Vitamins and supplements like melatonin and fish oil offer health benefits but can cause side effects if misused. Learn about the impact of saw palmetto on blood pressure and find the best multivitamins for young women and adults over 50.
About 1 in 30 adults older than 50 in the United States suffers from a vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And high cholesterol affects more than 102 million Americans, according to the American Heart Association.
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Red yeast rice naturally contains compounds similar to those found in statin drugs, which are commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Statins can interfere with levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a nutrient vital for heart and muscle health.
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Flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds found in plants, have antioxidant powers that may provide important health benefits. Diets rich in flavonoids have been associated with reduced risk of a variety of diseases.
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Potassium is an important mineral that aids in transporting electricity for skeletal and muscle movement. Ensure that you get the potassium you need by filling your diet with potassium-rich foods; your daily multivitamin may contain potassium, but only in minimal amounts.
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Sciatica pain is most often caused by a herniated disc that presses on the sciatic nerve, leading to inflammation, tenderness and pain.
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Fish oil contains two vital omega-3 fatty acids for the human body docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. Your body must obtain EPA and DHA from the diet and fish oil is the most effective way to get both.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat, nicknamed "PUFA". These beneficial fats offer benefits to your health, most notably their effect on improving heart health. You can get omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating a variety of nuts, including peanuts.
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HGH, human growth hormone, stimulates the production of cells in your body. It is used to enhance growth and development in children with growth disorders that inhibit the maturation process. A doctor may prescribe HGH for adults who do not produce sufficient amounts of this hormone.
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The substance lecithin has been proposed as a treatment for several conditions including as high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, liver disease and mental and neurological disorders. Its primary component, phosphatidylcholine, performs various functions in the body including promoting normal brain function.
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Vitamin K helps your blood clot properly. You get vitamin K from green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. But bacteria in your small intestines also make vitamin K, so deficiencies are rare. Because vitamin K helps blood clot, it can counteract the effect of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
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While nothing can beat a healthy diet to provide a source of essential nutrients, dietary supplements can boost your nutrient intake and help minimize your chance of developing a nutritional deficiency.
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Aspirin, also called acetylsalicylic acid, has a number of potential therapeutic effects. The drug can manage inflammation, help to control pain, and also has implications in managing some types of cardiovascular disease.
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Krill oil generates a lot of media attention as an alternative to omega-3 fish oil. The American Heart Association recommends 1,000 milligrams of omega-3s to help control high blood pressure and other heart disease risk factors.
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Amino acids are building blocks for proteins that are part of every cell, tissue and organ in your body. There are 20 amino acids, nine of which are essential because you need to consume them through food.
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L-arginine and L-citrulline are two amino acids that have potential therapeutic uses. A relationship between the two exists in that L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine once inside the body. Therefore, L-citrulline is sometimes supplemented to increase levels of L-arginine.
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Breast pain is a common ailment that many women face -- especially in women who are having monthly menstrual cycles. Breast pain can last for days, weeks or months. If you experience persistent breast pain, it is generally a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.
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Creatine is a natural supplement used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve performance and enhance muscle growth. It may also help boost your cognitive function and temporarily improve your workout speed and energy. Fitness enthusiasts often supplement creatine with whey protein, which is a dairy product.
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Vitamin C is essential for a number of basic body functions, including the health of the skin, bones and teeth. Severe deficiency of vitamin C can result in scurvy, a disease that can lead to severe anemia, skin hemorrhages and even death.
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Chlorophyll is what gives plants a green color. Proponents claim it can help with everything from increasing your energy level to lowering your risk of cancer, but scientific evidence for these and other uses, including weight loss, is limited.
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B vitamins obtained from food sources provide numerous benefits, including improved liver and nervous system function and healthy skin, hair and eyes. Because B vitamins also affect your metabolism, taking excess vitamins in a B complex supplement may upset your digestive system and cause changes in your stools.
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