RDA & DRI

My daughter who is 14, is an ovo-lacto vegetarian. I support this and between the two of us, we try to make sure she receives the nutrients she needs. She has been eating this way for about 4 months. Recently she has developed cracks in the corners of her mouth. My older daughter had the...

I was pregnant when the issue first came up---about a year ago and believe me, I was not about to take any chances. The high vitamin C dependency makes sense. I know my dad. Any opinion that is not his will be questioned immediately! Thanks again. During pregnancy, the risk of birth defects rises steadily...

I've just been put on 400 mg of B2, daily, for headaches and was trying to get more information. New treatment for migraines includes 400 milligrams of riboflavin per day. Ask your doctor before beginning as this is a very large dose of riboflavin. You also want to make sure your doctor eliminates other possible...

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...

I read where chromium picolinate is recommended for people with hypoglycemia. Can a person vary on the amount taken daily? (i.e. take more when in a bad mood) Also, is there a certain amount of sugar able to be taken that won't affect one's emotional state? Also, is there a recommended diet? Thank you in...

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....

Who is the RDA's designed for? If a small adult ate enough to get all the nutrients in the RDA, he would be fat. If a very large adult ate exactly his RDA, he might be malnourished. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) were established to cover the nutritional needs of all normal, healthy people living...

I've seen Chromium Picolinate advertised recently as a "metabolism boosting" diet supplement. Is there any merit to this claim? No. Initially there was some speculation that since chromium is a component of the hormone insulin that additional chromium would enhance insulin's ability to break down glucose. Research has not supported this theory.

How about daily 400 IU of vitamin E for hair loss? The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of vitamin E is 10 milligrams for the adult male and 8 milligrams for the adult female. Your RDA of vitamin E can be achieved without supplements by eating plant oils (vegetable oil, margarine, salad dressings), dark green and...

Where can I find a dietitian who is smart about mineral supplements? The Nutrition in Complementary Care dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association has an interest in the role of alternative herbal, vitamin and mineral therapies in improving health and preventing disease. Their Find a Comp Care Nutritionist feature will help you locate...