RDA & DRI

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...

Don't be dissing Adelle Davis she had an MS in Biochemistry. What's yours in? Adelle Davis was a pioneer, way ahead of her time. Sounds like you've not even read her books. They're full of references to studies, etc. Don't you see how everything she said decades ago is all being corroborated now with...

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...

I am an American dietitian revising a United Kingdom nutrition book for the U.S. public. I was wondering what would be the correct way of discussing nutrient intakes for the general population (the book is designed for the general public). Should I talk about RDAs, USRDAs /RDI, or DRVs? What would be most appropriate? The...

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 would like to know what foods are lower in vitamin K that are pure vegetarian (no meat, dairy, eggs). I have a friend who's taking anti-coagulants and needs to reduce vitamin K in her diet. She is a pure vegetarian for ethical reasons but must stay away from soy products, dark leafy green...

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...

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...

What type of calcium pills should a woman be taking? You know how a lot of women are taking calcium pills? The best-absorbed form of calcium from a pill is a calcium salt like carbonate or citrate. Calcium gluconate and calcium lactate are absorbed well by pregnant women. Seniors absorb calcium lactate, gluconate and citrate...

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...