RDA & DRI

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....

My friend has decided to take large doses of potassium for some reason or another. Now, she has a terrible case of constipation. What are the side effects of too much potassium? Thank you. Your kidneys regulate potassium and depending on the levels in her blood and inside her cells, she is probably excreting the...

I was recently told I have low saturation levels of iron in my blood, although I am not anemic at the present time. I also have recently been diagnosed with an adrenal tumor that, so far, tests have shown to be benign. I have no systemic indications of malignancy. I'm being followed by a...

Does cooking destroy vitamin C? Vitamin C is the most easily destroyed vitamin there is. It is destroyed by oxygen, heat (above 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and it leaks out into the cooking water because it is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C is more stable in baked foods as it won't leak out into cooking water. To...

Can vitamin B6 help heal carpal tunnel syndrome? Is it safe to take 50 milligrams three times a day? Thanks. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) has not been proven to heal carpal tunnel syndrome. It is not safe to take 50 mg three times a day as there has been documented neurological damage at intakes that high.

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...

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...

What foods naturally contain folic acid? Folic acid also called folacin is richly (>10% per 1 cup serving) found in spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, lima beans, beef liver, parsley, broccoli, and romaine lettuce.

I take a multivitamin to supplement my diet. I have read, on a couple of occasions (don't ask me where), that men should use a multivitamin which does not contain iron. The reason, if I remember correctly, was that men could get their RDA of iron from their normal diet. Is this true? Men who...

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...