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.
Blood is an essential fluid that transports vital oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Dry blood refers to red blood cell dehydration, which reflects your overall fluid volume. Apple cider vinegar, a cure-all folk remedy, is not known to cause dehydration, but there might be other safety concerns.
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Lysine is an amino acid commonly taken as a dietary supplement. Taking one to three grams of lysine per day orally may help reduce herpes outbreaks such as cold sores, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lysine paste is a common home remedy used to treat active cold sore outbreaks.
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Vitamin B-12 is one of eight B vitamins that together are known as the B-complex vitamins. It helps your body produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and organs. It is also needed for proper nerve function.
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Synthroid is the brand name of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone used primarily to treat irregular thyroid function, mainly in people with hypothyroidism and those who have had their thyroids removed.
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L-Arginine is an amino acid -- a chemical building block of protein. It is a precursor to nitric oxide, a gas known as a vasodilator. Vasodilators are agents that widen and relax blood vessels.
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Bile is an important substance that aids in digestion. When you fail to make enough bile, you may experience issues like indigestion and heartburn. That's why some people take supplements to increase bile production. Compounds that boost bile flow are called choleretics.
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Manufacturers advertise protein powders as a convenient way to get extra protein to boost fitness. These supplements are marketed to everyone from moms to bodybuilders. But recent clinical research has raised some questions about the safety of getting extra protein from such supplements.
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While your immune system works hard to keep harmful bacteria out, many species of "friendly" bacteria live in harmony within your digestive system. Known as probiotics, these helpful microorganisms contribute to the health of the "host." Some strains of probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt and miso.
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Gaining an edge is something athletes of all ages are interested in. However, because children and adolescent's bodies are still developing, there is a growing concern over whether it's safe for them to use sports supplements.
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Kelp is a type of seaweed known for its rich iodine content. It is available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powder and teas. It is commonly marketed for thyroid support. You should use caution when taking kelp supplements. Excess iodine from kelp can cause adverse health effects.
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Unless you have a weak immune system, fungal infections rarely cause serious health problems. These infections usually go away on their own, as your body has its own defense system. Certain vitamins exhibit potent anti-fungal activity and may help prevent and treat fungal infections.
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Probiotics are living microorganisms found naturally in your digestive system. These microorganisms live primarily in your gut and work synergistically to help your body function properly. Probiotics are also available in some foods and as commercial supplements for digestive health.
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The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your throat. Your thyroid uses the mineral iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to produce two primary thyroid hormones known as T3 and T4. These hormones influence the rate at which your body uses energy -- your metabolic rate.
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Amino acids are nutrients that make up protein, and phenylalanine is an amino acid. L-phenylalanine is the natural form found in protein-rich foods. D-phenylalanine is the synthetic mirror image.
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For years experts believed lifestyle factors like stress or eating spicy foods caused ulcers. Today, scientists assert that a bacterial infection called H. pylori causes 80 percent of stomach ulcers, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. While vitamins are not the cause, taking vitamin supplements may trigger symptoms.
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Your adrenal glands are small but important organs that sit atop your kidneys. They produce hormones your body needs to function properly, including dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, which is needed to produce male and female sex hormones.
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Arthritis is the most common cause of joint soreness, and supplements or food in your diet may trigger symptoms. However, it's not the only dietary cause -- getting too much of certain nutrients might cause joint pain, too. If you're experiencing joint pain, discuss any concerns with your health care provider.
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Carnitine tartrate is the supplement form of carnitine, a substance that plays a role in energy production. Your body typically makes enough carnitine to meet its needs. Therefore, it's not necessary for healthy adults to take carnitine supplements, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
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Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. Folate, or folic acid -- also known as vitamin B-9 -- is needed to produce red blood cells, which house homoglobin. Your hemoglobin will become low if you do not get enough folic acid. This is called anemia.
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Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is a dietary supplement consisting of the amino acid arginine -- a building block of protein -- and alpha-ketoglurate, a compound that breaks down sugars and amino acids. Both constituents of AAKG have different roles and may offer benefits, but more research is needed to know for sure.
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