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Q:Since vitamin D is
a fat-soluble vitamin, does that mean that I need to consume
it along with some foods that contain fat?
A: No, this need not be a worry for vitamin D. Studies
show no significant difference when comparing blood levels of
vitamin D after people consumed it added to whole milk or skim
milk, regular (high-fat) or low fat cheese, and supplements taken
with or without meals. Research also showed that vitamin D added
to orange juice resulted in dramatic increases in blood levels
of vitamin D compared to regular orange juice. This is a valid
concern for other fat-soluble nutrients – for example, studies
show that we absorb more of certain carotenoids (such as beta-carotene)
from vegetables when there is some form of fat in the meal, either
added to the vegetables or elsewhere in the meal. But when it
comes to vitamin D, getting it from fortified cereal and skim
milk, from fortified juice, or even from a supplement not consumed
with food should be fine. |
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Q: For people in cancer
treatment, does the type of water they drink matter?
A: Some cancer treatments leave people’s immune
systems weak, so they need to take extra precautions to avoid
any risk of infection. They may be advised to avoid well water.
Water filters cannot filter out harmful microorganisms, which
may live in well water, but boiling water for one minute can
make it safe. Otherwise, city tap water is the most
recommended choice when immune function is low. City
water systems are highly regulated and tested frequently. Studies
have shown bottled water is no safer than water from a municipal
system, but it is usually another option during cancer
treatment. Cancer treatment centers give instructions when needed
about how to choose. Many bottled waters, often labeled "purified
water," are simply tap water with further filtering or added
minerals. Bottled waters labeled mineral or spring water
come from underground sources rather than municipal supplies,
but they’re only better if you prefer their flavor, not
for any documented health advantage. If you use a filter system
for your tap water make sure you maintain the filters carefully
so bacteria don’t accumulate. The filters remove trace amounts
of chlorine and some minerals, which is uncertain as far as health
benefit, but if it improves the flavor of your tap water so that
you drink it more often, such systems can be helpful and less
costly than bottled water. During chemotherapy in particular,
people are often advised to drink lots of water so finding water
that tastes good can be important.
Q: Is eating raw meat
really safe?
A: Because of the potential for illness from bacteria
or parasites, it is really not safe, but the risk is especially
great for anyone with a weakened immune system. Even undercooked
meats have caused serious infections, such as E. coli, that can
lead to death. Traditional raw meat or fish dishes all present
a risk. Dishes include steak tartare (particularly risky as it
contains raw ground beef and raw egg), beef carpaccio (raw thinly
sliced beef filet), sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish), ceviche
(raw marinated fish), and raw seafood such as oysters, clams
or mussels. Beef carpaccio is now labeled a high-risk food since
it was discovered that it was the source of an outbreak of salmonella
highly resistant to antibiotic treatment. Experts say that for
those who choose to eat raw meat or fish dishes, it’s vital
to choose sources that are scrupulous about sanitation. For anyone
with a weakened immune system – which includes the very
young, elderly, pregnant women (an unborn child does not have
a developed immune system) and those with illnesses such as HIV
or cancer – the advice is clear: Do not eat raw or undercooked
meat or seafood. And that is the safest advice for all of us. |
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