RDA & DRI

First, what is the difference between chelated zinc and Zinc Picolinate? Are these different manufacturing processes for the tablets? Is one better than the other? Am I in for trouble taking that much zinc? Finally, what could cause a zinc deficiency and possible effects of a zinc deficiency? Thanks much. Chelated minerals are bound to a compound and...

I am a 24-year old masters swimmer. I have been getting cramps - calf and toe- a lot recently. On the advice of the coach and teammates, I am taking a potassium supplement and eating a lot of bananas. However, this hasn't really solved my problem. I think now that it may be a...

I am taking a vitamin supplement called carotene with 15 milligrams. The label says it can be converted to vitamin A, maximum 25,000 IU. Also, I take Stresstabs. Is that too much? Carotene is a precursor form of retinol vitamin A that your body uses. It is not as toxic as retinol, but at 25,000...

I am an exercise physiologist and weight management, consultant. I enjoy your website and your comments, but I wanted to get your take on why the industry standard for dietitians is to not recommend vitamin/mineral supplements except for those who are not getting "The RDA". I don't really know how you feel, but I fundamentally...

I had been on Phen/Fen about a year- just working out to try to get my weight down. I am in excellent health except for a mysterious leg ache that occurs only at night. I think it could be some kind of vitamin deficiency- can you suggest something? Please reply.   If you get muscle cramps...

In Canada, vitamin K is known by another name. I believe we refer to it as one of the B vitamins, but for the life of me, I can not remember which one. I'm hoping that you can turn that light bulb on for me. Thanks. Canadians don't include vitamin K as a B vitamin....

What supplements/therapies would you recommend to promote wound healing and minimize scarring for my 6-year-old daughter (50 pounds). She has two 1 to 1.5-centimeter wounds on the bridge of her nose near her eye from a dog scratch. The plastic surgeon used 40 stitches to close them. Thank you. I am sorry to hear about...

We are the Lebanese Osteoporosis Prevention Society (LOPS). Our concern among others is to provide awareness to our society about osteoporosis and how to prevent it. We are very interested in your articles about osteoporosis and the optimal calcium intake. We would like to have documents, questionnaires or protocols about the detection of the...

You should eat one antacid a day and you will have your daily required calcium, according to my friend's doctor. Is this true or false? True and False. Check the Nutrition Facts label on the antacid. Some antacids (chewable tablets) do contain calcium carbonate which is 40% calcium, but the amounts vary between brand names....

In your experience do dietary supplements actually help people, are there more positive effects than negative? Dietary supplements include vitamin, mineral, herbal and amino acid supplements. Because I am not sure to which you are referring I will respond about each. It depends on which dietary supplement a person is taking and why they are taking...