RDA & DRI

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...

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 about daily 400 IU of vitamin E for hair loss? The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of vitamin E is 10 milligrams for the adult male and 8 milligrams for the adult female. Your RDA of vitamin E can be achieved without supplements by eating plant oils (vegetable oil, margarine, salad dressings), dark green and...

Is it important to take calcium with vitamin D or if you drink milk would you get a sufficient amount from that? I am nearing 70. Since you are almost 70 years old, I recommend you drink 4 cups of milk or the equivalent in calcium-rich foods per day so that you consume 1,200 milligrams...

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...

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...

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...

Thanks to a response you gave a previous reader. I was able to copy the list of vegetables containing vitamin K. I am currently under a doctor's care for a clot in my jugular vein and take 8 milligrams of Coumadin daily. I avoid eating leafy greens, caffeine drinks, and chocolate. Do you know...

I am becoming concerned about the yellowish - orangish tint that my skin has developed. It is most noticeable on my palms and the pads of my feet, however, my entire body has it to some degree. I made drastic changes to my diet about two years ago. I have since lost 65 pounds and...

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...