In the Summer, we don't need to worry about getting enough vitamin D since we spend so much time in the sun. When cold weather blows in, most of our skin is covered and we spend less time outdoors, so doctors often recommend taking vitamin D supplements. Before you start popping capsules, be warned that a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association shows too 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

The vitamin that seems to get the most press as of late is vitamin D. If we aren't hearing about how we're deficient in vitamin D, we're reading about the role vitamin D plays in cancer prevention. How much do you know about vitamin D? Could you ace our quiz about this miracle vitamin? There are various forms of vitamin D, but the two that are most important are vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is Read more

Fruits and veggies are full of vitamins and nutrients, but eating them can do some funky things to your body. We all know that beans can make you gassy and onions can cause bad breath, but here are some of produce's effects on the body that might not be as familiar. Asparagus: After eating some grilled spears with dinner, you may notice an odoriferous effect when you use the restroom. Does Read more

You may be able to say sayonara to your vitamin D supplements. An updated report says the uber high levels of vitamin D some doctors recommend (we're talking 2000 IU) are unnecessary and could actually be harmful. Turns out most people get enough of the much-talked-about vitamin D from our diets and natural sources like the sun. Adults have a recommended daily intake of 400 to 600 IU. Fish always 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

DrSugar is in the house, and she's answering your health related questions. Dear Doc Sugar, I have heard from multiple sources (my kids’ pediatrician, an osteopath, an acupuncturist, etc.) about the importance of taking a vitamin D supplement. Coming from multiple sources has convinced me to start taking a supplement, but I am confused about how much to take. I just read from a Dr. Weil Read more

Most people in this country aren't getting enough vitamin D — adults and kids alike. Our bodies manufacture vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun, but we don't spend much time in the sun these days. And when we do, we wear sunscreen. This hard-to-come-by vitamin plays an important role in our overall health. Not only does vitamin D help keep our bones strong, it helps prevent Read more