Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements Archive

Persistent cravings for nonfood items like chalk can hint at an underlying nutritional problem that needs testing.

Diuretics can drain your body of potassium, but pills aren't the only source. Learn whether food swaps are safe and why lab monitoring still matters.

Everyday staples like potatoes, beans, or juice can quietly add too much potassium to the diet of someone who's been told to limit their intake. Learn which other foods to limit.

Certain diuretics flush out both water and potassium, but not everyone needs extra. Your doctor will consider blood test results and which other medications you're taking to determine the safest approach.

Calcium is vital for bones, and calcium that you're getting from foods are not a concern. However, calcium supplements can lead to kidney stones.

Regular blood donations can slowly drain iron stores, lowering hemoglobin levels. Iron supplements may help rebuild them.

When damaged kidneys can&rsquot clear extra potassium, everyday staples like potatoes, beans, and juice may strain the heart. Learn which foods are risky.

Protein supplements promise muscle gains. But your kidneys must handle what your body can't use. Learn how to estimate daily needs and weigh supplement choices.

Very low vitamin D levels may prompt your doctor to prescribe a short regimen of high-dose vitamin D pills before switching to a lower daily dose. See how this approach boosts stores safely.

Like most vitamins, B₁₂ can't be made by the body and must be gotten from food or supplements. A B₁₂ deficiency -- which might stem from a vegan or vegetarian diet, or problems with absorption due to weight loss surgery or aging -- can seriously harm nerves, mood, thinking, energy, and more.