Vitamins & Supplements

Calcium is better absorbed and utilized if consumed in smaller amounts spread out during the day. Calcium-fortified foods typically contain smaller amounts of calcium than dedicated supplements. And, although people tend to focus on calcium and vitamin D for bone health, many other nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin K, also are important for bones.

Any such potential benefits of probiotic supplements in the oral cavity would depend upon whether they are appropriate to the specific oral problem at hand. That means having the right bacterial composition, dosage level and vehicle for delivery, which may be either directly to oral tissues (for example, by injecting them under the gums or providing them in chewing gum or dissolvable lozenges) or indirectly via salivary or bloodstream effects of a swallowed supplement.

Dietary supplements are often viewed as "natural," but they aren't risk-free. In a sampling of more than 800 cases of liver toxicity (harm) suspected from supplements and medications in the US, 20% of cases were ultimately attributed to herbal and other dietary supplements. The rest of the cases were due to medications (which excluded the pain reliever acetaminophen, for which the potential of liver toxicity is well-known).

You shouldn't have to choose between the health of your heart and your bones. Yet, news headlines sparked by studies over the past decade have resulted in a lot of confusion about possible ties between getting too much calcium and an increased risk of heart attack. A new analysis in which scientists considered the evidence as a whole, however, provides reassurance: You can safely meet your calcium needs without putting your heart at risk.

Locally-grown goodies await you at farmers' markets across the country. While you're picking up staples like green beans, tomatoes and strawberries, consider trying other nutritious, farm-fresh fare thats new to you.

It's a bit of a taboo topic, but regular elimination of poo is a basic human necessity. Constipation can result in abdominal discomfort, bloating, hard stools, straining and hemorrhoids. Some people may turn to fiber supplements for help. That shouldnt be your initial approach though. Fiber supplements don't provide the good nutrition of fiber-containing plant foods important for overall health.

Humans can produce choline, but the amount is usually not sufficient (depending on factors such as age and genetics), so dietary intake of some choline is necessary. In the US, the most common sources of choline are meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs. Cruciferous vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains also supply choline.

You may be consuming plenty of vitamin B12. But, is it getting where it needs to go in your body? New research suggests that, even after absorption (which is sometimes poor), genetic variations held by some people may reduce the vitamin's transport from the intestines to the body's tissues where it does its work. Plus, excessive intake of folate (a different B vitamin) might make this problem worse in people with specific genetics.

For a corn tortilla to be considered a whole grain product, it must be made with whole grain corn flour, and this will be indicated on the ingredient list with words such as 'whole corn' or 'whole grain corn flour.'

Eating foods high in omega-3 fats may aid oral health. Scientists reviewed 11 human studies (observational and trials) on omega-3 fat intake and periodontal (gum) disease.