Vitamins & Minerals

By Christine Climer
First published April 2005

Spring is here, and allergy sufferers everywhere are tearing up. The warmer weather invites us to spend more time outdoors but the red eyes, itchy noses and nasal congestion make outdoor fun a challenge. (more…)

By Natural Family Online

You’ve probably heard a lot about antioxidants lately: in the newspaper, in magazines, and on T.V. While many supplements and nutrients have been talked about for as long as you can probably remember, antioxidants are a more recent topic. Don’t let this fool you into thinking they’re any less important. Antioxidants are a vital part of staying young and healthy. But why are they so important? (more…)

By Christine Climer

Did you know that zinc deficiency ranks 11th out of the top 20 risk factors for disease? Yes, zinc! According to the World Health Organization, zinc deficiencies are responsible for 16% of lower respiratory infections (such as pneumonia) and 10% of diarrheal illness worldwide. (more…)

By Debi Rideout

What is Vitamin B-12 and Why Do We Need It?
Everyone needs to have vitamin B-12 in their diet. It’s a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the vitamin B complex. B-12 primarily comes from animal products and can be found in eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products. It helps our metabolism to work, in the formation of red blood cells, and in the maintenance of the central nervous system. The best way to get vitamin B-12 is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods from the food guide pyramid. (more…)

By Christine Climer

Holiday cheer isn’t the only thing that abounds this winter: Cold weather ushers in the sniffles, sneezes and coughs of cold and flu season. Check with your health care provider to see if any of these supplements can help your family avoid illness or feel better quickly in the event you do get sick. (more…)

By Charlene J. Nuble

Iron is a mineral that is essential to the health and functioning of the body. Deficiencies in iron can have serious consequences for overall health and even energy levels. (more…)

By Laura LaGuardia

Vitamins are organic substances essential in small amounts for the body’s normal growth and activity. They are obtained naturally from plant and animal foods. Vitamins have two classifications: fat- or water-soluble, depending on the materials in which they dissolve. (more…)