Vitamin B12 shots are one of the latest fads to hit the fitness and weight loss scene, with several celebrities even endorsing their health benefits. They claim that vitamin B12 injections help to increase their energy and improve their mood. Some claim that vitamin B12 can even increase the body’s metabolism and ability to convert food into energy, therefore encouraging weight loss. But is there any medical or scientific evidence to support these dramatic claims? Or are vitamin B12 shots simply another health fad that will pass with time like the Atkins or South Beach diet? There are so many “snake oil” products on the market for weight loss because there is often a level of desperation felt by people wishing to lose weight, which often leads them to try new products that make dramatic claims as to their efficacy. But as the saying goes, most things that sound too […]

Iodine supplements can be necessary in cases of deficiency where not enough of the element is obtained through the natural diet. Today, dietary iodine supplements are rarely necessary in developed countries because iodine is routinely added to processed foods. However, there are many secondary uses where iodine supplements are helpful and still prevalent today. Many processed foods, especially salt, are supplemented with iodine You’ve probably seen the containers of table salt labeled “iodized salt”. Because iodine deficiency was prevalent in much of the world in the early 20th century, many countries mandated the addition of iodine in certain foods, especially salt. In Canada, this practice is currently mandated, and in the United States it is not mandated but is still practiced by many leading food manufacturers. What is iodine and why does the body need it? Iodine is one of the natural elements found in nature. The body cannot produce […]

The body needs small amounts of all the vitamins to perform its essential tasks. Vitamins can be separated into two categories based on their method of absorption, either via fat or water. The fat-soluble vitamins and water soluble vitamins each have their own specific characteristics. The unique characteristics of fat-soluble vitamins As the name suggests, the fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed and stored in fat molecules and also stored inside the liver. This means that the body does not need to obtain these vitamins from food sources or other external means as frequently as the water-soluble vitamins. The excess fat soluble vitamins that are stored can be tapped as needed by the body. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins cannot be expelled by the body easily and can quickly build up to toxic levels in certain circumstances. For this reason, always be careful when taking supplements containing fat-soluble vitamins. Do not take […]

Many people turn to fiber pills and supplements as a way to incorporate more fiber into their diet.  It is well-known that the modern American diet is severely lacking in the fiber amounts recommended by national guidelines.  Let’s take a look at some of the common questions about these fiber supplements. Are fiber pills healthy and a good alternative to natural fiber? Let’s state up front that it is almost always more healthy get your nutrition from natural whole foods rather than from a pill, and this rule of thumb holds true in this case as well. Fiber pills can be a healthy addition to your diet, but should really be used if there is some reason why you can’t get your fiber from regular foods. The recommended amount of fiber daily per person is 25 g and 21 g for seniors. If you make a concerted effort to eat healthy by incorporating […]