As any quotation is selective, the question is — did my selection of Dr Knapton's statements misrepresent him? I do not believe it did, he has not — to my knowledge — claimed that it did, and nor does Dr Thomas substantiate his implication that it did.
The quotations I used indicate that, in response to specific studies failing to confirm the health benefits of these interventions, Dr Knapton, in his capacity as health advisor to the British Heart Foundation, continues to promote the consumption of omega 3 fats and exercise among schoolchildren. I believe that this accurately represents Dr Knapton's position. It seems from Dr Thomas's letter that he agrees with Dr Knapton's position.
Both Dr Knapton and Dr Thomas are entitled to their prejudices, but my point is that there is no justification for foisting them on the public when they are not supported by scientific evidence.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2006.
