Question: Is it really necessary to take daily vitamins?

latimes.com
Patients with deficient levels at the time of diagnosis are more likely to have their cancer metastasize and turn deadly, researchers say. But experts caution against treating cancer with supplements. >>

Its alleged backdating of options hurt no one, defenders say. But healthy markets need transparency. >>

May 14, 2008
NBA ROUNDUP
Richard Hamilton scored 19 of his 31 points in the first half and Tayshaun Prince had a key block Tuesday night to help Detroit hold off the Orlando Magic, 91-86, at Auburn Hills, Mich., sending the Pistons to the Eastern Conference finals for a sixth consecutive season. >>

May 12, 2008
Probiotic products claim to improve digestion and boost immunity with microorganisms. And sales are up -- way up. >>

The regimen is one of several diets that can provide relief from the symptoms of various illnesses when medication fails. >>

The standard ketogenic diet, a dietary approach for managing medication-resistant epilepsy, calls for a 4-1 or 3-1 ratio of fat to protein and carbohydrates. Why this diet works in controlling seizures is unclear, but researchers theorize that the diet forces the body to burn fat rather than sugar for energy, which creates ketones. Higher ketone levels act on the brain to decrease seizures. >>

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY
After taking Aciphex to treat heartburn for four years, I developed a vitamin B-12 deficiency. I complained to my doctor about being tired all the time. I was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I had to beg to have my B-12 levels tested, because my doctor didn't think it was a problem, but found that it was. >>

Extract of saw palmetto, the Serenoa repens plant, has long been promoted as a way to prevent the prostate from growing large. >>

May 8, 2008
NFL
The former New England Patriots' employee has sent the league eight videos that the team secretly shot of opposing teams' signal-calling between 2000 and 2002, but missing is a purported tape of Rams' >>

May 7, 2008
BEHIND THE LINES
They have made it look easy so far in playoffs. >>

May 6, 2008
INTERNET
Analysts, investors and employees second-guess the decision to rebuff Microsoft's bid. >>

May 5, 2008
As the sport grows in popularity, researchers are studying the physiology. Doctors worry that extreme eaters may be endangering their health. >>

THE M.D.
Doctors aiming to be more 'safe than sorry' with unwarranted tests and treatments can increase costs and worry. >>

THE HEALTHY SKEPTIC
But, doctors say, fish oil has no documented benefits for people without a cardiac problem. >>

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY
I've had chronic pain in my lower back, pelvis, hips and legs for nearly four years. Lying flat was agony, so I slept propped up in a love seat. >>

April 28, 2008
WHAT WE EAT
Get ready for less fruit juice and cheese: Soon, WIC coupons will cover produce and other healthful foods. >>

April 25, 2008
EARNINGS ROUNDUP
Supermarket operator Safeway Inc. reported Thursday that its profit rose 11% in the first quarter amid slowing sales growth, results that were boosted by the Easter holiday, a weak dollar and higher gasoline sales. >>

April 23, 2008
Broadcom Corp. said Tuesday that profit rose 22%, beating analysts' estimates, on higher demand from communications equipment companies. >>

BEHIND THE LINES
Philadelphia continued strong effort against the spread with Game 1 upset of Detroit. >>

April 21, 2008
Activists say people are detained in bush camps, where they're tortured, and that pro-Mugabe forces have burned the homes of opposition supporters to pressure them to back the president in a runoff. >>

April 20, 2008
The Passover meal helps build bonds with other communities. >>

April 18, 2008
Dear Carolyn: How do you feel about people who flip out on a friend who admits she had an affair? I'm in the camp of those who think a friend shouldn't condone the act but still be supportive. (You know, friend-like.) My flipping-out friend thinks cheating is wrong and verbally and emotionally flips out on cheating friends. Thoughts? >>

April 17, 2008
Blogs, websites and ads that induce 'excessive thinness' could bring down fines and jail time on their makers if the Senate passes pending legislation. Judges would make the call. >>

Dear Amy: I am a high school guy with a big problem -- my weight. Until this year I was just a little overweight (my whole family is). But I have begun getting the urge to eat more and more. I am not under any stress. I get good grades and have a great family. I have a normal social life. >>

April 10, 2008
SENESTEALER
Modern tech ages it >>

April 6, 2008
CENTRAL MAUI
8. MAUI CULINARY ACADEMY >>

March 31, 2008
Portion control products take the guesswork out of serving sizes. But whether they really prevent overeating depends on the individual. >>

Do the moves help back pain? If so, how much? Experts are divided, and research has to catch up. >>

WHAT WE EAT
Vitamin D2 content rose to two to four times the FDA daily value per serving after brief periods under ultraviolet light. The mushroom industry plans to bring high vitamin-D fungi to the market, perha >>

Mushrooms are the only natural fruit or vegetable source of vitamin D. They've got a lot of other things going for them too. They're a good source of copper, potassium, selenium and the B-vitamins niacin, pantothenic acid and riboflavin . They also contain ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant, in amounts greater than those found in chicken liver and wheat germ, the other two richest sources. They're fat-free, cholesterol-free and very low in calories. >>

March 24, 2008
NBA RESULTS, SCHEDULE
Though only three games above .500 at 36-33, Washington beats Detroit, 109-100, and adds to a list that includes two victories each over Boston, Dallas, New Orleans and Cleveland. >>

The array of merchandise at Natural Products Expo West reflects broad trends seen not only in small health stores, but also in supermarkets and big-box stores such as Costco, Sam's Club and Wal-Mart, says Fred Linder, president of New Hope Natural Media. The biggest trends seen by Linder and others who follow natural foods and products include: >>

March 21, 2008
NCAA: MARQUETTE 74, KENTUCKY 66
Wildcats get most of their points from two players, but upperclassmen turn the tide for Golden Eagles. >>

March 18, 2008
Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. has bet it can develop a drug from the same family as the notorious diet pill combination fen-phen -- and the gamble may be paying off. >>

March 17, 2008
CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK
Austin's South by Southwest sings. And it whispers of industry fears, Next Big Thing dreams and the solid comfort of music's dogged middle class. >>

ASK US
I have read many times that vegetables in the cruciferous family are very good for me. Some cruciferous vegetables are dark green, such as the florets on broccoli, and some are white, such as cauliflower. Are they all equally good? Are they good in different ways? >>

March 15, 2008
Will microorganisms help lead us to a green future? Scientists, and venture capitalists, hope so. >>

March 10, 2008
WHAT WE EAT
Seaweeds have nutrients that rival those of their earthbound counterparts. They cook up easy, too. >>

March 3, 2008
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY
I told my physician that my penis bends as an erection occurs. He said that this was not uncommon at my age (71). I've heard that there are medications that might help. >>

February 22, 2008
ON THE OUTDOORS
The recent spread of quagga mussels could lead to a ban of private boats at the Ventura County reservoir. >>

February 18, 2008
WHAT WE EAT
Remember the oat bran craze? In the late 1980s, several published studies touting the benefits of oat bran for lowering cholesterol had health professionals singing its praises. >>

It may not be as beneficial as most Americans think >>

February 15, 2008
The ex-Olympian lost her medals and will go to prison, but for some it's not enough. >>

February 11, 2008
There's no approved treatment for the waning of sexual desire after menopause, but a gel is being tested. >>

February 5, 2008
OSCARS
Julie Christie, George Clooney and the Coens celebrate their films. >>

January 21, 2008
WHAT WE EAT
A couple of hundred years ago, physicians had few diagnostic tools. To figure out what was going on inside the human body, they often turned to bodily fluids: blood, saliva, urine. They also noted unusual qualities of human urine when people ate certain foods. >>

January 14, 2008
The MRSA staph infection is a deadly threat. It's time for a broad-based response. >>

December 31, 2007
WHAT WE EAT
Found in fruits, vegetables and cured meats, the chemicals may reduce risk of heart disease, a study finds. >>

December 16, 2007
A TIMES INVESTIGATION
Partners in Health rejects taking a narrow approach to the AIDS crisis, even helping with food and other needs. >>

December 12, 2007
BREAKFAST CLUB
Members embrace silly pre-Monty Python rituals and chant about morning meals. >>

November 29, 2007
The percentage of overweight adults has stayed the same recently, but it's still at an all-time high. 'You can only get so fat,' one physiologist says. >>

November 19, 2007
WHAT WE EAT
It helps maintain the health of older people, can work as an antioxidant and lowers mortality. >>

October 22, 2007
WHAT WE EAT
Terms such as 'low-fat,' 'reduced' and 'sugar-free' are not always self-explanatory. >>

May 21, 2007
WHAT WE EAT
To many children, broccoli, beans and their ilk are just nasty. But a few clever strategies can turn that 'yuck' into 'yes.' >>

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