What does empirical evidence refer to?

Empirical evidence refers specifically to information that is acquired through direct experience, experimentation, or observation. This type of evidence is grounded in real-world data that can be tested and verified. In the context of scientific research and the development of nutritional guidelines, empirical evidence plays a critical role as it allows practitioners to base their recommendations on observable results and measurable outcomes. This ensures that the conclusions drawn are reliable and can be replicated in different settings, enhancing the validity of findings in scientific and nutritional studies.

In contrast, other options mention theoretical models, expert opinions without empirical backing, and untested hypothetical scenarios, which do not meet the criteria for empirical evidence as they lack the foundational requirement of being supported by direct, tangible observations or experiments.