Content and framing analysis of food supplement in the BBC news and evaluation from a nutrition science perspective
Frontiers in Nutrition, cilt.13, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 13
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1756606
- Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Nutrition
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Anahtar Kelimeler: communication studies, digital communication, content analysis, frame analysis, Wordsmith, dietary supplements, functional food, food supplement
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study aims to identify the framing of dietary supplement news within the context of content analysis and to examine how these frames construct perceptions through specific contexts. For the sample, the international news organization BBC was selected. Using keyword searches on BBC’s official website, news articles were identified, and a simple random sampling method was applied to select the sample. The frames of the sampled news articles were extracted using Wordsmith software. The nutritional dimension of these frames was critically evaluated through eight analytical questions. Within this framework, which types of food supplements are most frequently featured in news content (1), Is there a scientific basis (2), is the benefit or the risk more prominent (3), how does social media shape nutritional behavior (4) and which target group does the news report address (5) The findings indicate that media content predominantly presents supplements in a benefit-oriented manner and positions them not as a complement to food but rather as an alternative thereby shaping public perception. This study seeks to provide a multidisciplinary contribution to literature at the intersection of communication and nutrition/dietary sciences. Ensuring that social and digital communication channels operate parallel with evidence-based scientific and clinical studies can enhance the accuracy, reach, and effectiveness of public guidance. Such coordinated dissemination of knowledge plays a pivotal role in directing individuals toward safe, appropriate, and scientifically informed supplement practices.