Consumer Tips

February 5, 2009
Several studies found that vitamin C supplements do not prevent the common cold. Vitamin C supplementation, however, has been shown to cut the risk of catching a cold for those exposed to an extreme physical stress like running a marathon.
Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain
February 28, 2009
Before buying special dietary supplements to enhance your health and energy level, take the extra step to make sure that the product is not another form of "snake oil." A web search on the product name along with the terms "scam" or "ripoff" can bring up interesting information.
Vitamin O marketers full of hot air
March 19, 2009
Large daily doses of vitamin C do not appear to prevent colds, but taking vitamin C supplements during a cold may slightly reduce the duration of cold symptoms.
Take steps against colds
April 21, 2009
A three-year study of women over 65 found that a daily supplement with 700 IU of vitamin D reduced the odds of falling by 46 percent in the more active women and by 65 percent in less-active women. Other studies report that good vitamin D status enhances lower-body strength and coordination.
Lower risk of falling with good nutrition
April 28, 2009
During pregnancy, even non-prescription medications, herbal products and essential oils have the potential to cause birth defects. Drugs and herbal supplements should be used only with the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
May 1, 2009
Vitamin K is beneficial for blood, bone, and cardiovascular health, but it is commonly left out of multi-vitamin supplements. Green vegetables are the main source of vitamin K in most people's diets.
Multivitamin takers may miss vitamin K
July 23, 2009
Knowing the basics of nutrition science helps to decrease a person's susceptibility to all the “snake oil” health hype that pervades the modern world.
Nutrition key to body’s long haul
November 9, 2009
Both regular exercise and adequate nutrition play essential roles in maintaining muscle. Consuming a whey protein supplement may help to improve skeletal muscle in older individuals.
Muscle is also important as a major protein reserve
November 11, 2009
As long as you consume a diet with lots of variety and adequate calories, then you should be getting an adequate amount of the vitamin B6.
Though B6 is important, don't overdose
December 6, 2009
Are you tired of ads for fraudulent nutrition products? File complaints about questionable products online at the Federal Trade Commission website.
Law shields consumers from dodgy products
January 6, 2010
The Federal Trade Commission recommends being careful about ads for “free” dietary supplements - "just for the cost of shipping." You may receive a second “subscriber” shipment in a month and a bill on your credit card.
Diet ad scams easily reported to U.S. agency
February 4, 2010
Creatine supplementation has been studied mostly for enhancing muscle strength. Researchers also found that six weeks of creatine supplementation improved short-term memory in young adult vegetarians.
Creatine has wide range of benefits
February 5, 2010
Research involving over 11,000 people showed that regular use of vitamin C supplementation did not prevent the common cold, but it did reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of a cold.
Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain
March 9, 2010
A balanced diet is the ideal way to meet nutrient needs. However, people who limit specific food groups or have very low calorie needs can benefit from taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement.
Optimal nutrition for optimal health
April 1, 2010
Many herbal products are marketed to athletes with promises to boost performance despite very limited research to support these claims. The first step to quality performance is a balanced diet that meets essential nutrient needs.
Herbs and Athletes
April 2, 2010
Calcium-fortified foods make getting your daily calcium relatively simple. Because excess calcium can decrease the absorption of other essential minerals like iron and zinc, it might be prudent to consume only 1 calcium fortified food a day.
How much is too much calcium?
April 30, 2010
Food labeling regulations change slowly despite growth in nutrition knowledge. Currently, when a food or dietary supplement label indicates 100% of the "Daily Value" for vitamin A, it actually contains just over 200% of the currently recommended intake for a woman.
Too much vitamin A can be toxic
June 6, 2010
Sublingual vitamin B-12 pills designed to dissolve under the tongue are not more effective than pills that are swallowed, according to current research. However, the sublingual pills can be a good option for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Vitamin delivery doesn't change absorption rates
July 18, 2010
Research shows that regular use of high vitamin C supplementation does not prevent the common cold. However, in people who are exposed to an extreme physical stress like running a marathon, vitamin C supplementation can cut the risk of catching a cold in half.
Vitamin C can halve cold risk during strain
July 19, 2010
Unfortunately, some non-prescription medications, herbal products, and essential oils can cause birth defects. Consequently, no drugs or herbs should be used without the guidance of a physician or pharmacist - especially during pregnancy.
Safe conception helps prevent birth defects
July 24, 2010
Zinc nasal gels have been a popular cold remedy. Unfortunately, recent research indicates that their use can damage olfactory function and result in loss of the sense of smell.
Homeopathic Nasal Zinc Linked to Loss of Smell
August 9, 2010
A multivitamin/mineral type of dietary supplement can make sense when calorie intake is low. This often is the case for those who are cutting calories for weight loss and for older adults who have low levels of physical activity.
Is a multivitamin a smart idea?
August 14, 2010
If you are thinking that a nutritional product’s claims are “too good to be true,” try conducting an Internet search using the product’s name and terms like “scam” and “ripoff.” This can yield interesting and useful information.
Vitamin O marketers full of hot air
August 20, 2010
Unscrupulous sellers of nutritional products often use marketing techniques that prey on our basic fears and desires under the guise of having scientific evidence for their product. Too often the "evidence" is just contrived pseudoscience.
Pseudoscience formula helps sell bogus products