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Scientific Glossary

Placebo

A placebo is an inactive treatment, such as a sugar pill or a cream without the active ingredient, given to a control group so that the expected effect of taking part can be separated from the real effect.

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What it means

Placebo responses are real: people often feel better from being treated, or from expecting benefit. A good placebo looks and tastes the same as the active product.

Trials with a placebo group are needed to tell whether an ingredient works beyond expectation.

Also known as

  • placebo effect
  • placebo response
  • inactive control

Sources

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a clinician about any decision about your health.