Editorial Policy

This page documents the methodology and standards VitalShots follows in producing every published article. We make this policy public so readers can hold us accountable.

1. Sourcing Standards

Every factual claim in our articles must be supported by one of the following:

  • A peer-reviewed study indexed in PubMed (citation includes PMID number, linked directly to the source)
  • A meta-analysis or systematic review from a recognized medical journal
  • A position statement from a recognized medical or scientific organization
  • Primary historical or ethnographic documentation (for ancestral practice articles)

We do not cite blog posts, social media content, or unsourced popular articles as primary evidence.

2. Fact-Checking Process

Before publication, every article undergoes:

  1. Initial draft by named contributor
  2. Citation verification: every PMID number is confirmed to exist and the cited claim matches the abstract or full text
  3. Internal editorial review for tone, clarity, and compliance with our standards
  4. Final disclosure check (conflicts of interest, sponsorship, financial relationships)

3. Author Bylines and Credentials

Every article is published under a named byline. Author credentials and biographies are published transparently on each contributor’s author page. We disclose:

  • Educational background
  • Professional certifications
  • Subject-matter areas of expertise
  • Any relevant conflicts of interest

4. Corrections Policy

When we identify or are notified of a factual error:

  1. The error is corrected within the article
  2. A correction notice is added at the top of the article documenting what was changed and when
  3. For substantive errors, we issue a correction acknowledgment via our newsletter

We do not silently edit published articles to remove inaccuracies. Reader trust depends on transparent correction.

5. Sponsorship and Advertising Disclosure

VitalShots is supported by display advertising served through third-party advertising networks. These ads are clearly distinguishable from editorial content. No advertiser has influence over our editorial decisions.

We do not accept:

  • Sponsored posts disguised as editorial content
  • Compensation for product placements in articles
  • Affiliate commissions in articles (we don’t use affiliate links in our editorial content)

We do accept:

  • Standard display advertising from approved networks (current networks listed in our Privacy Policy)
  • Reader donations or memberships (when available)

6. Medical Content Standards

Our articles cover health topics but are not medical advice. We adhere to these principles:

  • We never recommend stopping or starting prescribed medications without medical supervision
  • We always disclose contraindications when discussing supplements or interventions
  • We prefer language like “supports”, “modulates”, “associated with” over “cures” or “treats”
  • Every article includes a medical disclaimer linking to our full Medical Disclaimer

7. Reader Feedback

We treat reader corrections and questions as a fundamental part of our editorial process. To submit feedback, see our Contact page.

8. Independence Statement

VitalShots is owned and operated by Vitalizate LLC, an independent media company. We are not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company, supplement manufacturer, medical practice, or institutional medical organization. Our editorial direction is set by our editorial team alone.