Food & Recipes

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Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that eat organically grown feed, and they are not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, genetic engineering, or radiation, and its production emphasizes using renewable resources and conserving soil and water.

Organic foods are not free of pesticide residues, but they do contain smaller amounts than found in foods that are not organic. Organic foods are an alternative source of foods for those who are concerned about pesticides in foods.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets guidelines for the production of organic foods and for when the organic-food label can be used.

There is debate over whether organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally produced food, and the USDA makes no claims that organic foods are safer or more nutritious.

For more information, see the topic Organic Foods.

Vitamin and mineral supplements

Certain groups of people need to pay attention to specific nutrients, including:

• Infants and children, who may need supplements such as iron, vitamin D, and fluoride.
• Girls and women, who may need iron, folic acid, and calcium supplements, for example.
• People who are recovering from an accident or an illness, have a chronic disease, or are unable to eat a variety of foods. People with these problems may need a dietary supplement to help meet their nutrition needs.
• People older than 50. Because people older than 50 tend to have trouble absorbing enough vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D, it is recommended that they take a supplement or eat more of the foods that contain these nutrients.

Dietary supplements can't make up for poor eating habits. They don't contain all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals found in food. For most healthy people, a balanced diet can provide all the nutrients needed for good health, and supplements are not necessary. Ask a registered dietitian or other health professional whether you need to take vitamin or mineral supplements.

For more information on vitamin and mineral supplements, see the topic Choosing a Vitamin and Mineral Supplement.

Special diets

Conditions for which nutrition plays an important part in treatment include:

• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Heart failure.
• Coronary artery disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Cystic fibrosis.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Osteoporosis.
• Food allergies.
• Food intolerances (including lactose intolerance).
• Celiac sprue/gluten intolerance.
• Cancer.

You may get more information about diets for these conditions by contacting a registered dietitian in your area.