Consumer Tips

February 8, 2009
Iodine is a critical nutrient for normal nerve development in infants. Since infants need a fresh supply of iodine each day in mother's milk, mom’s dietary supplement needs to contain iodine.
Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake
February 16, 2009
Food is the fuel that keeps the body going. To get a good start at meeting your daily nutrient requirements, it is recommended that a fourth of the day’s calories be eaten at breakfast. Skipping breakfast is like starting a long trip on a near empty gas tank.
Breakfast for a good start to day
February 20, 2009
A thoughtless comment about a teenager’s body weight or fatness can impact their sense of self-worth. This can be a key factor that triggers an eating disorder such as anorexia (starving) or bulimia (binge eating and purging).
Criticism may trigger eating disorders
March 7, 2009
The risk of birth defects is greatest between two and eight weeks after conception. Therefore, during early pregnancy, it is wise to eat a varied and balanced diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy also can help to promote the best outcome.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
March 11, 2009
Breast milk of vegetarian mothers can become deficient in vitamin B-12. Because B-12 is needed for infant brain and nerve development, vegetarian women should be especially careful to meet their B-12 needs with supplements or fortified foods.
New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk
March 13, 2009
During pregnancy, daily caffeine intake exceeding 300 milligrams may increase the risk of miscarriage and result in reduced infant birth weight. A strong 8-ounce cup of coffee can contain as much as 180 milligrams of caffeine.
In moderation, caffeine found to aid health
April 19, 2009
Drinking cranberry juice may be just what is needed to prevent urinary tract infections. This prevention occurs by reducing the ability of unwanted microorganisms to adhere to cells lining the urinary tract.
Festive cranberries offer health perks year-round
April 23, 2009
Some pregnant women may get too little of the “unsung” B-vitamin biotin. This may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, most lean meats, some fish such as salmon, and some nuts and seeds like peanuts and sunflower seeds.
B vitamins are unsung heroes of good health
May 3, 2009
Both excess iron and iron deficiency are common in older people. Either extreme may lead to health problems if not treated. To maintain health, older individuals should consume adequate amounts of iron-containing foods and have their iron status checked periodically.
Seniors still need adequate iron for good health
May 24, 2009
Parents are responsible for what, when and where children are able to eat. Providing and promoting a wide variety of wholesome foods is essential for helping a child meet nutrient needs and avoid becoming a picky eater.
Help children develop good eating habits
June 4, 2009
Children should decide when they have had enough to eat. Parents, however, are responsible for creating a food environment that provides the child with a wide variety of wholesome foods and keeps high calorie tasty treats as occasional options.
Help children develop good eating habits
June 5, 2009
Encouraging family health by being a good role model for healthy eating and regular physical activity can be a lifelong gift to your child. Try providing frequent opportunities for enjoyable physical activities to help prevent excess weight gain in children and teens.
Parents can influence kids weight gain
June 28, 2009
Eating disorders frequently start with a disordered eating pattern that excludes various foods perceived as fattening or "bad for you." If someone is a picky eater, they may be at greater risk of developing a serious eating problem.
Extremes in calorie control plague nation
August 19, 2009
In efforts to restrict salt, some mothers may not obtain adequate iodine from the combination of iodized table salt and foods. This is especially a problem for their infants who must obtain iodine from mother's milk.
Researchers fear deficiency of iodine intake
August 21, 2009
Teenagers are sensitive about their appearance and especially about their weight. Even a joking comment or criticism about a young person's appearance can be the first step to an eating disorder.
Criticism may trigger eating disorders
August 26, 2009
Birth defects are most likely to occur in a developing fetus before a woman knows she is pregnant. The greatest risk is during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Research suggests that eating a balanced diet and taking prenatal vitamins before and during pregnancy are associated with a reduced risk of birth defects.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
September 8, 2009
Adult habits often start in childhood and this includes being a picky eater. If parents provide a wide variety of wholesome foods as the main fare, children are more likely to learn to appreciate a wide variety of foods and to obtain adequate nutrients throughout their adult life.
Help children develop good eating habits
October 22, 2009
For those with dentures or a decreased ability to chew, mixing a protein powder with a beverage or yogurt can be an easy way to meet protein requirements.
Nutritional requirements more complex for seniors
November 13, 2009
The Internet is the largest medical library in the world, but likely contains as much health fiction as fact. This is especially true for information on food and weight loss. Seek reliable science-based websites when surfing the web.
False claims thrive on Internet
January 23, 2010
Vitamin B-12 is essential for normal infant brain development. If a mother has little B-12 in her diet, her milk will be low in the vitamin. Vegetarian mothers must be especially careful to consume good sources of B-12.
New moms need B-12 for baby’s milk
February 16, 2010
Skipping breakfast is like starting a long trip on a near empty gas tank. Eating breakfast helps most people, especially children, to function better both mentally and physically.
Breakfast for a good start to day
February 23, 2010
Research shows that children eating breakfast are more likely to get needed nutrients and are more likely to participate in physical activities.
Breakfast Basics
March 12, 2010
Most birth defects develop during the first two to eight weeks of pregnancy. For women who might become pregnant, it is wise to have an adequate diet even before conception.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
April 16, 2010
Good nutrition is especially important when a woman is pregnant. Much of the calcium needed for infant bone development is drawn from the mother’s bones. Consuming adequate amounts of high calcium foods helps to maintain bone health of the mother.
Childbearing strains mom's calcium level
April 28, 2010
To have a healthy baby, always tell your doctor what dietary supplements you are taking. Consuming some herbal products and high intake of some nutrients during pregnancy can increase the risk of having a baby with birth defects.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
May 21, 2010
Studies indicate that the short-term use of ginger can help to relieve pregnancy-related nausea.
Herbs at a Glance, Ginger
June 24, 2010
The vitamin folate is important for promoting healthy pregnancies and reducing the risk of heart disease. Foods rich in folate include liver, green vegetables, beans, some fruits, and enriched cereals.
Women's Health Issues
July 9, 2010
Poor nutrition at any stage of life can affect health. Even the nutritional status of parents before conception can affect their child's lifelong health. Missing even one essential nutrient can impair the function of many cell types, including cells of the reproductive organs.
All essential nutrients needed to stay healthy
July 23, 2010
If you eat a wide variety of wholesome foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
Children's nutrition: 10 tips for picky eaters
July 27, 2010
Parents feeding their infants and toddlers vegetarian milk alternatives need to be careful that the child is obtaining enough vitamin D and calcium. Children of well-intentioned parents have ended up with deformed bones due to rickets.
Rickets makes a comeback
August 3, 2010
Cases of the bone deformity disease called rickets occurred when infants were fed macrobiotic diets by well-intentioned parents. This happened because the diet lacked vitamin D that can be found in fortified cow and soy milks.
Rickets makes a comeback