Folate is essential for women who want to prevent major pregnancy complications, health experts have said for years.

However, a new federal report shows that the nutrient's level has decreased dramatically among non-pregnant American women of childbearing age, causing some doctors to worry that the numbers of birth defects may start climbing.

Do you feel tired so often that  it almost feels normal, especially during the rushed holidays? You don't have to take fatigue lying down.

Although the underlying cause of persistent fatigue can be hard to identify, that doesn't mean it  is imaginary. Fatigue often signals that something is wrong, physically or emotionally.

By Karen Collins, RD

The effect of dietary fat on breast cancer recurrence is not clear, but at least for now, the best advice seems to include limiting fat consumption to reduce risk of the cancer returning.

Yet, how a low-fat diet is put into practice may influence its benefits.