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The Noakes Foundation
The Noakes Foundation (TNF) is a South African non-profit organization established in 2014 by Professor Tim Noakes. The Foundation supports academic free speech and independent scientific research, aiming specifically to question accepted scientific perspectives related to nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It focuses its research primarily on low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) dietary interventions, insulin resistance, and nutrition education within under-resourced communities. TNF advocates for evidence-based approaches to improve global health outcomes.
History
TNF was established on 7 April 2014 by Professor Tim Noakes, a prominent sports scientist and medical doctor, following his reversal of type 2 diabetes. His adoption of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet was inspired by the book "The New Atkins for a New You" by Eric Westman, Jeff Volek, and Stephen Phinney. Recognising the potential of this approach to transform public health, Noakes launched TNF to promote evidence-based nutrition, challenge conventional dietary guidelines, and support rigorous scientific inquiry.
In the years following its founding, TNF:
Contributed to and supported the publication and distribution of books that helped popularize LCHF nutrition, including Diabetes Unpacked, Raising Superheroes, Lore of Nutrition, Eat Right Revolution, and The Banting Pocket Guide. While authored by Prof. Tim Noakes and collaborators, some proceeds and visibility from these works have supported TNF’s mission.
Initiated the Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) campaign in 2015, delivering low-cost dietary education in under-resourced communities.
Supported over 20+ research projects covering insulin resistance, LCHF diets, sports performance, academic free speech and digital visibility risks.
Played a pivotal role in the widely publicised HPCSA trial against Prof. Noakes, culminating in his acquittal in 2017 and the successful appeal in 2018. This case became symbolic of academic freedom in science.
Marked 8 June annually as "#NoakesDay" to commemorate the overturning of the HPCSA ruling.
Launched the Nutrition Network in 2018, an online education platform for health professionals focused on therapeutic carbohydrate restriction.
Further milestones are listed at thenoakesfoundation.org/history-milestones.
Further achievements include:
For over a decade, the Foundation has contributed to a growing body of research in the fields of low-carbohydrate, high-fat nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle-related disease prevention. It also supports academic work examining digital visibility risks, such as online academic bullying and fake celebrity endorsements in scams.
In 2023, The Noakes Foundation supported the Nutrition Network’s publication of Ketogenic: The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health, a comprehensive medical textbook aimed at healthcare professionals.
These milestones underscore TNF’s role not only as a public health advocate but also as a defender of academic freedom and scientific integrity.
Mission and Objectives
The Noakes Foundation champions scientific inquiry as an ongoing process, emphasizing the importance of open debate and dissent in discovering truth. They challenge prevailing scientific orthodoxies, promoting academic freedom and autonomy in research, and their work is guided by a commitment to scientific integrity and academic freedom of speech.
TNF’s mission is to promote public health through evidence-based science that prioritizes academic freedom of speech, scientific integrity, and critical thinking, and is committed to questioning prevailing paradigms and advocating for open inquiry and rigorous research.
TNF provides support to scholars, clinicians, and community voices, and raises funds for research on three themes:
Evaluating nutrition education in under-resourced communities
We research the efficacy of Eat Better South Africa's interventions, teaching local communities about the dangers of excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption.
Nutritional effects of insulin resistance
Advancing understanding of how low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets affect insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and chronic disease.
Academic free speech and digital voices
Exploring the systemic barriers that prevent responsible scientific dissent, including academic censorship, digital suppression, and funding bias.
Together, these themes reflect TNF’s broader commitment to “Questioning the Science™” by identifying and addressing how entrenched orthodoxy, economic interests, and research gatekeeping can inhibit scientific discovery.
Objectives include:
Conducting and supporting peer-reviewed research on low-carbohydrate nutrition and metabolic health
Promoting open scientific dialogue and academic freedom, especially in controversial or underfunded areas that have resulted in Undone Science
Documenting and analyzing censorship, bias, or suppression in health and nutrition science
Translating research into public education programs that empower communities with science-based tools for prevention
Creating platforms and partnerships that promote transparency, integrity, and dissent within health research
Programs and Initiatives
Eat Better South Africa (EBSA)
EBSA, launched in 2015, provides nutritional education and community interventions targeted at economically disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The initiative has shown measurable improvements in participants' health and well-being, as evaluated by independent assessments.
Nutrition Network
The Nutrition Network offers professional education and training on low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets for healthcare professionals worldwide, providing courses, webinars, and certified resources.
Scientific Research
Notable Affiliated Researchers
Professor Tim Noakes: Founder, known globally for contributions in exercise science, nutrition research, and public health advocacy.
Dr. Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillén, PhD: Researcher affiliated with several peer-reviewed studies focusing on nutrition and public health.
Dr. Travis Noakes, PhD: Affiliated researcher with several peer-reviewed studies spanning academic free speech, scientific suppression and digital visibility risks.
Dr. Philip Prins, PhD:
Dr James Smith, PhD:
Laurie Rauch
Prof Jeff Volek
Prof D D’Agostino
Prof A Koutnik
Prof Habib Noorbhai
Dr C Webster
Dr David Bell
Media Coverage and Recognition
The Noakes Foundation and its initiatives have been featured extensively by independent and reputable media outlets:
News24: Coverage of Prof. Noakes' acquittal from professional misconduct charges related to dietary advice.
News24: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' lifelong advocacy of LCHF eating plan, carbohydrate addiction, and fat stigmatisation (2012)
News24: Coverage on the rollout of nutritional education programs targeting disadvantaged communities in South Africa (2016).
Biznews: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' latest research and discussion on the impact of the World Nutrition Summit 2025 2025)
RunnersConnect Podcast: Coverage on hydration strategies, endurance sport, as well as hyponatremia risk (2013).
Podcast with Gareth Cliff: Coverage on vaccines and Prof. Noakes' stance (2017)
IOL - Lifestyle: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' reflections on his lowest moments during the HPCSA hearing (2016).
IOL - Pretoria News: Coverage on reaction to Prof. Noakes winning the HPCSA case (2017)
5FM - World Obesity Day (2024)
Newzroom Afrika - World Obesity Day (2024)
Cape Talk- World Obesity Day (2024)
Good Things Guy - Dunoon study - tracking nutrition education (press release) (2024)
We can Change Our World- Dunoon study - tracking nutrition education (press release) (2024)
Bizcommunity- Challenging the science (press release and roundtable) (2024)
Jozi FM- World Hypertension Day (TM interview (2024)
Controversies and Criticism
The Noakes Foundation has been at the forefront of challenging conventional dietary guidelines, particularly around the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases through low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) nutrition. This bold stance has attracted both support and criticism. Critics argue that the Foundation's promotion of LCHF as a therapeutic dietary approach lacks alignment with current mainstream medical guidelines and poses risks if not properly managed, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions.
Additionally, TNF has faced scrutiny for its outspoken criticism of established health authorities and food industry practices, which some view as confrontational. However, supporters argue that this critical approach is necessary to advance scientific debate and re-evaluate outdated dietary norms in light of emerging research.
Despite these challenges, The Noakes Foundation continues to advocate for evidence-based, patient-centered nutrition and remains committed to scientific transparency, education, and the empowerment of individuals to take control of their health.
External Links
[https://thenoakesfoundation.org/ Official Website]
[https://thenoakesfoundation.org/research/ ResearchGate - The Noakes Foundation’s Lab for Questioning the Science™]
[https://reportfakeendorsement.com/ reportfakeendorsement.com]
[https://www.facebook.com/EatBetterSA Eat Better South Africa]
[https://nutrition-network.org/ Nutrition Network]
<!-- EDIT BELOW THIS LINE -->
The Noakes Foundation
The Noakes Foundation (TNF) is a South African non-profit organization established in 2014 by Professor Tim Noakes. The Foundation supports academic free speech and independent scientific research, aiming specifically to question accepted scientific perspectives related to nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It focuses its research primarily on low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) dietary interventions, insulin resistance, and nutrition education within under-resourced communities. TNF advocates for evidence-based approaches to improve global health outcomes.
History
TNF was established on 7 April 2014 by Professor Tim Noakes, a prominent sports scientist and medical doctor, following his reversal of type 2 diabetes. His adoption of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet was inspired by the book "The New Atkins for a New You" by Eric Westman, Jeff Volek, and Stephen Phinney. Recognising the potential of this approach to transform public health, Noakes launched TNF to promote evidence-based nutrition, challenge conventional dietary guidelines, and support rigorous scientific inquiry.
In the years following its founding, TNF:
Contributed to and supported the publication and distribution of books that helped popularize LCHF nutrition, including Diabetes Unpacked, Raising Superheroes, Lore of Nutrition, Eat Right Revolution, and The Banting Pocket Guide. While authored by Prof. Tim Noakes and collaborators, some proceeds and visibility from these works have supported TNF’s mission.
Initiated the Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) campaign in 2015, delivering low-cost dietary education in under-resourced communities.
Supported over 20+ research projects covering insulin resistance, LCHF diets, sports performance, academic free speech and digital visibility risks.
Played a pivotal role in the widely publicised HPCSA trial against Prof. Noakes, culminating in his acquittal in 2017 and the successful appeal in 2018. This case became symbolic of academic freedom in science.
Marked 8 June annually as "#NoakesDay" to commemorate the overturning of the HPCSA ruling.
Launched the Nutrition Network in 2018, an online education platform for health professionals focused on therapeutic carbohydrate restriction.
Further milestones are listed at thenoakesfoundation.org/history-milestones.
Further achievements include:
For over a decade, the Foundation has contributed to a growing body of research in the fields of low-carbohydrate, high-fat nutrition, metabolic health, and lifestyle-related disease prevention. It also supports academic work examining digital visibility risks, such as online academic bullying and fake celebrity endorsements in scams.
In 2023, The Noakes Foundation supported the Nutrition Network’s publication of Ketogenic: The Science of Therapeutic Carbohydrate Restriction in Human Health, a comprehensive medical textbook aimed at healthcare professionals.
These milestones underscore TNF’s role not only as a public health advocate but also as a defender of academic freedom and scientific integrity.
Mission and Objectives
The Noakes Foundation champions scientific inquiry as an ongoing process, emphasizing the importance of open debate and dissent in discovering truth. They challenge prevailing scientific orthodoxies, promoting academic freedom and autonomy in research, and their work is guided by a commitment to scientific integrity and academic freedom of speech.
TNF’s mission is to promote public health through evidence-based science that prioritizes academic freedom of speech, scientific integrity, and critical thinking, and is committed to questioning prevailing paradigms and advocating for open inquiry and rigorous research.
TNF provides support to scholars, clinicians, and community voices, and raises funds for research on three themes:
Evaluating nutrition education in under-resourced communities
We research the efficacy of Eat Better South Africa's interventions, teaching local communities about the dangers of excessive sugar and carbohydrate consumption.
Nutritional effects of insulin resistance
Advancing understanding of how low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets affect insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and chronic disease.
Academic free speech and digital voices
Exploring the systemic barriers that prevent responsible scientific dissent, including academic censorship, digital suppression, and funding bias.
Together, these themes reflect TNF’s broader commitment to “Questioning the Science™” by identifying and addressing how entrenched orthodoxy, economic interests, and research gatekeeping can inhibit scientific discovery.
Objectives include:
Conducting and supporting peer-reviewed research on low-carbohydrate nutrition and metabolic health
Promoting open scientific dialogue and academic freedom, especially in controversial or underfunded areas that have resulted in Undone Science
Documenting and analyzing censorship, bias, or suppression in health and nutrition science
Translating research into public education programs that empower communities with science-based tools for prevention
Creating platforms and partnerships that promote transparency, integrity, and dissent within health research
Programs and Initiatives
Eat Better South Africa (EBSA)
EBSA, launched in 2015, provides nutritional education and community interventions targeted at economically disadvantaged communities in South Africa. The initiative has shown measurable improvements in participants' health and well-being, as evaluated by independent assessments.
Nutrition Network
The Nutrition Network offers professional education and training on low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets for healthcare professionals worldwide, providing courses, webinars, and certified resources.
Scientific Research
Notable Affiliated Researchers
Professor Tim Noakes: Founder, known globally for contributions in exercise science, nutrition research, and public health advocacy.
Dr. Georgina Pujol-Busquets Guillén, PhD: Researcher affiliated with several peer-reviewed studies focusing on nutrition and public health.
Dr. Travis Noakes, PhD: Affiliated researcher with several peer-reviewed studies spanning academic free speech, scientific suppression and digital visibility risks.
Dr. Philip Prins, PhD:
Dr James Smith, PhD:
Laurie Rauch
Prof Jeff Volek
Prof D D’Agostino
Prof A Koutnik
Prof Habib Noorbhai
Dr C Webster
Dr David Bell
Media Coverage and Recognition
The Noakes Foundation and its initiatives have been featured extensively by independent and reputable media outlets:
News24: Coverage of Prof. Noakes' acquittal from professional misconduct charges related to dietary advice.
News24: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' lifelong advocacy of LCHF eating plan, carbohydrate addiction, and fat stigmatisation (2012)
News24: Coverage on the rollout of nutritional education programs targeting disadvantaged communities in South Africa (2016).
Biznews: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' latest research and discussion on the impact of the World Nutrition Summit 2025 2025)
RunnersConnect Podcast: Coverage on hydration strategies, endurance sport, as well as hyponatremia risk (2013).
Podcast with Gareth Cliff: Coverage on vaccines and Prof. Noakes' stance (2017)
IOL - Lifestyle: Coverage on Prof. Noakes' reflections on his lowest moments during the HPCSA hearing (2016).
IOL - Pretoria News: Coverage on reaction to Prof. Noakes winning the HPCSA case (2017)
5FM - World Obesity Day (2024)
Newzroom Afrika - World Obesity Day (2024)
Cape Talk- World Obesity Day (2024)
Good Things Guy - Dunoon study - tracking nutrition education (press release) (2024)
We can Change Our World- Dunoon study - tracking nutrition education (press release) (2024)
Bizcommunity- Challenging the science (press release and roundtable) (2024)
Jozi FM- World Hypertension Day (TM interview (2024)
Controversies and Criticism
The Noakes Foundation has been at the forefront of challenging conventional dietary guidelines, particularly around the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases through low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) nutrition. This bold stance has attracted both support and criticism. Critics argue that the Foundation's promotion of LCHF as a therapeutic dietary approach lacks alignment with current mainstream medical guidelines and poses risks if not properly managed, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions.
Additionally, TNF has faced scrutiny for its outspoken criticism of established health authorities and food industry practices, which some view as confrontational. However, supporters argue that this critical approach is necessary to advance scientific debate and re-evaluate outdated dietary norms in light of emerging research.
Despite these challenges, The Noakes Foundation continues to advocate for evidence-based, patient-centered nutrition and remains committed to scientific transparency, education, and the empowerment of individuals to take control of their health.
External Links
[https://thenoakesfoundation.org/ Official Website]
[https://thenoakesfoundation.org/research/ ResearchGate - The Noakes Foundation’s Lab for Questioning the Science™]
[https://reportfakeendorsement.com/ reportfakeendorsement.com]
[https://www.facebook.com/EatBetterSA Eat Better South Africa]
[https://nutrition-network.org/ Nutrition Network]
