Nutrition Information

Nutrition involves the intake and utilization of food substances by our bodies.  Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (in the form of sugars and starches) supply us with the calories that we need for energy.  Vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber supply our bodies with other important nutrients.  In addition to these nutrients, water is an essential element to a healthy diet.

Vitamins help our bodies perform their metabolic functions.  Water-soluble vitamins, including the B vitamins and vitamin C, are excreted quickly, but fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body.  Vitamin deficiencies can cause certain diseases, but excessive amounts of fat-soluble vitamins can also lead to health problems.  A balanced diet supplies adequate amounts of most vitamins, but certain vitamin supplements may benefit people with specific health or nutrition requirements.  Minerals have many uses in our bodies.  The functions of iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium are well-established; the benefits of various trace minerals have also been researched to some degree.  Dietary fiber helps us digest food, can lower cholesterol levels, and may help prevent hypertension and some forms of cancer.  Many adults drink several glasses of water per day to maintain healthy metabolism and hydration levels, and to help remove body wastes.

Various foods contain different amounts and combinations of nutrients, and a varied diet will generally ensure adequate nutrition.  Nutritional supplements may help to compensate for a lack of specific nutrients in a person's diet, but they are no substitute for a healthy diet.  The United States Food and Drug Administration and other organizations research nutrition issues and provide nutritional guidelines; these guidelines have been modified and refined from time to time.

NutritionInformation.us features convenient access to popular nutritional supplement suppliers and several nutrition information resources.

Nutritional Supplements and Vitamins

• DrWhitaker.com
  
  Guide to alternative health and anti-aging medicine.  Nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals, and health advice from a respected source.
  www.DrWhitaker.com
• DrDavidWilliams.com
  
  This authority on natural healing therapies and treatments features a health library and stresses the importance of nutrient supplements for overall health maintenance.
  www.DrDavidWilliams.com
• DrLark.com
  
  Doctor Susan Lark is a noted authority on women's health issues, particularly in the areas of nutrition, healthy recipes, and alternative medicine.
  www.DrLark.com

Nutrition Information and Resources

• Nutrition.gov
  
  Nutrition coverage includes food facts, food safety, life cycle issues, and health management, as well as food assistance, research, and resources.
  www.Nutrition.gov
• Food and Nutrition Information Center
  
  Website topics include dietary supplements, food composition, dietary guidelines, food guide pyramid, consumer and teacher centers.
  FNIC.NAL.USDA.gov
• International Food Information Council
  
  Food safety & nutrition information, food insight articles, and a glossary of food-related terms.
  www.IFIC.org
• Food and Nutrition
  
  Features a series of articles on general nutrition, kids & nutrition, and improving your nutrition.  This website is operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians, a national medical organization representing family physicians, family practice residents, and medical students.
  www.FamilyDoctor.org
• MEDLINEplus: Nutrition
  
  Nutrition information published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
  www.NLM.NIH.com/medlineplus/nutrition.html
• Food Guide to Healthy Eating
  
  This Canadian government publication is designed to help persons choose food wisely.  It translates the science of healthy eating into a practical pattern of food choices that meets nutrient requirements, promotes health, and minimizes the risk of nutrition-related diseases.
  www.HC-SN.GC.ca

Nutrition Information - Nutritional Supplements