Study sponsorship and the nutrition research agenda: Analysis of randomized controlled trials included in systematic reviews of nutrition interventions to address obesity

Abstract

Objective To categorize the research topics covered by a sample of randomized controlled trials (RCT) included in systematic reviews of nutrition interventions to address obesity; to describe their funding sources; and to explore the association between funding sources and nutrition research topics. Design Cross-sectional study. Subjects RCT included in Cochrane Reviews of nutrition interventions to address obesity and/or overweight. Results Two hundred and thirteen RCT from seventeen Cochrane Reviews were included. Funding source and authors' conflicts of interest were disclosed in 82·6 and 29·6 % of the studies, respectively. RCT were more likely to test an intervention to manipulate nutri..