Everyone should have his or her vitamin D level checked at least once a year (infants through the elderly).

Fish and omega-3 fatty acids. If you keep up with the latest nutrition news, you may have a pretty good sense of what they offer. But, if you're like many people, you still can't tell your omega-3s from your omega-6s -- and you sure as heck can't pronounce eicosapentaenoic acid. That's OK. Our fishing expedition turned up some interesting facts to share about omega-3 fatty acids and fish.

If you’re living with chronic pain, you may have already tried the usual treatments. You may have cycled through the drugs, like NSAIDs and opioids. Maybe you’ve even tried surgery. But you’re still in pain. Could natural pain relief with pain supplements offer an alternative?
Experts say -- depending on what’s causing your pain -- supplements may help.

5 things you should know about probiotic products.

The business of beneficial bacteria seems to be booming, with the word "probiotics" showing up on labels of everything from supplements to yogurt to granola bars.
Probiotics are "friendly bacteria" that are similar to organisms that occur naturally in the digestive tract. Certain strains or types of probiotics have been linked to all sorts of health benefits, from helping with irritable bowel syndrome and traveler’s diarrhea to boosting the immune system. They're sometimes used with antibiotics to combat the diarrhea that may result from taking antibiotics.

               Six Supernutrients: That Can Transform Your Health

Imagine sustained energy… a flawless memory… perfect vision and hearing… and the physical endurance of someone half your age—all as you reach fifty, sixty, seventy and beyond.

Written by: Reyana Ewing, MPH, RD, CLE

Low vitamin D levels are very likely limiting your running performance, and may compromise your heal
As runners we want to do everything possible to perform well and have a great season.  We are meticulous about our training schedules, hydration, sleeping habits, etc.  Yet many times we fall short when it comes to nutrition.

There are alternative treatments for lowering cholesterol naturally. But before you add any supplement or alternative therapy to your diet, talk to your doctor. Some supplements may interact with other medication you may be taking or have dangerous side effects.

Calcium Supplements

Building strong and healthy bones requires an adequate dietary intake of calcium and exercise beginning in childhood and adolescence for both sexes. Most importantly, however, a high dietary calcium intake or taking calcium supplements alone is not sufficient in treating osteoporosis, and should not be viewed as an alternative to or substituted for more potent prescription osteoporosis medications. In the first several years after menopause, rapid bone loss can occur even if calcium supplements are taken.

Supplementing Your Heart Health: Omega-3,

Plant Sterols, and More

If you have high cholesterol, or if you're at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, you've likely had "the talk" with your doctor. For many people, making lifestyle changes is enough to lower cholesterol. Other people need medications like cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. Dietary supplements can be part of the prescription, too.
Of the $20 billion dollars spent yearly on herbs and supplements, those touted to improve heart health top the list. They range from fish oil and flaxseed oil to artichoke and garlic extracts.

Four Supplements Seniors Should Take

With so many choices of supplements and ever-changing evidence, it is difficult to know which ones are necessary and what they can do for your health. There are 4 dietary supplements qualified as ones every older adult should seriously consider...