Nutrition FAQs

Answers to featured health and nutrition questions provided by Michael Greger M.D. FACLM and the NutritionFacts.org Volunteer Moderators. Questions are taken from the video and blog comments throughout the site. Join in the discussion to get your question featured!

What is the latest verdict on the proclaimed health benefits of coconut oil?

Coconut oil has its advocates. It can be purchased in health food shops and often appears as an ingredient in vegetarian and vegan recipes. However, I have my doubts regarding its proclaimed benefits. I would appreciate your opinion, is it good or...

Have you seen the very recent web blitz on heavy metals (particularly thallium) in cruciferous vegetables (particularly kale)?

jack p/ Originally posted in Diverticulosis: When Our Most Common Gut Disorder Hardly Existed Answer: A new Care2 post has surfaced about thallium poisoning and kale. A great article in VOX lays out the background. The claims that kale has high loads of...

What does the research say about dietary interventions on women with PCOS?

Is there anything that can lower DHEA? Also, is there any information about the cause of PCOS? I keep hearing it is Insulin Resistance, but my Insulin/Glucose were only midly resistant, but my DHEA is three times too high. I don't see...

Do algae-based omega-3 supplements contain beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) that has been found in blue-green algae?

I am taking an algae supplement for omega-3 (per Dr. Greger's advice a couple months ago) - should I stop since he said blue green algae was a source? How can I find out the BMAA risk?  Alexandra / Originally posted in Diet and...

What are some ways to help reduce the risk of food poisoning from pesticides?

The article (Viral Food Poisoning from Pesticides?) raises issues, but what do you recommend we do as a response? e.g. I noted in the comments below one reader suggests a 10% vinegar solution. I myself do a vigorous wash of my veg before...

Should I stay away from soy if I have breast cancer?

I am now confused. I was told by my oncologist and internist to stay away from soy after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My tumor was estrogen positive and I was told that soy mimics (or something to that affect) estrogen....

Should we take iodine supplements?

I've had a question regarding iodine for some time. As far as I know there are few options: - iodised salt - seaweeds - supplement I believe sodium-intake should be minimized, so that's a no. I've also read about many pollutants in...

Rouxbe’s Live Presentation with Dr. Greger

Aired June 30th, 2014 at 6:30PM ET

American College of Preventive Medicine’s Nutrition Webinar

Aired July 7th, 2014 at 2:00PM ET

Hangouts on Air: Live Q&A with Michael Greger, M.D.

Aired January 26th, 2014 at 8:00PM ET

Aren’t all studies funded by corporations biased?

If they received "grant money from a kiwifruit company", then why is their study any less biased than those studies you previously referred to that were funded by the salt or dairy or meat companies. Isn't the whole purpose of science to...

Boric acid for vaginal yeast infections?

I have [had vaginal yeast infections] for years now (comes and goes). For almost a year I am vegan. My diet is nutrition dense, whole foods and no processed foods, but I still have vaginal discharges, sometimes very heavy. I rarely drink...