Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

Healthy aging and longevity

Essential nutrients your body needs for building bone

Published January 1, 2022

Older adults must pay special attention to their intakes of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These important nutrients are crucial for maintaining bone health. Doctors say it's probably best to take a supplement to get enough vitamin D. Calcium and protein are best when they come from foods, such as canned salmon with bones, sardines, beans, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk), leafy greens, or nuts. Other important nutrients for bone health, such as magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium, can be obtained by simply eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.

Healthy aging and longevity

Are you getting enough B12?

Updated December 9, 2021

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.

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Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

Articles

Essential nutrients your body needs for building bone

Are you getting enough B12?

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?

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