The association of health literacy with cervical cancer prevention knowledge and health behaviors in a multiethnic cohort of women.

Objective: Our purpose was to describe the relationship between health literacy, ethnicity, and cervical cancer screening practices and to evaluate physician recognition of low literacy.

Study Design: We studied a prospective cohort of English-speaking patients > or =18 years (n = 529) in ambulatory women's clinics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate demographics, health practices and beliefs, and knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening and prevention.

The health effects of vitamin C supplementation: a review.

A comprehensive review of the literature indicates that populations with long-term consumption of higher than RDA levels of vitamin C (> or = 60 mg/day) from foods and/or supplements have reduced risks of cancer at several sites, cardiovascular disease, and cataracts. The safety of higher than RDA intakes of vitamin C is confirmed in eight placebo-controlled, double-blind studies and six non-placebo clinical trials in which up to 10,000 mg of vitamin C was consumed daily for up to 3 years. There are no clinical data which suggest that vitamin C's enhancement of non-heme iron absorption in individuals with low iron status could be a critical factor in the possible increased risk of heterozygous hemochromatosis-related cardiovascular disease.

The new reference daily intakes: for better or for worse?

The introduction of the RDIs was well intentioned. However, there are scientific uncertainties and reasons for concerns about the proposed new nutrition standards. Adoption of the RDIs will inevitably lead to reduced intakes of critically important vitamins and minerals, will make it more difficult for members of nutritionally vulnerable groups to meet their nutrient needs, and will have undesirable effects on the health of the most needy by altering nutrition priorities and programs in this country.

Safety of vitamin A.

Vitamin A adequacy is discussed in terms of the recommended allowances appropriate for the needs of the majority of individuals. Deficiency can result in xerophthalmia and permanent blindness and in increased mortality rates among children. Toxicity has been associated with the overconsumption of vitamin A supplements.