Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

Diet and nutrition

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving

Published October 1, 2021

Pumpkins are a good source of nutrition and can be used like a vegetable in many meals, even though they are technically a fruit. The soft flesh of the pumpkin is high in vitamin A and potassium, and contains 3 grams of fiber per cup when cooked. It’s also low in calories, has no fat and no sodium, and is high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted by the body into vitamin A. Foods that act as antioxidants may bring health benefits.

Healthy aging and longevity

Supplements: A scorecard

Updated September 22, 2021

A detailed look at supplements and their medical use.

Healthy aging and longevity

Vitamin D and your health: Breaking old rules, raising new hopes

Updated September 13, 2021

Vitamin D's primary function is to help the body absorb calcium, though it may also protect against prostate cancer and other diseases. Many people do not get enough from sunlight, its natural source, and should get the needed amount via a supplement.

Diet and nutrition

Adults who skip morning meal likely to miss out on nutrients

Published September 1, 2021

People who regularly skip breakfast miss getting vital nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin C, and fiber found in typical breakfast foods. They also are less likely to get the recommended daily amounts of folate, iron, and vitamins A, B₁, B₂, B₃, and D.

Pain

Vitamin D deficiency might affect recovery from knee surgery

Published September 1, 2021

A study published online May 5, 2021, in the journal Menopause found that women with a vitamin D deficiency experienced a more painful recovery from knee surgery than women with normal levels of the vitamin.

Healthy aging and longevity

Supplements to prevent heart disease and cancer not justified

Published August 1, 2021

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence for using most vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent heart disease and cancer in most healthy adults.

Healthy aging and longevity

I recently became vegan. Should I be concerned about iron-deficiency anemia?

Published August 1, 2021

Vegetarians can ensure they are getting enough iron in their diets by eating iron-rich foods such as beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens.

Healthy aging and longevity

Can a daily scoop of collagen powder really improve your skin?

Published August 1, 2021

Manufacturers tout collagen supplements as a way to improve signs of skin aging and skin quality. There is some research that shows they may bring skin benefits, reducing wrinkles, speeding wound healing, and improving skin hydration and elasticity. But because supplements aren’t regulated, quality may be highly variable. While collagen supplements are believed to be safe, there aren’t any long-term safety studies to date.

Cancer

Vitamin D and the big C

Published July 1, 2021

New research has found an association between high and low levels of vitamin D and cancer risk. However, many older adults don’t get the recommended daily amount of 600 to 800 international units, as the main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure (which many people try to avoid) and certain foods, like fatty fish, fortified milk and cereal. Getting vitamin D levels checked to find a possible deficiency can reveal if someone needs more vitamin D, which may require taking a daily supplement.

Healthy aging and longevity

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Published July 1, 2021

Five blood tests beyond basic blood work may be worth pursuing for older adults. For example, a test to determine one’s vitamin B₁₂ level might be helpful, since older adults sometimes have trouble absorbing that vitamin. Likewise, older adults have less ability to absorb sunlight through the skin, which may lead to less production of vitamin D. Other blood tests to consider include those for HIV or hepatitis C infection, and a test to measure fasting blood sugar.

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Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

Articles

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving

Supplements: A scorecard

Vitamin D and your health: Breaking old rules, raising new hopes

Adults who skip morning meal likely to miss out on nutrients

Vitamin D deficiency might affect recovery from knee surgery

Supplements to prevent heart disease and cancer not justified

I recently became vegan. Should I be concerned about iron-deficiency anemia?

Can a daily scoop of collagen powder really improve your skin?

Vitamin D and the big C

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

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