Vitamins & Supplements Archive

Cancer

Vitamin D and the big C

Published July 1, 2021

New research has found an association between high and low levels of vitamin D and cancer risk. However, many older adults don’t get the recommended daily amount of 600 to 800 international units, as the main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure (which many people try to avoid) and certain foods, like fatty fish, fortified milk and cereal. Getting vitamin D levels checked to find a possible deficiency can reveal if someone needs more vitamin D, which may require taking a daily supplement.

Staying Healthy

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Published July 1, 2021

Five blood tests beyond basic blood work may be worth pursuing for older adults. For example, a test to determine one’s vitamin B₁₂ level might be helpful, since older adults sometimes have trouble absorbing that vitamin. Likewise, older adults have less ability to absorb sunlight through the skin, which may lead to less production of vitamin D. Other blood tests to consider include those for HIV or hepatitis C infection, and a test to measure fasting blood sugar.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Stone fruits

Published July 1, 2021

Peaches, nectarines, apricots, peaches, plums, and cherries are considered stone fruits because they all contain large, hard seeds or pits. They’re all decent sources of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

Staying Healthy

Advisory group: Too soon to recommend routine vitamin D screening

Published July 1, 2021

An advisory group finds there is not enough evidence to recommend routine screening for vitamin D deficiency.

Staying Healthy

By the way, doctor: Is spirulina good for you?

Updated June 21, 2021

I read that spirulina is the next wonder vitamin. What can you tell me about it?

Staying Healthy

Potassium and sodium out of balance

Updated June 21, 2021

The body needs the combination of potassium and sodium to produce energy and regulate kidney function, but most people get far too much sodium and not enough potassium.

Staying Healthy

Facts about fiber

Updated June 1, 2021

Fiber improves digestion and may help lower a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. But according to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people meet only half their daily fiber needs. The main reason is not following a basic healthy diet with foods high in fiber. Making small changes in dietary habits and adopting new fiber-rich foods can help people reach their quota.

Cancer

Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of invasive cancer

Updated June 1, 2021

A study published online Nov. 2, 2020, by JAMA Network Open found that healthy-weight people ages 50 or older who took a daily 2,000-IU vitamin D supplement had a lower risk for developing advanced or fatal cancer, compared with people who didn’t take the supplement.

Staying Healthy

Are you taking too many supplements?

Updated June 1, 2021

Taking too many dietary supplements can lead to potential problems. Examples include medication interference, difficulty managing a complicated regimen, missed prescription medication doses, and overdoing it on nutrient intake. It’s not that all supplements are without benefits. For some people, specific supplements may offer some chance of benefit, and little risk. But going overboard can be risky. It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a supplement to make sure it won’t interfere with one’s health or current medications.

Heart Health

Are you wasting money on supplements?

Updated June 1, 2021

Taking multivitamins doesn’t prevent heart attacks or strokes, and most dietary supplements (such as fish oil, red yeast rice, and coenzyme Q₁₀) offer no or limited benefits for avoiding heart-related problems. For people who don’t have heart disease, eating two servings of fatty fish weekly or following a healthy vegetarian diet rich in nuts, legumes, and healthy oils makes more sense than spending money on over-the-counter fish oil supplements. People with heart disease would be better off asking their doctor about the prescription drug icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), a high-dose, purified EPA that lowers cardiovascular risk when taken with a statin.

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Vitamins & Supplements Archive

Articles

Vitamin D and the big C

5 important blood tests beyond the basics

Fruit of the month: Stone fruits

Advisory group: Too soon to recommend routine vitamin D screening

By the way, doctor: Is spirulina good for you?

Potassium and sodium out of balance

Facts about fiber

Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of invasive cancer

Are you taking too many supplements?

Are you wasting money on supplements?

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