Not eating animal products means a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and although it can also be used to lose weight, it's important not to skip out on valuable nutrients that often come from meat and dairy. Vitamin B12 Most women need 2.4 mcg of this vitamin each day. It's essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system as well as healthy blood cells. Found mostly in poultry, beef, Read more

Do you know what's in your medicine cabinet? A recent report in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that while over-the-counter medicine use is prevalent, many people don't know much about the active ingredients in popular painkillers like Advil and Tylenol. When asked about the difference between common pain relief brands, most of the study's participants didn't know what was in Read more

How much calcium should I get? What about vitamin B12? If you're curious to know how much you need each day of your basic vitamins and minerals, this chart is for you! It tells you the recommended daily intake (RDI) of each nutrient, and what you need to eat to obtain it. Read more

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! Find out which immune-boosting supplements really help — and which are just hype By the Editors at Prevention Flu shots, hand washing, healthy eating, and regular exercise are the best ways to avoid cold and flu. But sometimes even the most scrupulous germaphobes and healthy people get sick anyway. While Read more

A new survey from the American Heart Association has found some bad news: turns out most people don't know what an acceptable amount of salt or wine should be. The survey asked 1,000 adults how much they know about their recommended daily salt and red wine intake, and the results were disheartening. Over 60 percent believe that sea salt is a low-sodium alternative to table salt, and almost half Read more

Even if you aren't the type of person who reaches for the salt shaker at every meal, you still might be consuming too much sodium. If you're healthy and under 50 years old, you should aim to consume less than 2,300 milligrams of salt a day — about one teaspoon of the white stuff. The problems don't always come from the salt shaker — check out the list below to see which everyday foods pack in Read more

Willow Jarosh and Stephanie Clarke are registered dietitians and founders of C&J Nutrition. We consulted them to see if certain foods or beverages prevent calcium absorption and what you need to know to fulfill your daily dose. FitSugar: Can food or beverages block calcium absorption, and why does this occur? C&J Nutrition: Yes, certain foods/beverages can inhibit calcium absorption. Read more

On my last visit to my doctor, I was surprised to find out that bone strength peaks in women by the age of 35. After that, the body stops producing new bone and gradually loses bone mass. And in certain cases, bone loss can result in osteoporosis. Not only can osteoporosis result in a reduction of height, it leaves the body more susceptible to bone fractures. My doctor says that it's extremely Read more