Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we've been talking about foods that may or may not offer special benefits. While there are some myths about food benefits, there are some foods that provide health bonuses or that are essential for helping other nutrients do their jobs. We know that calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones, and because of that, many of us make sure to eat calcium-rich foods or take supplements. But doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say calcium can't do the job alone.

Dr. Howard Heller, an expert on mineral metabolism at UT Southwestern, says vitamin D is essential in the absorption of calcium to keep bones strong. You'll find it in fortified milk or fatty fish. It may also be formed in the skin with sun exposure. Many people, particularly older adults, may need to take supplements because they don't get enough sun and because vitamin D is found in so few foods.

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^June 2006

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