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Do You Take a Daily Multivitamin?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:47:51 -0800

I must admit I am not much of a vitamin taker. I strive to eat my nutrients in a daily, well-balanced diet. However, I do think supplements are great for people worried about reaching their recommended daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals, especially for pregnant or nursing women or those with dietary restrictions. So when it comes to multivitamins, tell me . . .

What's the Deal With the Vitamin B12 Patch?

FitSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Vitamin B12 is essential because it helps maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. More importantly though, it's needed to make DNA, the genetic material found in every cell in your body. An adult woman needs 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of B12 a day, and great sources of this vitamin include chicken, beef, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals. If you're vegetarian or vegan, or eat a limited amount of meat and dairy products, you may not be getting enough. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to anemia, which may cause you to feel weak, lightheaded, depressed, and tired.

For those with a deficiency, it's recommended to take vitamin B12 supplements. If you don't like taking pills every day, you can try the B-12 Patch. To learn more about how it works, and find out if it's safe, read more.

Just like the Ortho-Evra patch delivers hormones through the skin to prevent pregnancy, this B-12 Patch supposedly delivers a consistent amount of B12 through a dime-sized patch you wear behind your earlobe. Each patch is worn for one week and contains 1,000 mcg of B12. It's safe to take this much vitamin B12 in a pill form because many people's digestive systems don't absorb enough B12, so it's necessary to take extra. I'm not sure how safe it is to take this much extra B12 through your skin, though. On the B-12 Patch's website, they mention that in 2003 the B-12 Patch was tested in a "small clinical trial on six volunteers." Doesn't sound like the study was very thorough, which doesn't make me feel confident about using this product.

The best thing to do is obtain at least 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 from the food you eat every day. If that's not possible, talk to your doctor about what oral supplement would be best.

Bella Quiz: Do You Know Your ABCs. . .of Beauty Vitamins?

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:00:22 -0800

When I was little, I thought the taste of Flintstones Children's Vitamins ($16) were amazing. No need for my mom to hound me about taking vitamins because I took them willingly, and then some. In fact, she used to hide them from me in fear of having her small child overdose. And now as an adult, I am still very much into my vitamins, particularly for the beauty benefits they provide. So, when it comes to beauty, what do you know about the "ABC"s of vitamins? Take my quiz to find out.

Source

Take the quiz

Cool Idea: I.V. Self-Watering Plant Pot

CasaSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:00:47 -0700

I once showed you how to make a self-watering planter from a recycled soda bottle, and while the DIY was pretty easy and inventive, I will admit it wasn't the most handsome pot I've ever seen. I'm not someone who thinks we should need to make sacrifices when it comes to good design, so I kept my eyes peeled and was silently hoping for a sexier alternative. Then came the Vitamin I.V. Self-Watering Planter ($375), an ingenious pot that comes with a refillable I.V. bag that regulates the flow of water to your plant with its drip feed. The lightweight fiberglass pot has a sleek, modern conical shape that's a far cry from the do-it-yourself look of that surgeried soda bottle. Unfortunately, I.V. is quite large (as is its price) at 12.5 x 21.25 inches, and is really meant to hold a tree, so now I'm not-so-silently hoping Vitamin will release a mini version for more petite plants.

New Product Alert: Vitabiotics Perfectil

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:00:32 -0700

It's silly, but any product with the word "perfect" in its name is bound to get my attention. Vitabiotics Perfectil ($16.99), already popular in Europe and Britain, is a vitamin supplement that promises to improve hair, skin and nails by providing 22 necessary nutrients. For instance, it contains grape seed extract to fight aging, copper to strengthen hair, and vitamin E to improve hair's strength and shine.

Perfectil is available now, and if I hadn't just started another vitamin-based skincare treatment (which I'll fill you in on shortly) I would probably give it a whirl. What do you think? Is this gimmicky or genius? Finally, thanks to KBella for pointing this out!

Why Do I Bruise So Easily?

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0800

Why is it that I can get the slightest bump and the next day, I've got a huge bruise? Sometimes bruises show up and I don't even remember hurting myself.

A bruise develops when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the black-and-blue color.

As bruises heal, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green. Sometimes the area of the bruise spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.

Bruising easily does not mean you have a serious health problem. Tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in the family. Also, you should know that women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, upper arms, and bottom.

The amount of fat covering your body may also play a part. If you don't have much fat on your bones, then bruises will appear with the slightest knock. That's why children and the elderly tend to bruise easily.

Sometimes bruises are bumpy. This is called hematoma, and happens when blood collects and pools under the skin. This is no cause for concern, unless it is accompanied by a greater injury or intense pain.

Fit's Tips: If you are concerned about your vulnerable bruising skin, you may want to get checked by a doctor to make sure you're getting enough vitamins B12, C, K, and folic acid. Deficiencies in these vitamins could also be causing your skin to bruise easily.

Vitamins: Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Vitamins are either water-soluble or fat-soluble. But what does that really mean...

Here's the deal. When you take a vitamin supplement that is water-soluble, your body metabolizes what it can and flushes out the excess through pee. Your body does not store theses vitamins so it is important to get them daily through diet or a supplement. Vitamin C, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) are all water-soluble.

Unlike water-soluble vitamins that need regular replacement in the body, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, and are eliminated much more slowly than water-soluble vitamins. You also need a little fat in your diet to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. Since these vitamins are stored in the body, you generally don't need to take supplements of them. You can actually create a toxic build up - oh my!

Fit's Tips: If you are taking supplements, make sure you're not taking more of the water-soluble ones than your body can absorb at one time. If you do, you're literally flushing your money down the toilet.

Vitamin D (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:13 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Vitamin D (VYTE-a-min D)

Maintains calcium and phosphorus in your body and makes your bones strong. This medicine is a vitamin.

Brand Name(s)

Drisdol, Vitamin D, Strovite Advance+D, Nature's Blend Vitamin D3, Delta D3, Mason Natural Vitamin D, Nature's Blend Vitamin D

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin D.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney stones, sarcoidosis, or overactive parathyroid gland.
You should not use this medicine if you are under 18 years of age.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea.
Headache.
Weight loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5273

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B-6) (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:49:10 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Pyridoxine (peer-i-DOX-een)

Helps patients who do not have enough vitamin B-6 in the body.

Brand Name(s)

Pyri-500, PharmAssure Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B6, Family Pharmacy Vitamin B6, Vitamin B-6, Vit B-6

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pyridoxine (vitamin B-6)

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Missing one dose is generally not a cause for concern.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store at room temperature in a closed container. Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking levodopa.
Follow your doctor's orders if he or she has given you a special diet. Whole-grain breads and cereals, fish, vegetables, beans, and red meat are all good sources of vitamin B-6 in the diet.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant (or become pregnant while taking this medicine) or are breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Clumsiness
Numbness of hands and feet
Upset stomach

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0288

Vitamin Water Breakdown

FitSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

While on the road, you may hit up a convenience store and find yourself staring at the rows and rows of Vitamin Water. Although they may contain more calories and sugar than regular water, they also contain vitamins and minerals. So check out this breakdown to see what each flavor offers your body.

The numbers are based on one 8-ounce serving. Keep in mind that there are 2.5 servings per 20-ounce container.

Drink	Calories	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Vitamins and Minerals
Power-C: Dragonfruit	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 100%, Chromium 10%, Zinc 10%, Taurine 16 mg
Defense: Raspberry Apple	50	13	13	Vitamin C 60%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Zinc 10%

There are tons more flavors so read more.

Drink	Calories	Carbs (g)	Sugar (g)	Vitamins and Minerals
Focus: Kiwi Strawberry	40	9	8	Vitamin A 25%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Vitamin E 25%, Ginkgo biloba 10 mg, Gotu kola 10 mg, Siberian ginseng 10 mg
Balance: Cran Grapefruit	50	13	12	Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin C 40%, Vitamin E 10%, Selenium 2%, Calcium less than 2%, Zinc 10%
Endurance: Peach Mango	50	13	13	Vitamin A 10%, Vitamin B3 10%, Vitamin B5 10%, Vitamin B6 10%, Vitamin B12 10%, Vitamin C 60%, Vitamin E 10%, Astragalus 10 mg, Siberian ginseng 10 mg
Essential: Orange Orange	50	9	13	Vitamin A 50%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 25%, Vitamin E 25%, Calcium 2%, Iron 5%, Potassium 5%, Selenium 5%, Zinc 25%
Energy: Tropical Citrus	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 40%, Guarana 10 mg, Natural Caffeine 20 mg
Rescue: Green Tea	40	9	8	Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Rosemary 8 mg, Chamomile 8 mg, Hibiscus 8 mg, Lavender 8 mg, Rose hips 8 mg
Multi-V: Lemonade	50	13	13	Vitamin A 25%, Vitamin C 100%, Vitamin E 25%, Vitamin B3 25%, Vitamin B6 25%, Vitamin B12 25%, Vitamin B5 25%, Calcium 10%, Folic Acid 25%, Magnesium 10%, Zinc 25%.
Formula 50: Grape	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 20%, Vitamin E: 20%, Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Folic acid 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin B5 20%
Revive: Fruit Punch	50	13	13	Vitamin B3 20%, Vitamin B5 20%, Vitamin B6 20%, Vitamin B12 20%, Vitamin C 40%, Potassium: 140 mg
XXX: Acai Blueberry Pomegranate	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 100%, Vitamin B3: 10%, Vitamin B6: 10% ,Vitamin B12: 10%, Vitamin B5: 10%
Charge: Lemon Lime	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 40%, Vitamin B3: 20%, Vitamin B6: 20%, Vitamin B12: 20%, Vitamin B5: 20%, Potassium: 60 mg
Vital-T: Lemon Tea	50	13	13	Vitamin C: 60%, Vitamin E: 20%, Vitamin B3: 10%, Vitamin B6: 10% ,Vitamin B12: 10%, Vitamin B5: 10%