-
Since our inception in early 2003, Healthnutz has become the largest independent supplement chain in North Carolina. Providing unbiased supplement information and a vast inventory of high-quality products at affordable pricing, Healthnutz has helped thousands of customers lead a healthier life. Now with 4 convenient locations and ease-of-ordering web fulfillment, getting the highest quality products at the lowest prices has never been easier!
Our goal is simple: To provide every customer, whether in store or shopping from the convenience of their home, the highest quality customer service, advice, and nutrition knowledge in our industry. Try us out today and see why taking care of the inside, makes taking care of the outside a lot easier!
We strive to provide you the latest information regarding the nutritional supplement industry. You will always find article postings below that are relevant to your personal supplement regimen. Along with these articles, you can find the latest news on Health & Wellness in our HealthNews section. We update these RSS feeds frequently, so please continue to check this section for up-to-the-minute wellness information.
Our online catalog reflects our best in-store recommendations for nutritional supplements. We are continually posting new products for sale, so please check the Shop Now section frequently for the latest featured items. If you don’t see products you typically buy in any of our 4 locations, please email us your request from the Contact Us section of the site. With limited resources, it will take a while to have our product catalog fully implemented online. We apologize for the delay, but promise to have that completed as quickly as possible.
Please make note: Our online inventory features web-only pricing. These prices are not applicable in any of our store locations. To view our current store specials, please visit the In-Store Offer section of the site.
Thanks again for visiting Healthnutz Discount Nutrition; we hope you enjoy your stay!
Zinc Supplementation for Ear Infections
Date: 4/30/2010
Source: Cochrane Database Syst Review
Related Monographs: Zinc, Otitis Media
Otitis media is a nonspecific term describing inflammation of the middle ear, and is classified according to its clinical presentation. Otitis media is more commonly referred to as an ear infection. As most parents know, ear infections demand attention. Otitis media can be classified as acute otitis media or as otitis media with effusion meaning that there is an accumulation of fluids. Acute otitis media is characterized by rapid onset of symptoms, and episodes are more frequent in the first 3 years of life. Acute otitis media is the most frequent diagnosis in infants and children who visit physicians because of illness. Acute otitis media occurs in adults, but with much less frequency. Otitis media with effusion differs from acute otitis media in that signs and symptoms of acute infection are absent. Several risk factors contribute to the higher incidence and frequency of otitis media. These include the season of the year, certain malformations, environmental factors, and the age of the child when the first episode occurred.
Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes and, as such, it plays a vital role in an enormous number of biological processes. Zinc is widely distributed in microorganisms, plants, and animals. In humans, the highest concentrations of zinc are found in the liver, pancreas, kidneys, bone, and muscles. Zinc is highly concentrated in parts of the eye, prostate gland, sperm, skin, hair, and nails. Zinc helps regulate a wide variety of immune system functions and it may stimulate anti-viral activity. Because of these benefits, it has been studied for use as a treatment for the common cold. The best dietary sources of zinc are lean meats, liver, eggs, and seafood (especially oysters). Whole grain breads and cereals are also good sources of zinc.
A team of researchers identified 10 randomized, placebo-controlled trials to evaluate whether zinc supplements could prevent otitis media in children. The children were given zinc supplements once a week for a month to prevent ear infections. The zinc supplements did not seem to cause any serious adverse events. Although a small number of children did vomit shortly after ingesting the supplement. The results were there was not any solid evidence that zinc could prevent ear infections. There was one small trial of 39 infants who were being treated for severe malnutrition that suggested a benefit of zinc in reducing the risk of otitis media. The authors concluded that evidence on whether zinc supplementation can reduce the incidence of otitis media in healthy children under the age of five years is not confirmed.1
1 Abba K, Gulani A, Sachdev HS. Zinc supplements for preventing otitis media. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Women and Newborns
Date: 5/3/2010
Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Related Monographs: Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine" vitamin because it is formed in the body by the action of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. The fat-soluble vitamin is converted in the kidneys to the hormone calcitrol, which is actually the most active form of vitamin D. The effects of this hormone are targeted at the intestines and bones. Decreased vitamin D intake along with not enough sunlight exposure can cause a vitamin D deficiency. Other causes could be inadequate absorption and impaired conversion of vitamin D into its active form. When vitamin D deficiency occurs, bone mineralization is impaired which leads to bone loss.
Vitamin D is important for the growth and development of bones and teeth. For this reason, vitamin D is an important growth nutrient for infants and children. Vitamin D is one of the primary regulators of calcium absorption, which is also important for proper bone health and development. Deficiencies are frequently found in individuals with or at risk for osteoporosis. Considering this relationship, vitamin D insufficiency may have an effect on bone strength.
Maternal vitamin D levels may be responsible for programming neonatal skeletal development. The purpose of a recent study was to determine the association of mothers' vitamin D status with bone variables of their newborns. The cross-sectional study included 125 pregnant women. Researchers collected data from each of the participants, which included age, body mass index before pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain and total vitamin D intake. The researchers also collected blood samples from the mothers during the first trimester, two days postpartum and from the umbilical cords at birth to analyze serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. It was found that although the mean total intake of vitamin D among the mothers met current recommendations, 71 percent of women and 15 percent newborns were deficient during pregnancy. These results suggest that efforts should be made to revise current nutrition recommendations for pregnant women since this may have a permanent effect on the well-being of their children.1
1 Viljakainen HT, Saarnio E, Hytinanttis T, et al. Maternal vitamin D status determines bone variables in the newborn. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Apr2010;95(4):1749-57.
Featured Products
$54.95
$43.96 You Save: 20.00% |
