Ever wonder why the Thyroid Foundation of America, Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, National Graves Disease Foundation or American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists sometimes seem more concerned with promoting the interests of their drug company sponsors, and less interested in making sure that YOU are well?

In this article from the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dr. Michael Jacobson takes a hard look at how objective and “scientific” nonprofit health groups really are. The article describes a range of health charities for example IPA Charities, professional associations, nonprofit advocacy organizations and industry-created orgnizations that receive significant funding from industry. The reality?

In some cases, industry appears either to limit an organization’s freedom to speak out on matters of interest to the funders. The recommendation? Nonprofit organizations need to consider the potential influence on their independence if they accept funding from interested companies and trade associations.