research Protections
- FDA, Clinical Trials and Human Subject Protection
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), Educational Resources
- Clinical Research Resource HUB, Resources for Participants

5 Summer Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood
Self-care is important all year long, and the warm days of summer provide great opportunities. Check out our tips on improving wellbeing during the summer months.
Nearly 1 in 5 US adults live with some form of mental illness. And the numbers are rising.
Mental illness is a common issue among Americans, but it’s something we can work on by practicing self-care all year round. And during the months of summer, there are a variety of self-care methods we can take part in to boost our mood while enjoying the warm weather.
In today’s article, we’ll be sharing 5 summer self-care tips to boost your mood and mind, all while embracing the sun. Keep reading to learn more.
Get some sun
Many people struggle with what's known as seasonal depressive disorder (SAD). SAD relates to the change in seasons, many people experience symptoms in the fall and later in the winter months.
And most people affected by SAD live at latitudes far south and far north of the equator where there’s much less sunlight during the fall and winter months.
But why?
The reason for this could be that in the darker months of winter and fall people are exposed to less sunlight. The skin produces Vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun, and Vitamin D can help increase serotonin activity.
What’s serotonin?
And what does serotonin have to do with our mood?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that carries messages between your brain and throughout the body. It has several roles, including influencing our memory, learning, and happiness.
Low levels of serotonin may cause depression.
Getting out in the sun may be a great way to not only get more Vitamin D, but it may also help increase the level of serotonin activity within us. Potentially improving our overall mood.
While getting sun is important, it’s vital to protect yourself from getting a sunburn or heat stroke.
It’s best to protect your skin with sunscreen and reapply every so often throughout the day. Reflective clothing is another great way to keep your skin safe in the sun.
Keeping cool is also important, as spending long amounts of time exposed to the sun could result in heat stroke. Try taking breaks from the sun in the shade and do your best to not over-exert yourself.
Exercise outdoors
In many places, one of the great things that summer has to offer is the ability to exercise outdoors.
Physical activity can:
- Help improve brain health - regular exercise may help improve cognitive function and sleep, and it may reduce depression and anxiety risk and overall improve our quality of life.
- Help manage weight - physical activity can help burn calories, build muscle, and decrease total body fat. This could result in better self-esteem and overall a more positive mood.
- Help improve our ability to do day-to-day tasks - when we improve our overall health, day-to-day tasks become easier. This can lead to a better quality of life and can greatly improve mood and well-being.
When compared to indoor activity, outdoor activity seems to have a greater impact on improving mental health. Studies suggest spending time in natural environments may have a positive impact on well-being.
The combination of mental health benefits from spending time outdoors as well as exercise is something worth taking advantage of.
So instead of going for a run at the gym, take a jog around your neighborhood. Or, try getting involved with some outdoor sports.
Relax outdoors
In one review of research, there’s evidence that spending time outdoors with nature can increase happiness and positive social interactions. It may even help bring a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.
Combining your favorite way of relaxing with spending time outdoors might be an effective way to maximize your self-care this summer.
Different forms of relaxation may have different effects, but relaxation can help us:
- Reduce stress
- Improve sleep quality
- Improve mood and focus
- Reduce anger and frustration
- Reduce muscle tension and chronic pain
So, what are some of the different ways we can relax outdoors?
It depends on what you like to do, but a few ideas might include:
- Yoga
- Reading
- Meditating
- Breathing techniques
We encourage you to get outside and take some time to relax and unwind during the summer months!
Take some time off
The summer months are some of the best times to take a break from work.
Whether you decide to go on a vacation outside the country or enjoy the weather in your local area. It’s important to take time off to destress, and physically and mentally recharge.
Some benefits of taking a vacation from work might include:
- Lower stress
- Improved mental health
- Improvement in productivity
Overall, taking time off is important. And summer presents an opportunity for all of us to enjoy a break from work while embracing the warm weather.
Explore nature
As discussed earlier, spending time outdoors may help improve our well-being and happiness.
And exposure to sunlight could help increase the levels of serotonin in the body.
But how does exploring nature help?
Just as completing a workout can help us develop confidence, exploring nature may have the same effect.
You can try taking on a difficult hiking trail, or exploring a new area while paddling. Spending time outdoors and conquering a challenging task can increase your confidence and overall self-belief.
Closing thoughts - 5 Summer Self-Care Tips to Boost Your Mood
With such a variety of options, summertime may be one of the best times to practice self-care and boost your mood.
From getting your summer self-care essentials like sunscreen to relaxing outdoors by meditating or reading, there are many options when it comes to self-care in the summer.
And as more research comes to the forefront, we'll have a better understanding of how the sun and nature affect our moods.
Make sure to share this with a friend or family member who could use some self-care tips to boost their mood during the summer!

Global Flu Insights: Is the flu making a comeback?
It may not be flu season yet in the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s never too early to learn about flu prevention. According to the CDC, receiving a yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses.
Flu Trends from Down Under
Flu season is picking up in Australia, with an earlier uptick in infections than previous years. In the graph below, we can see that flu cases in Australia typically peak in June, July, and August. The solid red line for 2022 shows that cases actually started peaking in late April—two months earlier than usual.
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How can you protect yourself and others this fall?
It may not be flu season yet in the Northern Hemisphere, but it’s never too early to learn about flu prevention. According to the CDC, receiving a yearly flu vaccine is the most important step in protecting against flu viruses. Other preventive measures include avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses, and washing your hands with soap and water.

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
1 in 250 kids is affected by some form of juvenile arthritis. Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is about educating, spreading awareness, and taking part in events that help those who are living with this condition.
Although arthritis is commonly associated with older aged people, a form of arthritis known as juvenile arthritis affects approximately 300,000 teenagers and kids in the United States.
That’s why it’s so important for us to observe Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month every year.
During July, we look to not only observe, but also spread awareness and educate ourselves and those around us about this condition.
1 in 250 kids is affected by some form of juvenile arthritis.
So, what can we do to help?
What is juvenile arthritis and what causes it?
What are the symptoms we should look out for in our children?
And how can you get the proper diagnoses and treatments?
We’ll be speaking on these matters and sharing how you can take part during this important month and make an impact on people's lives and communities. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s juvenile arthritis? What causes it?
Juvenile arthritis isn’t a singular disease. It’s an umbrella term used to describe rheumatic and inflammatory diseases that affect children under the age of 16.
Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases make up most types of juvenile arthritis.
This means that the immune system, which normally fights against foreign bodies like germs and viruses, becomes confused and starts releasing inflammatory chemicals that attack healthy tissue and cells.
But how does this affect the body?
This results in joint pain, tenderness, swelling, and inflammation.
But in some cases, none of these symptoms are visible on the joints. It sometimes only affects the internal organs and skin.
So, what causes juvenile arthritis?
The verdict behind the cause of it is still up in the air. But several factors like our environment and certain genetics may lead to juvenile arthritis.
This means it could get passed down through families or triggered by exposure to certain things.
Symptoms and diagnosis
What are common symptoms associated with juvenile arthritis?
People dealing with juvenile arthritis might experience:
- Pain - it’s common to feel a certain degree of pain in the joints or around them.
- Stiffness - as joints become painful they may also become stiff.
- Swelling - when certain joints become inflamed it’s common to notice some swelling.
- High fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes - in rare cases, children who have juvenile arthritis may experience these symptoms.
Now, how is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
There is no particular test to confirm the condition. But when a healthcare professional examines someone who may have juvenile arthritis, they look at their health history and they may do a physical examination.
They usually ask about symptoms the person is experiencing and any recent illnesses that may have occurred. In many cases, when inflammation symptoms have been present for 6 weeks or more, juvenile arthritis may be the cause.
There are different forms of tests that may also be performed. Common forms of testing include blood tests and imaging tests.
Some blood tests include:
- Complement tests - these tests measure the level of complement in the bloodstream. Complement is a protein found in our bloodstream. Low levels are often linked to immune disorders.
- White blood cell count - higher levels of white blood cells may indicate an infection is prevalent. Lower levels may show a sign of some autoimmune diseases or even reactions to medications.
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and other antibody tests - these tests measure the levels of antibodies in the blood. The levels are often elevated in people who have autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Imagery tests could include:
- MRI
- X-Rays
- CT scan
- Bone scan
Urine tests might also be performed. They’re used to find blood or protein in the urine which could indicate the kidneys aren’t working properly.
Another form of testing for juvenile arthritis is joint aspiration. This test consists of taking synovial fluid (a thick liquid that lubricates the joints) from a joint and examining it to see if bacteria or viruses are present. Juvenile arthritis can be activated by certain viruses and bacteria.
Treatment options
Medications, lifestyle changes, and different forms of therapies are all used to treat juvenile arthritis.
Some medications that are commonly prescribed include:
- Corticosteroid medicines - these medications are often used to treat severe symptoms people may experience and to reduce inflammation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) - NSAIDs are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs) - these medications work to ease inflammation and control juvenile arthritis.
Medicines known as biologics are sometimes used if other forms of treatment aren’t working. These medicines work by interfering with the inflammatory response of the body.
Different forms of therapy are also used to improve certain aspects of life that juvenile arthritis might hinder.
To improve and maintain joint and muscle function, some people do physical therapy. Occupational therapy might also be another solution to help people in their ability to perform regular daily activities.
Some lifestyle changes that may help include:
- Weight control
- Exercising regularly
- Nutritional coaching
- Getting enough rest
How to participate in Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
What can you do to help your community and those affected by this condition?
One way we can participate is by educating ourselves and spreading awareness around Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month.
Educating ourselves gives us the chance at having a better understanding of the condition and how we can help those affected by it. It also allows us to educate others.
And spreading awareness is a great way to introduce this condition to those who may be unaware of it. We can spread awareness by speaking with friends, family, and coworkers, or we can even share information and articles on social media.
Another way to get involved would be to take part in community events or even host one of your own.
Conclusion
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month is about educating, spreading awareness, and taking part in events that help those who are living with this condition.
Whether you decide to take part in community events or speak with your friends and family, we encourage you to take part.
Arthritis is often seen as a condition that only affects older adults, but with more awareness, we can change that conversation.
Make sure to share this with your friends, family, coworkers, or even your social media, and do your part in helping this important cause.

What is Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and why is it important?
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an international guide for how to conduct ethical and good quality research. GCP applies to all stages of research: design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses, and reporting of any research involving people.
It’s important to understand what Good Clinical Practice is and why it matters. Especially if you are participating (or thinking about participating) in research.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is an international guide for how to conduct ethical and good quality research. GCP applies to all stages of research: design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses, and reporting of any research involving people.
GCP consists of 13 principles focused on the following:
- Safety
- You feel protected throughout the entire research study.
- Rights are Protected
- You have the right to information about the research.
- You decide whether or not you want to participate in the research.
- You have the right to withdraw from the research at any time without penalty.
- Your privacy and confidentiality will be protected.
- Quality of Research Data
- The data collected from you is for the purpose of the research and is based on a scientific protocol approved by an ethics committee.
Why do we need Good Clinical Practice (GCP)?
The idea of a “good physician” and “good clinical/medical practice” dates back to the Hippocratic Oath from about 400 B.C. This oath represents the earliest idea of medicine being practiced in a just and ethical manner. It established several principles of medical ethics that remain important today. These include the principles of “confidentiality,” “privacy,” and “doing no harm.”
While the oath itself was a good start, it was not enough to protect all of the people who participated in research from harm. Additional rules and regulations were necessary to help keep people safe.
The United States put into place the first legislation to help regulate drugs that are available over the counter, The Food and Drugs Act of 1906. Before this legislation, harmful and deadly drugs could be purchased by anyone, just like any other product. These unsafe products led to serious illness, injury, or death because the ingredients were not tested for safety.
Well known examples of drugs available at the time include:
- Kopp’s Baby’s Friend - contained a mixture of morphine and alcohol
- Dr. King’s Consumption Cure - contained a toxic mixture of chloroform, morphine, and pine tar
- Dr. Bull’s Cough Syrup - contained dangerous amounts of opium
In 1938, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This was the first time manufacturers were required to not only test drugs for safety, but to also provide real-world evidence of that safety to the FDA prior to being available to the public.
The importance of Real-World Evidence
Real-world evidence comes from real-world data, and is evidence about the use, risks, and/or benefits of a medication, product, or treatment. Without real-world safety evidence, the product could not be sold. Companies that broke this rule could now be fined, sued, or even prosecuted by law if their products caused harm.
While research can be used to help people, the label of “research” has also been used across history to cause harm, particularly in times of war.
One of the most well-known occurrences was in World War II, when German physicians conducted horrific experiments on individuals in the concentration camps of Europe. These war crimes, performed under the banner of “research,” resulted in the development of the Nuremberg Code in 1947. This code is part of the reason research participants have the right to decide whether or not they want to participate in a research study.
Your voice and your choice matters.
GCP over time
Over time, new guidelines have been developed to better define the idea of ethical medical practice in clinical research. Unfortunately, nearly all of these guidelines were created in reaction to research that was harmful to participants or was unethical.
These guidelines include the Declaration of Helsinki (written in 1964, updated in 2013), the Belmont Report (1979), and the International Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects (1982).
The primary goals of these guidelines are to protect research participants, allow people to participate in research when it can be helpful to the world, and treat all research participants equally and justly. As new research types emerge, like the use of technology or developments in genetic research, new ethical challenges arise. These documents help guide researchers through ethical challenges and define the principles within GCP guidelines.
How does the team at Evidation Studies ensure Good Clinical Practice?
From the design of our research studies to the final analysis of the information that’s collected, our research team holds each other accountable.
Our team is trained in GCP annually and attends discussions on the importance of Good Clinical Practice in human research studies. It is our guidebook for making sure our research is safe and the rights of our participants are protected.
Additionally, our research studies are reviewed and approved by an ethics committee called an Institutional Review Board (IRB), whose goal is to keep people safe and make sure research is done ethically.
We feel strongly about the importance of GCP because our participants are top priority to us.
Our mission is to encourage everyone to participate in better health outcomes. In order to fulfill our mission, we must provide a safe and educational experience for all of our research participants.
Want to know more about any of our Evidation Studies and how to get involved? Reach out to us at study@evidation.com and one of our friendly team members can help you get started.
If you want additional general information on health research, we recommend checking out the following public resources: