RDA & DRI

I am the exercise physiologist for Westinghouse Energy Center. I received this question via e-mail. I was wondering what your explanation would be? Please tell me how these terms relate to vitamins and minerals? oxide chelated malate aspartate ascorbate citrate lactate colloidal I realize that the minerals are chelated or oxidized for the purpose of absorption,...

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 herbal 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...

Good website. I just had outpatient facial surgery to remove a sebaceous cyst. The surgery was done by a plastic surgeon who appears to have a done a good job, leaving only a minor scar. My sister says I should rub vitamin E on the scar and it will disappear. I have also read...

I am a 33-year-old married mother of one. I have what I feel is an embarrassing and possibly life-threatening disorder. Some years ago I was diagnosed as being anemic. The iron level was so low that the doctor asked if I ate or craved anything unusual. I told him that I crave and chew...

What vitamins do you recommend that will give me a boost of energy during working hours? If you want energy and to stay awake, eat more meat, fish or poultry than carbohydrates at breakfast and lunch. If you want to fall asleep, eat more carbohydrates at dinner. Also, don't eat too much food at one...

Is there any relationship between strenuous exercise, chromium and insulin resistance? Would you consider a chromium supplement with a reduction in sugar consumption? What are natural sources of chromium? Does magnesium also factor into this? I exercise treadmill/Stairmaster 6 to 7 days a week and blood sugar recently was up to 160 - 190 ranges. Lower carbohydrate/sugar has...

Thank you for your common sense approach to calcium supplements. We have been trying to force these lead-containing products off of the shelves or at least to force the manufacturers to disclose the contents to unsuspecting consumers of these products. I am interested in any information that you may have on this topic. Bone meal...

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...

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...