Research Tips
February 6, 2009Health problems caused by iron deficiency may go undiagnosed for a long time when more sensitive indicators of iron status are not measured. Ask your doctor for a full panel of iron blood tests if you think you are running low on iron.
Am J Nephrol. 2007;27(6):565-71
February 9, 2009
Since only animal foods contain significant amounts of vitamin B-12, people consuming vegan and macrobiotic diets are at risk for B-12 deficiency. Studies on these groups have reported poor B-12 status in as many as 90 percent of the study participants.
Ann Nutr Metab. 2000;44(5-6):229-34
February 21, 2009
Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid is important to overall health. However, taking high dose folic acid supplements can interfere with the timely diagnosis of vitamin B-12 deficiency that is common in older people and strict vegetarians.
Nutr Rev. 2004 Jun;62(6 Pt 2):S3-12.
February 25, 2009
The fear of getting too much iron in their diet seems to be causing many seniors to get too little iron. The health consequences of both extremes are serious. When making diet changes for health, remember iron is an essential nutrient.
Am Fam Physician. 2000 Oct 1;62(7):1565-72.
March 12, 2009
Vertigo and dizziness are most often related to inner ear problems or the side effects of drugs. Another possible cause is iron deficiency (even without anemia). If other causes of dizziness are not established, iron status should be thoroughly evaluated.
Scand J Prim Health Care. 2005 Mar;23(1):28-33.
May 9, 2009
The most common conditions linked to low magnesium intake are high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. That’s a good reason to include green vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts in your daily diet.
Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82.
July 18, 2009
Because prepared and fast-food products in the U.S. usually do not contain iodized salt, researchers fear that poor iodine nutrition may be causing many health problems.
Environ Sci Technol, 42 (4), 1315-1323, 2008.
August 3, 2009
Modern cases of rickets have occurred when well-intentioned parents fed their infants macrobiotic diets that lacked a dietary source of vitamin D. Particularly for infants and toddlers, milk alternatives should be fortified with vitamin D since this may be the sole source of nutrients for the child.
Pediatrics. 2001 Apr;107(4):E46.
August 4, 2009
It is well known that vitamin D deficiency leads to weakened bones. However, more recent research also links low vitamin D levels to increased risk of many other health problems, including certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes.
Nutr Rev. 2008 Oct;66(10 Suppl 2):S182-94.
August 25, 2009
Inadequate dietary zinc depresses immune function, making a person more vulnerable to infectious diseases. Diets devoid of animal foods tend to increase the risk of zinc deficiency because beans and whole grains contain phytates that inhibit the absorption of zinc.
J Am Coll Nutr. 1988 Oct;7(5):377-84.
August 29, 2009
Studies show that thyroid function can be impaired by a nutrient deficiency of iodine, iron, vitamin A, or selenium. Like other parts of the body, the small thyroid gland depends on multiple nutrients from ample amounts of a wide variety of foods in the diet.
Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78.
August 31, 2009
A diet low in magnesium contributes to several chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, poor blood lipid patterns, and high blood glucose. Consuming a variety of green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans helps to get adequate magnesium.
Nutr Clin Pract. 2008 Apr-May;23(2):142-51.
September 2, 2009
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can seriously damage the nervous system. The risk of B-12 deficiency is greatest for the elderly and vegetarians. Blood tests for levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine assist physicians in the evaluation of B-12 status.
Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2005 Dec 10;149(50):2789-94.
September 4, 2009
The average adult in the U.S. consumes only 75 to 80 percent of recommended intake for the essential mineral magnesium. Low magnesium intake likely contributes to many chronic ailments. A diet with a wide variety of unprocessed wholesome foods can easily meet magnesium needs.
Magnes Res. 2008 Jun;21(2):77-82.
September 6, 2009
Vitamin D plays important roles in the function of the immune system. If you wear sunscreen, avoid the sun, and/or have dark skin, you are more likely to need sources of vitamin D from food or supplements.
Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40.
September 14, 2009
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are subtle and are not easily diagnosed. Sixty percent of deficiencies are due to insufficient dietary intake and malabsorption. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is commonly recommended for those entering their sixth or seventh decades of life.
CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9.
September 27, 2009
It is common knowledge that iodine is essential for normal function of the thyroid gland. Less widely appreciated is the fact that normal iron status also is essential for production of the thyroid hormone.
Thyroid. 2002 Oct;12(10):867-78.
October 20, 2009
Vitamin D deficiency is making a comeback and the consequences include bone loss, impaired immune function, and even loss of muscle strength. Major food sources are fortified milk, fish, and fortified foods like orange juice with added calcium and vitamin D.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jan;85(1):6-18.
October 25, 2009
Iron deficiency is one of the most common and serious nutrition problems in the world. Some types of hair loss are among the many possible effects of iron deficiency.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2002 Jul;27(5):396-404.
November 19, 2009
Good vitamin D status is important for the immune system and may be especially important during the flu season. When we limit sunshine exposure, it is important to get vitamin D from foods like fatty fish and fortified milk or dietary supplements.
Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40.
November 20, 2009
Recommendations to meet daily iron needs assume that the diet includes animal foods. A diet based only on plant foods needs to contain nearly twice as much iron due to limited absorption of iron from plant foods.
Dietary Reference Intakes for Iron
December 29, 2009
New research indicates that a variety of emerging health problems may be caused decreased iodine in the U.S. food supply. When you use salt, select the iodized type.
Environ Sci Technol, 42 (4), 1315-1323, 2008.
February 6, 2010
Health problems caused by iron deficiency may go undiagnosed if the deficiency does not produce anemia. This "nonanemic" iron deficiency may have negative effects on brain development during infancy.
Am Fam Physician. 2002 Oct 1;66(7):1217-24.
February 7, 2010
Iodine is an essential nutrient for nerve development in infants and thyroid function at any age. For some people, iodized salt is a major source of this mineral and cutting back on salt can decrease iodine intake.
Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008.
March 17, 2010
The classic sign of B-12 deficiency is anemia, causing increased fatigue. B-12 deficiency can also manifest itself as short-term memory problems similar to early Alzheimer's disease. Taking a preventive B-12 supplement is recommended for those entering their sixth or seventh decades of life.
CMAJ. 2004 Aug 3;171(3):251-9.
August 13, 2010
According to recent research, levels of the essential nutrient iodine have declined in the American diet over the past two decades. As people decrease their intake of iodized salt, it becomes more important to include seafood in the diet on a regular basis.
Environ. Sci. Technol., 42 (4), 1315–1323, 2008.
September 7, 2010
Vitamin D plays important roles in the function of the immune system. Avoiding sun exposure may benefit skin health, but a lack of sunshine does increase your need for food or dietary supplement sources of vitamin D.
Epidemiol Infect. 2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40.