Even without commercial interest in the outcome of research, those
that provide funding can mess things up by sticking their fingers in
it.  I remember several years ago there was research about risks of
osteoporosis in breastfeeding women.  A number of women were being
followed throughout their breastfeeding experience.  After several
months months, the sponsors were getting anxious for something to be
published so they could justify the money invested.  They pressured
the researchers to publish the data they had at that time.  Some of
the moms were still nursing and others had stopped.  We know now
that while bone density may be reduced while nursing, it "rebounds"
to even greater than before nursing once weaning occurs (I think
this did come from the final results of this same study).  So at the
time of the original publishing, the statistics seemed to show that
women who nursed less than a given time (I think it was 6 months)
did not suffer long term bone loss while those nursing longer had
greater bone loss.  At the time of publication, those still nursing
at 6 months did show some loss of density as they had not yet weaned
and had the "rebound" effect.  Newspaper articles and some HCPs were
warning that nursing longer than 6 months increased the risk of
osteoporosis later!  As I recall, the final data didn't get anywhere
as much press.  Are we surprised?
So another factor to be sure to check in evaluating research is
whether it is preliminary or final data.  This can make a big
difference in the validity of conslusions reached.

Winnie

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