RDA & DRI

I recently had a medical examination. The only problem that turned up was low iron. I forget the units, but my hemoglobin was 12.1. The doctor told me I should be 14 or more (for men). I hadn't thought I had a problem since I regularly donate blood. I have since found out that...

I am familiar with the Recommended Dietary Allowance, but I don't really know if I am getting enough from what I eat. Is there any way to find out if I am actually taking in the RDA? One way to know if you are getting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all the nutrients you...

I was interested because I have a question about a skin condition I am experiencing. I have seen a dermatologist for this problem, but I was told there is nothing I can do for the existing areas. But, the dermatologist said I could prevent future scarring by the constant use of sunscreens. I am female,...

How would a person get their daily iron requirement if that person eats a balanced diet, but eats no meat? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is 10 milligrams for adult males and postmenopausal females. Males (ages 11 to 18) need 12 milligrams of iron per day. Females (ages 11 to 50 years) need...

Thank you for having a site where questions may be answered. My mother is on a blood-thinning medicine called "Coumadin". She had heard there is a diet that can help her while on this medication. Foods that might be low in iron perhaps? The doctor never told her anything about controlling her diet in that...

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...

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...

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...

Do you know anything about this dietary supplement tri-chromaleane? The FDA has no information about tri-chromaleane and it may not be available in the U.S. market because it contained ephedra which has been banned since April 2004. Also, I did not find any published research on tri-chromaleane. I would not recommend you take this dietary...

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...