RDA & DRI

I hope you might be able to answer my dietary query. I have recently lost a lot of weight- over 100 pounds. In order to do this, I have been eating loads of carrots, as I need to eat something when I am stressed, which is quite often. When I recently went to the doctor,...

My question is regarding the B6 Vitamin. My husband & I are trying to conceive. I'm looking for the "natural" signs prior to ovulation. I read that the B6 vitamin if taking approximately 200 milligrams per day can help increase the cervical mucus. Is this true? Thanks in advance!! Intakes of pyridoxine above 100 milligrams for...

My husband recently had a valve replacement. He will be taking Coumadin for the rest of his life. I read your helpful info on vitamin K, but have one more question - are all lettuces equally high in vitamin K? He has been told he can eat some foods as long as it is...

I am taking a supplement of 1 gram of vitamin C as an antioxidant. What are the collateral effects related to the excess of Vitamin C? First of all, it turns your urine yellow. It makes your urine more acid, which decreases urinary pH and the possibility of urinary tract infections. Beyond that 1 gram (1000...

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...

Is it advisable for non-pregnant adults (female and male) to take pre-natal vitamin pills? Pre-natal vitamins contain nutrients at levels recommended for pregnant women. Increased amounts of folacin (folic acid), iron, calcium and vitamin C (improves iron and calcium absorption) can be present. Folic acid has been found to reduce neural tube defects (spina bifida)...

What does Ginseng do to one's metabolism? Are there long-term risks associated with taking Ginseng tea daily? Ginseng does not change your metabolism. The only long-term risk I've seen associated with taking ginseng in any form is that excessive use can increase blood pressure. I would suggest you check out The Herbalist or Chinese Medicine and...

If you eat a lot of fruit before your menstrual cycle, do you retain as much water because the potassium does something to the salt? Maybe I should eat more fruit. A lot of fruit added to your diet by itself will not reduce premenstrual fluid retention. A lower salt intake will help reduce that...

While looking at my weight, age and the certainty of increasing medical problems, I've been working on a database that I can use for myself that will allow me to track things like track high blood pressure, blood sugars, medications, exercise, meals and the specific foods. While looking at the food section of the database,...

What do you know about Chromium Picolinate? Chromium Picolinate is sold over the counter as a nutritional supplement. Chromium works with insulin in assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy. When chromium is lacking, the effectiveness of insulin is lessened and glucose tolerance is impaired. Deficiency is rare except in people who must...