Do Weight Loss Supplements Affect Nutrient Absorption? Expert Insights
Weight loss medications Hello, Doctor. 1) I am currently taking weight loss supplements, and sometimes I take one or two capsules of white kidney bean extract and chitosan before meals, as well as garcinia cambogia before desserts. However, I also take calcium or lutein supplem...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: 1. The principle of weight loss is to reduce caloric intake while maintaining a balanced diet, along with regular lifestyle habits and exercise. Some weight loss supplements may lead to poor absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. If taken long-term, supplemen...[Read More] Do Weight Loss Supplements Affect Nutrient Absorption? Expert Insights
Understanding Lutein: Metabolism, Dietary Sources, and Recommendations
Lutein in food Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous explanation about lutein. I have some more questions I would like to understand! Is it true that lutein supplements require the liver for metabolism, and does lutein absorbed from food also need to be metabolized by the li...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding lutein from food, all nutrients ingested by the body need to be metabolized by the liver. Currently, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the maximum daily intake limit for lutein in capsule or tablet form is 30 milligrams. However,...[Read More] Understanding Lutein: Metabolism, Dietary Sources, and Recommendations
Daily Lutein Intake: How Much is Safe for Your Liver?
Daily intake of lutein? Hello, doctor. Why can excessive intake of lutein harm the liver? The recommended daily intake of lutein is 6 mg, but the absorption rate from supplements is only about 10-20% (depending on the formulation). Does this mean that taking 30 mg is necessary to...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The absorption rate of nutrients must take into account the characteristics and molecular conditions of the nutrients, so the absorption rates vary. The recommended amount of lutein is 6 mg, and according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's regulations on food add...[Read More] Daily Lutein Intake: How Much is Safe for Your Liver?
Is It Safe for Stage 4 CKD Patients to Eat Plain Rice Balls?
Is it suitable for a patient with stage 4 chronic kidney disease to eat glutinous rice balls (without filling)? Hello, Nutritionist: My mother is currently in stage 4 chronic kidney disease. In addition to her regular three meals a day, she also consumes 2 packets of nutritional ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! The ingredients for plain tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) are glutinous rice flour. Generally, for patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease, it is recommended to reduce the intake of flour-based foods (such as noodles and bread) and to increase the consumption of low-n...[Read More] Is It Safe for Stage 4 CKD Patients to Eat Plain Rice Balls?
Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
The body eliminates PFCs (perfluorinated compounds)? Hello, doctor. The non-stick cookware material we previously used at home is made of PTFE and PFOA, which are long-chain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs can accumulate in the blood and are excreted through urine. However,...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! According to data from the National Health Research Institutes, PFCs (perfluorinated compounds) are synthetic chemicals that provide water and oil resistance. They are commonly used for surface protection on carpets and clothing, as well as in paper coatings or cardboard p...[Read More] Foods That Help Eliminate Long-Chain PFCs from Your Body
Can a 16-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Growth Insights
Is there still a chance to grow taller at the age of 16? I am 16 years old and have had poor digestion and absorption since childhood, which has made me quite thin. I had surgery for intestinal obstruction when I was in the first year of junior high school. I am currently 168 cm ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Factors that influence height include genetics, diet, exercise, and sleep. In terms of diet, it is important to consume foods rich in calcium and adequate amounts of protein, such as small dried fish, fresh milk, and tofu. Additionally, foods that can negatively affect cal...[Read More] Can a 16-Year-Old Still Grow Taller? Nutrition and Growth Insights
How Often Should You Take Beta-Carotene Based on Your Fruit and Veggie Intake?
How often should beta-carotene be taken? Hello Dr. Tsai, thank you for your previous answer regarding whether mixing beta-carotene with water and storing it in the refrigerator would lead to nutrient loss. You suggested taking 25,000 IU of beta-carotene every few days, so I would...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yi! Natural foods are the best, and I encourage you to consume natural foods daily for supplementation. As for beta-carotene, if you must supplement, it is advisable to take it every two weeks for safety. Opening the capsule may affect digestion, absorption, and relea...[Read More] How Often Should You Take Beta-Carotene Based on Your Fruit and Veggie Intake?
Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?
Beta-carotene Hello, Dr. Tsai. Thank you for your previous response regarding the side effects of beta-carotene! Each beta-carotene capsule contains 25,000 IU, which is quite a high dosage. Therefore, I dissolved the beta-carotene capsule in room temperature water, mixed the beta...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding β-carotene extraction, there are many enzymes that can rapidly break down carotenoids. Additionally, carotenoids contain numerous unsaturated double bonds, and both light and heat can accelerate their degradation, resulting in poor stability. It is usually necess...[Read More] Can You Refrigerate Dissolved Beta-Carotene for Next Day Use?
Understanding the Side Effects of Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know
Side effects of β-carotene? Hello Dr. Tsai, I usually take 25,000 IU of beta-carotene daily. Recently, I came across some side effects of beta-carotene online, including headaches, joint pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. Could you explain why beta-carotene might cause these three sid...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Yi! Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble vitamin and a precursor to vitamin A. It must be absorbed and metabolized to be converted into active vitamin A. However, there is no upper limit for beta-carotene intake, and it does not exhibit toxicity at high doses. In contrast, ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know
Struggling to Recover After Illness: Nutritional Guidance for Better Health
Unable to recover after being ill? I am 153 cm tall and weigh only about 39 to 38 kg. I previously suffered from gastroenteritis for a month, and despite taking Western medicine, my condition did not improve. Everything I ate was expelled from my body. Although I feel a bit bette...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! After gastroenteritis, the intestines require smaller nutrient molecules for better digestion and absorption. It is recommended to consume finer-textured foods, such as congee, chicken soup, and fish soup, in small, frequent meals. Before main meals, you can have small amo...[Read More] Struggling to Recover After Illness: Nutritional Guidance for Better Health
Why Tube Feeding with Nutritional Milk Can Raise Uric Acid Levels
Why can enteral feeding lead to elevated uric acid levels? Hello, I would like to inquire why elderly individuals who are on tube feeding (with Ensure milk) may experience elevated uric acid levels.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! There are many reasons for elevated uric acid levels, including metabolic conditions, infections, kidney function, and medication use, all of which can affect uric acid levels. It is advisable to consult your physician during your follow-up visit to discuss the possible fa...[Read More] Why Tube Feeding with Nutritional Milk Can Raise Uric Acid Levels
Understanding Carbohydrate Substitutions: White Rice vs. Sticky Rice
Carbohydrate substitution According to the Central Regional Alliance of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, one serving of 50 grams of white rice is equivalent to one serving of 50 grams of glutinous rice, both containing 15 grams of carbohydrates. Is this information correct? Si...
Dr. Wu Yunxuan Reply:
According to the "Nutrition Atlas of Common Foods in Taiwan" published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare's National Health Administration, one serving of rice equals 50 grams (with 15.5 grams of carbohydrates), and one serving of cooked glutinous rice equals 50...[Read More] Understanding Carbohydrate Substitutions: White Rice vs. Sticky Rice
Essential Supplements and Care Tips After a Car Accident Recovery
Inquire about supplements to take after a car accident? My boyfriend was in a car accident and has stitches on his head, abrasions on his arms and legs, and a mild liver laceration. After being discharged from the hospital, what should we pay extra attention to? Can he take chick...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! After a car accident, the body requires high protein intake for tissue repair. It is recommended to supplement with high-protein foods such as fish, chicken, and milk, which are rich in protein. Chicken essence contains trace amounts of amino acids; these small molecules a...[Read More] Essential Supplements and Care Tips After a Car Accident Recovery
Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Hello, doctor. I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. Can I consume berries (such as blueberries, acai berries, blackberries, etc.) every day? I am having difficulty understanding the difference between isoflavones and flavonoids, and I would apprec...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Flavonoids are a class of plant pigments and are a type of cyclic compound. To date, over four thousand different flavonoids have been identified, which are widely found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, roots, bark, tea leaves, and red wine. Flavonoids can be subdivide...[Read More] Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Understanding Beta-Carotene and Its Role in Vitamin A Supply
beta-Carotene Hello Dr. Tsai, when the body needs vitamin A, can the liver utilize beta-carotene stored in other organs? Also, regarding the bottle of B-complex vitamins at home, there are small yellow spots on the surface of the pills, but none inside. Do those small yellow spot...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and while it is essential, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, which may result in symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, liver enlargement, and blurred vision. On the other hand, while beta-carotene is not toxic ...[Read More] Understanding Beta-Carotene and Its Role in Vitamin A Supply
Is It Safe to Eat Fruit Right After Meals? Debunking Common Myths
There are claims online that eating fruits..? There is a common belief online that eating fruit immediately after a meal can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating and diarrhea, due to the fructose in the fruit being digested last, potentially fermenting into harmful substanc...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! This statement is likely based on the digestion rates of the three macronutrients. According to Taiwanese dietary habits, it seems that everyone might be experiencing daily diarrhea. The timing of fruit intake should be adjusted based on individual digestive conditions. Th...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Fruit Right After Meals? Debunking Common Myths
Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
Postoperative Diet After circumcision, is it okay to eat nuts such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, or macadamia nuts? I found conflicting information online; some say you shouldn't eat pumpkin seeds after surgery, while others say it's fine, so I'm asking here. Also, si...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Unless you have an allergy to pumpkin, there is no need to restrict its consumption. Pumpkin is rich in nutrients and beneficial for health. When using plastic bags for pasta with vinegar, be cautious, as the vinegar may leach harmful substances from the plastic. Therefore...[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Underweight Individuals
I am too thin and want to gain weight; I feel severely underweight? Hello, Doctor. I am Xiao Lin. I am currently 180 cm tall and weigh 50 kg. I am a male and have completed my military service, but my BMI is only 15 or 16, which is insufficient, so I could only serve for 2 weeks ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, if you have already undergone an examination, it is recommended that you consult a nutritionist for a detailed assessment of your dietary intake. They can analyze the nutritional content and caloric value of your foods. It is possible that the fo...[Read More] Struggling to Gain Weight: Tips for Underweight Individuals
Is It Safe to Drink Fresh Milk After Breakfast? Nutritional Insights
Fresh milk, following up on the previous question? So if I have a Taiwanese egg pancake for breakfast and then immediately go to a convenience store to drink about 300cc of fresh milk, that should be fine, right? My weight and BMI are within the normal range, and I am generally h...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, your current body position is standard. If there are no other symptoms, it indicates that drinking fresh milk does not have a significant impact on you. Wishing you peace and health. This response is from Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen at Nantou Hospital, Ministry of Health and W...[Read More] Is It Safe to Drink Fresh Milk After Breakfast? Nutritional Insights
Essential Vitamin Questions: Do You Need Vitamin D and Breakfast?
About vitamins? Hello, I would like to ask three questions: 1. Since I work indoors at home and hardly get any sunlight exposure, do I need to take vitamin D? 2. Is it okay to take a multivitamin like Centrum long-term, or is it better to take it every few days? 3. I often he...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, 1. Vitamin D is found in many foods, such as eggs, mushrooms, milk, fish, papaya, mango, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, so there is no need for additional supplementation. 2. If your diet is not well-balanced, it is accep...[Read More] Essential Vitamin Questions: Do You Need Vitamin D and Breakfast?