Vitamin Supplements Hubbard OH

A Japanese study has found that dietary intakes of folate and vitamin B6 reduces the risk of dying cardiovascular disease in females and may lower the risk for heart disease in men.

The researchers analyzed data from over 23,000 men and over 35,600 women, ages 40 to 79, who answered food frequency questionnaires. When the study subjects were followed up at a median of 14 years, researchers found that 986 participants died from stroke, 424 died from coronary heart disease and 2,087 died from any cardiovascular disease. The analysis also showed that higher levels of folate and vitamin B6 were associated with significantly fewer deaths from heart failure in men and significantly fewer deaths from stroke, heart disease and any cardiovascular diseases in women. Intake of vitamin B12 did not show a reduction in mortality risk.

The researchers speculated that consumption of higher levels of folate and vitamin B6 might be heart protective because they reduce levels of homocysteine (an amino acid)  in the blood. Studies have shown that too excess homocysteine is related to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements, clinical trials are underway to test whether dietary supplements with folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 decreases homocysteine levels and reduces coronary heart disease risk. Some studies are also showing a link between low blood levels of folate and higher rates of breast, pancreatic and colon cancers.

How to Increase Vitamin B in Your Diet

Although the general recommended dietary allowance of folate acid from supplements is 400 micrograms a day and the risk of toxicity from taking too much folate acid is low, before adding folate acid, vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 supplements to your diet, talk with your doctor about what the right amount is for you. To eat a folate-rich diet, choose these foods:

• Asparagus, avocado, cor...

Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function. The list includes:

1. Vitamin A: Found in dairy, meat, and seafood, vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth and skin.
2. Vitamin C: Works to maintain healthy teeth and gums and promotes the healing of wounds. Eat plenty of berries, citrus, and melons for this antioxidant.
3. Vitamin D: Known as the vitamin that the body produces after exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in dairy, fish, and oysters. It also works to maintain bone health.
4. Vitamin E: Found in seeds and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, vitamin E plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.
5. Vitamin K: Rarely listed as an essential vitamin, but without it our blood cells would turn into jelly. It can be found in cereals, cabbage, and spinach.
6. Vitamin B1 (thiamine): An excellent aide to heart health, thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy. B1 can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.
7. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes proper body growth and function of red blood cells. Dairy, leafy green vegetables, liver, kidneys, legumes, tomatoes, and mushrooms can help you get your daily dose of B2.
8. Vitamin B3 (niacin): Known for its ability to lower cholesterol, niacin also helps maintain healthy nerves and skin. Eat dairy, eggs, or lean meats for your daily helping of this essential vitamin.
9. Pantothenic acid: Found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and beans, pantothenic acid works to metabolize food.
10. Vitamin H (biotin): Vitamin H helps the body process protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Reach for onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower.
11. Vitamin B6: Try some tuna, chicken, or bananas to aid brain function and help the body utilize protein.
12. Vitamin B12: Want a fully functioning metabolism? Eat meat, fish, and shellfish for your daily dose.
13. Folate (folic acid): Essential for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function, any woman who may be pregnant should get plenty of this vitamin. Not only is folate found in fortified foods, but it's also in leafy greens. 

How to Get the Vitamins You Need

According to the Institute of Medicine, the best and easiest way to ensure you're receiving the appropriate amount of essential vitamins is through a balanced diet. As a basic guide, fill your plate with approximately half fruits and vegetables, a quarter dedicated to lean meat or seafood, and a quarter given to whole grains.

If your doctor finds that you have a deficiency or a condition that requires more of a particular vita...

Calcium is essential for building strong and healthy bones. Yet despite those essential health benefits, studies show that the majority of children today don't get enough calcium-rich foods on a regular basis.

The Need for Calcium

Whatever your child's age and stage, you need to be aware of her calcium needs for healthy bones and teeth. It's never too soon to start getting enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease that affects people later in life (women are particularly at risk for this condition).

Exactly how much calcium your child needs will vary by age (note: babies shouldn't consume whole-milk products until they reach their first birthday). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that children eat three servings of dairy products each day (four per day for adolescents). For children age two and older, the AAP recommends skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and other low-fat products so your child will get the calcium benefits without excessive calories.

The AAP also recommends that all kids get 400 IU of vitamin D every day. This nutrient is essential to help their bodies absorb calcium and maintain optimum bone health. (You may want to discuss this with your pediatrician, as most children need to take Vitamin D supplements in order to reach this goal.)

Kid-Friendly Calcium-Rich Foods

Here are some delicious ways to incorporate calcium foods into your child's meals and snacks:

• Add cheese into scrambled eggs and omelets.
• Pack small cheddar cheese slices or string cheese as a snack.
• Include Swiss or provolone cheese on a ham, turkey, or roast beef sandwich.
• Sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese on a mini bagel with sauce for do-it-yourself pizza.
• Make grilled cheese with wheat bread and low-fat American cheese.
• Melt low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese over pasta and sauce.
• Spread cream cheese on a multi-grain bagel or celery sticks.
• Serve strawberry low-fat yogurt with whole grain cereal sprinkled on top or decorate low-fat frozen yogurt with fresh fruit for healthy summer desserts.
• Add a dab of chocolate syrup to plain low-fat milk.
• Offer calcium-fortified orange juice and bread.
• Serve broccoli and other dark green leafy vegetables on a regular basis.

A Word of Warning

If you have an older child who drinks soda or may be experimenting with tobacco and alcohol, you should know that in addition to the other dangers they pose, these substances can also reduce the absorpt...