Iron intake is essential for proper oxygen transport in the blood and the regulation of cell growth, and it is an important component of enzymes required for health. We consume iron in two forms: heme and nonheme. Heme is the most easily absorbed,...
Calcium in your diet not only becomes an integral part of your bones and teeth, but it also plays a vital role in muscle contraction, constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, transmission of nerve impulses, and formation of clots to stop...
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin needed for red cell formation and nervous system function. Elderly people, those with altered gastrointestinal tracts, and certain people on long-term proton pump inhibitors have a decreased ability to...
You need vitamin A for a healthy immune system, good vision, bone health and cell division, as well as many other body processes. However, hypervitaminosis A, or vitamin A toxicity, may raise your risk for osteoporosis because excess vitamin A...
Vitamin B-12 is one of several water-soluble B vitamins that help metabolize, or break down, food. This important vitamin also plays several other important roles. B-12 has the most complex chemical structure of all the vitamins, the Linus Pauling...
Your small intestine is the longest part of your digestive tract, where vitamin B-12 and all other nutrients are absorbed. It has three parts: the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. B-12 absorption takes place in the last section of your small...
If you're eating a well-balanced diet, you might assume that your body's nutritional needs are being sufficiently satisfied. With regard to vitamin B12, that may not be the case. Several other factors affect your ability to absorb vitamin B12, and...
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin naturally present in proteins such as meat, poultry, fish and, to a lesser extent, milk. It is vital for the healthy development and function of the brain, nerves, blood cells and other parts of the body....
Vitamins provide essential nutrients needed to perform all basic tasks in the body. The movement of muscles, production of blood and synthesis of energy all require vitamins. We can obtain vitamins from the foods we eat and from vitamin...
Effexor, a medication also known by the generic name venlafaxine, has not been reported to cause problems with the absorption of vitamins. It may cause other side effects that should be monitored by a physician, however. In addition, if you...
Although many Americans take vitamins as a dietary supplement, various factors may actually prevent these supplements from being properly digested and absorbed. For best results, always follow the manufacturers instructions printed on your vitamin...
Many people supplement with vitamins in order to maximize their current diets or make up for lacking nutrients. But one thing that is commonly overlooked is vitamin absorption. No matter how healthy your diet or the amount of vitamin supplements...
Alli is the over-the-counter version of the weight-loss drug orlistat, which is available by prescription in a higher-strength product named Xenical. Alli contains 60 mg orlistat per dose, but Xenical has 120 mg. Orlistat is indicated for treating...
All foods are not created equal in terms of the nutrition available when consumed. Sometimes this is true because other nutrients in the food decrease your body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals. Conversely, certain nutrients in foods can...
There are many disorders that can interfere with vitamin and mineral absorption and metabolism. Malabsorption syndromes encompass a broad range of diseases that generally involve damage to the intestines and subsequently, difficulty absorbing...
Caffeine is a bitter-tasting substance which occurs naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, chocolate and kola nuts. Caffeinated beverages have a stimulant effect. The caffeine in these drinks also may affect absorption of some nutrients.
Absorption of the vitamins and minerals you consume occurs primarily in the small intestine and to some degree, in the stomach. Hormones regulate this activity to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in your body. The human body uses a significant...
The federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing more foods that contain dietary fiber, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. High fiber intake protects against constipation, diverticular disease, cardiovascular disease and...
Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin found in foods of animal origin and fortified cereals. It's necessary for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis and normal nervous system function. The Food and Nutrition Board of the...
More than 50 percent of Americans take some type of supplement, according to a 2009 article published in "U.S. News and World Report." However, some of these individuals exceed the upper limit for one or more nutrients. This can cause problems...
Your small intestine serves as a major source of nutrient absorption: specialized cells in your intestinal lining can take up a range of compounds from your food, allow nutrients to enter your bloodstream and go on to nourish your cells. This...
Vitamins are important substances that the body uses to help speed up some of the chemical reactions that are necessary to life. Vitamin deficiencies are usually caused by people not consuming enough of a given vitamin, but a vitamin deficiency...
As a result of smoking, the body not only absorbs toxins, but loses nutrients. Because smoking interferes with absorption of vital vitamins and minerals, deficiencies can develop. Vitamin deficiencies create or exacerbate some of the major health...
There is a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing vitamins, as both gummy and chewable vitamins come in an assortment of flavors and are supplied by numerous brand names. This commonly brings confusion and concern regarding which type and...
To know what types of vitamins you should take for optimal health, it is important understand how vitamin absorption works. Every body has a different absorption rate for every type of vitamin, and certain dietary supplements interact with your...
Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin. Consuming foods such as eggs, fish and fortified milk can help you meet your recommended dietary allowance for this vitamin, which helps to regulate the amount of phosphorus and calcium in your blood,...
Various types of weight loss surgeries have become popular as a way to help people who are severely obese to permanently reduce their weight and improve their health and quality of life. About 220,000 people underwent bariatric surgery in 2009,...
You need vitamin B-12 for forming DNA and red blood cells and for maintaining proper functioning of your nerves. This vitamin is found mainly in animal products, and, unlike most water-soluble vitamins, extra vitamin B-12 is stored for a time in...
Soybeans, like other legumes, are high in phytates, often referred to as antinutrients because they may inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. This has initiated concerns about the health effects of soy, especially in vegetarians, vegans or...
Iron is an important part of your diet, maintaining muscle tone and the healthy circulation of blood throughout the body. Try these tips for buying foods rich in iron in this healthy shopping video.
Multivitamins are becoming popular dietary supplements for many people concerned with balancing vitamin and mineral intake. Try these tips for buying multivitamins in this healthy shopping video.
Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones and can be helped through a proper diet. Learn more about nutrition for a person with osteoporosis in this health video.
