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,...

Which foods are high in vitamin K? Leafy green vegetables (kale, collards, spinach, turnip greens, beet greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens green leaf lettuce), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green onions, parsley, asparagus, and sauerkraut contain more than the RDA of vitamin K for men or women. These foods are not allowed for persons with a history...

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...

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.

Folate. I have been unable to find it in the store. Is folate-related to niacin? That is my concern as niacin caused me to have a severe skin breakout. The doctor seemed unsure of my question and I didn't want to press him. Thank you for your response. Your page is great. Thank you, Folate is...

I am a 53-year-old nursing student at a local college. Prior to taking a nutrition course, I was an avid naturopath with an extensive library of reputable journals, publications and medical books and cabinets full of supplements, herbal remedies, "all-natural" health and beauty aids. I frequent several health food stores in my area and...

Does baking a custard affect the calcium in milk? Cooking does not alter the calcium in milk. Calcium from milk in baked custard stays in the same form as calcium in fluid milk. Minerals are usually pretty stable to most cooking methods. The absorption of calcium can be decreased by oxylates in green leafy vegetables or...

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...

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...

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...