Tag: vitamins

Why Supplements Can Make You Sick

pills_dollarphotoclub_65086147_smallerIn 2011 I reported on dietary supplement safety and warned that supplements are not risk-free. Today, based on the cease-and-desist letters sent to major retailers by the New York attorney general, there’s even more evidence that you should be wary of supplements on store shelves.

According to the FDA, makers of the following are not required to show their products are safe or effective before they go on the market:

  • Herbs or other botanicals
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Amino acids
  • Other raw ingredients

That’s because over 20 years ago, President Clinton signed the “Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994“. Under this law, supplements do NOT need FDA approval before they’re sold. This lack of oversight has caused serious illnesses and irreversible health effects.

Per a Congressional investigation in 2010, dietary supplements were found to contain the following:

  • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic)
  • Pesticides
  • Filth and bacteria
  • Prescription drugs
  • Super/subpotent vitamins and minerals
  • Toxic compounds

Phony Herbal Supplements Sold by Major Retailers   

Continue reading “Why Supplements Can Make You Sick” →

Orange Fountain-of-Youth Foods

The spectrum of colors that line the produce aisle — from robust red to vibrant orange to every shade of green — contain fruits and vegetables rich in nutritious organic pigments. To get a broad range of nutrients in your diet, eat foods in all colors and varieties. On your next excursion to the supermarket though, be sure to specifically shop for the color orange. These sunny foods are essential for firm, youthful and healthy skin. Here’s what’s good in them:   Continue reading “Orange Fountain-of-Youth Foods” →

Fit Feasting This Fall

Fall and its emerging warm glow signal it’s time to evolve. As the deciduous trees let go of the old to prepare for the new, perhaps it’s a great time for you to shed your old ways of eating and try some new foods, techniques and recipes! If you haven’t already given some of these fall all-stars a try, consider adding a few of the following to your plate this season.

Butternut Squash: This versatile deep orange vegetable can be substituted for any recipe calling for pumpkin. Butternut squash can be roasted, grilled and puréed or mashed for soups, casseroles and breads. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of vitamin E, fiber, potassium, and magnesium and contain no cholesterol or fat. Compared to pumpkin, butternut squash has twice the amount of A and C.   Continue reading “Fit Feasting This Fall” →

Supplement Safety – Part 2 | The Men’s Health Minute

Dietary supplements are popular, but you can’t assume they’re safe and effective because they’re on store shelves.

Supplement Safety – Part 1 | The Men’s Health Minute

Nutritional supplements are intended to provide nutrients that you may be missing from your diet. Here’s why you need to be a savvy consumer.