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.
Artichokes have been used as a digestive aid since ancient Egyptian times. Today, we know they contain nutrients that deliver several health benefits. However, full safety testing of artichoke supplements has not been conducted, so consult your health care provider before using it to treat any health condition.
Read more →
Gastritis, which occurs when the inside wall of the stomach is inflamed, interferes with the absorption of some vitamins and minerals. Taking a multivitamin is a good way to fill nutritional gaps caused by gastritis, but you may need to pay extra attention to a few individual vitamins and minerals.
Read more →
One of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the body, glutamic acid, or glutamate, has the job of stimulating nerve cells in the central nervous system. As an amino acid, it’s used to produce another amino acid called glutamine.
Read more →
The inflammation and pain caused by a torn ligament usually prompt a visit to the doctor, but if you haven't consulted a medical professional, don't rely on supplements alone to heal a torn ligament.
Read more →
Choosing the vitamin C supplements that fits your needs can be challenging considering the vitamin is available in several different forms and a range of dosages. Sodium ascorbate is one type of supplemental vitamin C you'll find on the shelf.
Read more →
Supplemental amino acids are generally regarded as safe, but watch out for potential side effects from arginine and methionine. Also be aware that branched-chain amino acids could upset the balance of neurotransmitters.
Read more →
Chromium boosts the effectiveness of insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar at optimal levels. It also participates in the metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein.
Read more →
Protease enzymes have one primary mission -- they break apart proteins. While they have other important jobs to fill throughout your body, proteases are best known for their role in digestion.
Read more →
Calcium supplements come in a variety of forms. Calcium lactate is one of the chelated forms, which means the calcium is combined with an organic acid. Chelated calcium supplements have the advantage of being more easily absorbed, but you may find that it makes calcium lactate a more expensive option.
Read more →
An exercise and stretching program is essential for improving muscle flexibility, but it's also crucial to support your regimen with the right nutrients. A well-balanced diet should give you all the required nutrients, but if you fill in with supplements, tailor your choices to your goals.
Read more →
Selenium yeast is a form of supplemental selenium, which is also referred to as organic selenium. While it’s safe for most people, selenium becomes toxic if the amount you consume exceeds the maximum safe intake.
Read more →
Vitamin B-12 is vital for normal red blood cells, metabolizing food into energy and keeping your nerves working properly. It may also help prevent cardiovascular disease. In short, you need the right amount of vitamin B-12 to stay healthy.
Read more →
White kidney bean extract may help you lose weight by blocking the absorption of carbohydrates, which is why it’s often called a carb blocker or starch blocker. While the extract can cause gastrointestinal side effects, they should go away after your body adjusts to the supplement.
Read more →
Garlic’s characteristic odor -- and its health benefits -- come from sulfur-containing compounds naturally produced in the plant. These potent compounds are credited with preventing or treating a range of medical problems.
Read more →
Product reviewers have their own rating systems, which means that each reviewer list often recommends different brands. Weight gainers don’t have that issue. The same brands are at the top of several different lists.
Read more →
Carb blockers inhibit digestive enzymes that break carbohydrates down into single units of sugar. The carbs that remain in larger units won't make it into your bloodstream because the small intestine only absorbs single sugars.
Read more →
Magnesium is an essential part of more than 300 metabolic reactions. You need magnesium to produce energy, synthesize DNA, maintain strong bones and keep your nerves, muscles and heart working normally.
Read more →
Vitamins provide essential nutrients, necessary for the growth and development of every organ, blood cell and bone in the body. Vitamins are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, so it’s important to provide an adequate supply through a balanced diet.
Read more →
The edible parts of the Moringa oleifera tree include nutlike seeds, roots that resemble horseradish, and leaves that can be enjoyed fresh or in supplemental form. The leaves are valued as a source of antioxidants and nutrients.
Read more →
Over age 50, natural changes in the digestive tract make it difficult to absorb a sufficient quantity of some nutrients, such as vitamin B-12, even if you get plenty through your diet. Additionally, the recommended intake for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B-6 increases for women at age 51.
Read more →