RDA & DRI

I am doing a practical period in a zoo in Europe. There is a problem with some of their birds because they die of too much iron in their liver. We want to feed the birds a diet that is low in iron. Their diet consists of many different kinds of fruit, perhaps you...

Where can I find a dietitian who works with kidney disease or high potassium blood levels? The Renal Dietitians dietetic practice group of the American Dietetic Association specializes in working with patients with kidney disease and elevated blood potassium levels. You can find a dietitian at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Include your zip...

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I meant 50 grams a day and it seemed too much to me, especially since I was pregnant at the time and was not about to take anything experimental. My dad got his medical feelings hurt over the whole issue and is still mad at me. But this is...

Please post the conversion factor between an international unit of a vitamin and its metric equivalent. i.e. how many IU = X milligrams or micrograms? An international unit of a vitamin varies. I use the following table from "Food Chemistry and Nutritional Biochemistry by Zapsalis and Beck. Vitamin A, 1 IU retinol = 0.300 - 0.344...

My Grandmother has in the past taken a commonly prescribed blood thinner. In the near future, her doctor will be removing a fatty tumor located on her left shoulder towards the center of her neck. He required her to stop taking the blood thinners. My family and I are looking for a natural herb...

I am on Coumadin to thin my blood and prevent blood clots. I am having trouble regulating my dosage. My diet could be the problem. Could you send me a list of foods to avoid? The USDA has the best list of foods with vitamin K. In the table below, choose foods that add up...

What B vitamin helps against mosquito bites? One B vitamin called thiamin does in large doses seem to change a person's body odor. But there seem to be inconsistent results as to its effectiveness at repelling mosquitoes. The reason it seems to change body odor is that some excess thiamin is excreted through the skin....

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...

I'm wondering whether my kids are getting enough calcium. How much do they need and about how much milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. is that? I have a girl, 6 years, another girl, 3 years and a boy, 1-year. Thanks for your help! Your 6-year-old child needs 800 milligrams of calcium per day. Your 3-year-old needs 500...

Where can I find a dietitian who is smart about vitamin 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...