The research behind Metabolicum's evidence-based approach
Not all research is equal. We assign confidence grades to each source based on study design, sample size, replication status, and methodology. This helps you understand how confident you can be in each finding.
High Confidence
Replicated findings across multiple well-designed studies
Good Confidence
Well-designed single studies with strong methodology
Moderate Confidence
Observational data with consistent patterns
Emerging Evidence
Mechanistic or theoretical - interpret cautiously
Clinical Consensus
Practitioner experience without formal trials
Why are we so careful about evidence grading? Because a significant portion of published research fails to replicate.
| Study | Finding | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Begley & Ellis, 2012 | Only 21% of landmark cancer studies could be replicated | A |
| Open Science Collaboration, 2015 | Only 36% of psychology studies replicated | A |
| Ioannidis, 2005 | Theoretical framework explaining why most findings are false | A |
This doesn't mean you should distrust all research. It means:
We grade evidence honestly so you can calibrate your confidence appropriately.
In-depth analysis of foundational studies with translated summaries
Showing 9 studies
Grosso et al. • Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity • 2014
MDD: effect size 0.56 SD (95% CI 0.20-0.92); EPA-predominant superior to DHA; bipolar disorder effect 0.73-0.74 SD; significant as adjuvant therapy
Harris & Von Schacky • Prev Med • 2004
Omega-3 Index ≥8% associated with 70% lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to <4%.
Harris et al. • Atherosclerosis • 2008
Multiple cardioprotective mechanisms explain omega-3 benefits beyond lipid-lowering.
Mozaffarian & Wu • J Am Coll Cardiol • 2011
Even modest omega-3 intake (250-500 mg/day) reduces cardiovascular mortality.
Stark et al. • Prog Lipid Res • 2016
Most of the world has omega-3 levels below cardioprotective thresholds.
Harris WS • Am J Clin Nutr • 2008
The Omega-3 Index is a novel, modifiable risk factor for CHD with clinical utility.
Grosso et al. • Oxid Med Cell Longev • 2014
EPA-predominant omega-3 supplementation shows benefit for depression.
Calder PC • Biochem Soc Trans • 2017
EPA and DHA reduce inflammation through multiple mechanisms including resolvin synthesis.
Siscovick et al. • Circulation • 2017
Secondary CHD prevention: ~10% cardiac death reduction (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.98); Heart failure: 9% mortality reduction (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.99)
Primary thresholds come from Grade A sources. When Grade A evidence suggests a range rather than a single value, we present the range with context.
We draw on Grades A-C for educational claims, clearly labeling evidence quality. Grade D and E content is marked as theoretical or practitioner-derived.
This bibliography contains the research supporting Metabolicum's evidence-based approach.
Last comprehensive review: December 2025