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Vitamins and Minerals in Substance Use Recovery

Vitamins and minerals, also called micronutrients, are necessary for healthy development, disease prevention, optimal metabolism and overall well-being, especially during recovery from substance use.

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Explore Nevada’s food systems from farm to table. Learn about local production, processing, access, consumption, and recovery through Extension programs.

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A Gender-specific approach to improving substance abuse treatment for women: The Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF) Program This study tested the efficacy of a supplemental health and body image curriculum designed for women in substance abuse treatment who report weight concerns called Healthy Steps to Freedom (HSF). Lindsay, A., Warren, C., Velasquez S., & Lu, M. 2012, Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 43(1), 61-69.
Alfalfa for Beef Cows Optimizing a ranch’s feed resources often requires strategic supplementation of standing forage with a processed protein, energy or mineral product. However, protein and energy supplements do not necessarily have to come out of a sack. Foster, S. McCuin, G., Nelson, D., Schultz, B., and Torell, R. 2009, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Analytical Methods for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Vitamin D and Its Metabolites Dave, Nayomi, Pranav Sonawane, Krittika Zutshi, Tanu Dixit, Trutuja Gawas, Neetu Mishra, Swapnil Godbharle, Angeline Jeyakumar, and Selvan Ravindran 2025, Handbook of Public Health Nutrition: International, National, and Regional Perspectives,
Basil: The King of Herbs Basil is a fragrant, leafy herb from the mint family, best known for its fresh, slightly sweet flavor and bright green leaves. It is widely used in cooking around the world and has a long history of medicinal and cultural significance. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-17
Blue light added with red LEDs enhance growth characteristics, pigments content and antioxidant capacity in lettuce, spinach, kale, basil and sweet pepper in a controlled environment. Naznin, M. T., Lefsrud, M., Gravel, V., and Azad, O. K. 2019, Plants. 8, 93
Cardamom: The Queen of Spices Cardamom is an aromatic spice that has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for supporting digestion, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-18
Challenges and Adaptation Strategies for Riesling Grape (Vitis vinifera L) Production in the Southwest Desert in the USA Riesling, a traditionally cool-climate grape variety, faces increasing challenges when cultivated in the Desert Southwest region of the United States. This paper synthesizes potential strategies for adapting Riesling cultivation to desert environments under increasing climate variability. Naznin, M.T., Azad, M.O.K., Moe, J. 2025, Front. Plant Sci., 16 September, Sec. Plant Physiology, Volume 16 - 2025
Clove: The Nail Spice Clove is a powerful aromatic spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for its antimicrobial properties, pain-relieving effects, and high antioxidant content. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-19
Comparison of household double burden of malnutrition among mother-child dyads in different settings in Maharashtra Angeline Jeyakumar, Swapnil Godbharle, Hema Kesa, Pranita Shambharkar, Pooja Bhalekar, Shraddha Chalwadi & Roopan George 2024, Cities & Health Volume 8, 2024 - Issue 6
Cumin: The Sweet-Smelling Spice Cumin is an aromatic spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for supporting digestion, boosting immunity, and providing antioxidant benefits. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-20
Dark interruption with red or blue LEDs mitigates powdery mildew and enhances bioactive compound accumulation in organically grown strawberries Disease attack of powdery mildew is a major concern in organic strawberry production in tunnels or greenhouses production. Our results showed that dark interruption using blue LEDs enhanced the accumulated berry yield, increased the antioxidant activities and reduced the disease incidence. Khalil, S., Alsanius, B.W., Naznin, M.T. 2025, Current Research in Biotechnology, Volume 10, 2025, 100313, ISSN 2590-2628
Dynamic energy balance: An integrated framework for discussing diet and physical activity in obesity prevention - Is it more than eating less and exercising more? This paper highlights the importance of advancing nutrition educators’ understanding about PA, and its synergistic role with diet, and the value of incorporating a dynamic energy balance approach into obesity-prevention programs. Manore, M., Larson-Meyer, E., Lindsay, A., Hongu, N. and Houtkooper, L. 2017, Nutrients 9(8):905. doi:10.3390/nu9080905. Available at: www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Effect of chitosan and bioactive Aloe vera gel edible coating on the postharvest quality of fresh-cut guava Nasrin, T.A.A., Rahman, M.A., Arfin, M.S., Afroz, M., Naznin, M.T., Molla, M.M. 2025, New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science - Volume 53, 2025 - Issue 5
Effect of Different Combinations of Red and Blue LED Light on Growth Characteristics and Pigments Content of In Vitro Tomato Plantlets. Naznin, M. T., Lefsrud, M., Azad, O. K. and Park, C. H. 2019, Agriculture. 9(9), 196
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on the immune response to respiratory tract infections and inflammatory conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis Angeline Jeyakumar, Pooja Bhalekar, Pranita Shambharkar 2024, Human Nutrition & Metabolism Volume 37, September 2024, 200272
Effects of the incorporation of tannin extract from Quebracho Colorado wood on color Parameters, lipid oxidation, and sensory attributes of beef patties Condensed tannins from Quebracho Colorado wood are incorporated into beef patties as a natural antioxidant source to improve shelf life. Fruet, A.P.B., Giotto, F.M., Fonseca, M.F., Nörnberg, J.L., and de Mello, A.S. 2020, Foods 2020, 9(5), 667
Embedding Culturally Responsive and Racial Equity Strategies in Evaluation: Lessons and Experiences from Evaluation Specialists in the Cooperative Extension System Culturally Responsive and Equitable Evaluation (CREE) centers on equity, justice, and community partnership throughout evaluation. This roundtable explores CREE as a reflective, relational process that uplifts diverse voices, builds trust, and informs inclusive, culturally grounded evaluation practices in Extension. Najat Elgeberi, Vikram Koundinya, LaJoy Spears 2025, Eighth International for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment Conference
Field assessment for obesity prevention in children and parents: Physical activity, fitness and body composition. This report will assist educators in identifying and selecting appropriate field-based assessments for measurement of PA, physical fitness, and body composition for children and adults. Specific guidelines, references, and resources are given for selecting assessment methods and test within these 3 areas. Lindsay, A., Hongu, K., Spears, K., Dyrek, A. & Manore, M. 2014, Journal of Nutrition Education Behavior 46 (1):43-53. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.03.013
Food away from home and the risk of non-communicable diseases among young working adults in Pune, India: a smartphone-based dietary assessment Godbharle, S., Jeyakumar, A., & Kesa, H. 2025, BMC nutrition, 11(1), 202.
Food Safety Tips for Nevada Child Caregivers This publication will help you to learn more about what caregivers should look for during the preparation of food to prevent foodborne illness. Omaye, S. and Wilson, M. 2007, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-28
For the Health Professional: Infant Formula IS NOT the Same as Breast Milk This fact sheet presents a comprehensive (but not complete) list of human milk components to help show the great differences between infant formula and human milk components. Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-17
Impact of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) interventions on diarrhoeal infections among children in the tribal regions of Palghar: a quasi-experimental study. Angeline Jeyakumar, Bibek Raj Giri, Swapnil Godbharl 2024, J Water Health 1 July 2024; 22 (7): 1125–1138
Influencing Head Start families thoughts and beliefs about health, nutrition, and physical activity. The results of an intervention comparison research study indicated that preschoolers can have an influence on their families’ food selection and physical activity habits. Byington, T. A., Lindsay, A. R., Loesch-Griffin, D., Brumett, S., & Sigman-Grant, M. 2013, National Head Start Association, NHSA Dialog, 16(3), 160-164
Integrating traditional food properties with modern nutrition to develop complementary foods from local resources. An acceptability study in tribal regions of Jawhar among undernourished children. This article is unique for the comprehensive methodology and study design to perform a community-based action/ evaluation project for the management of child undernutrition in the tribal regions of India Bhalare, S., Deshmukh, S., Godbharle, S., & Jeyakumar, A. 2025, Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 49(1), 23.
Living With Celiac Disease This fact sheet contains detail on celiac disease and the diet one must main as a result. Learn several other topics such as dermatitis herpetiformis, gluten-free menu and many more. Seymour, K. and Wilson, M. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-15
Longitudinal Three-Year Associations of Dietary Fruit and Vegetable Intake with Serum hs-C-Reactive Protein in Adults with and without Type 1 Diabetes Helm MM, Basu A, Richardson LA, Chien L-C, Izuora K, Alman AC, Snell-Bergeon JK. 2024, Nutrients. 2024; 16(13):2058
Managing High Blood Pressure This fact sheet contains several ways to reduce one's blood pressure for a healthier life. Wilson, M. 2005, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-05-49
MicroRNA Biogenesis, Gene Regulation Mechanisms, and Availability in Foods de Mello, A.S.; Ferguson, B.S.; Shebs-Maurine, E.L.; Giotto, F.M. 2024, Non-coding RNA 10(5), 52
Minding Your Minerals This fact sheet contains answers to common questions that revolve around minerals such as calcium, iron, and fluoride. Wilson, W., Scott, B. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-52
Molecular composition of meats: a novel look at microRNAs as functional nutrients de Mello, A.S., Gamage, N.D.H., Ferguson, B.S., Zhou, T. 2026, Animal Frontiers, vfag005
Mustard: the ancient spice Mustard is a pungent plant valued for centuries in traditional medicine. It is known for supporting digestion, stimulating circulation, and providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-21
Nevada’s health and nutrition needs – Preferred methods of health information delivery. Seymour, K., Spears, K., Lindsay, A., Collins, C., Leontos, C., Sigman-Grant, M., Wilson, M. & Woodson, J. 2009, UNCE Special Publication SP-09-18
Novel Endo-ß-N-Acetylglucosaminidases Derived from Human Fecal Samples Selectively Release N-Glycans from Model Glycoproteins Bolino, M., Haththotuwe Gamage, N., Duman, H., Abiodun, O., De Mello, A. S., Karav, S., & Frese, S. A. 2025, Foods 2025, 14(8), 1288
Nutrition, the Gut and a Healthy Mind in Recovery Healing and restoring the gut during recovery takes time and patience. It will also change as someone moves through detoxification into long-term recovery. Prioritizing fiber-rich foods that include both prebiotic and probiotic sources will set up an individual with the best habits to ultimately support their health. Lindsay, A., Norman-Burgdolf, H., & Tovar, L. 2024, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-24-02
Nutritional and Sensory Analysis of Raspberry Varieties Grown in Northern Nevada The purpose of this study was to measure vitamin C, vitamin E, total polyphenolics (antioxidants) and sugars (glucose and fructose) in several raspberry varieties during two growing seasons and during different months of harvest. We hypothesized these nutrients would vary across types, as well as harvest month. Jacobs, J., Kratsch, H., Omaye, S., and Treftz C. 2016, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Special Publication 16-14
Nutritional Properties of Windrowed and Standing Basin Wildrye over Time Many Nevada farmers and ranchers are in constant search of economical, high- producing winter forages for their beef cattle production system. An often overlooked forage but one that is common in Nevada and the Intermountain West is basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus). Foster, S. and Perryman, B. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Onions: Know Your Onion Onion is a nutrient-rich vegetable long valued in traditional medicine. It is known for supporting heart health, boosting immunity, and providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-25-23
Parsley: The Mediterranean Herb Parsley is a leafy herb long valued for its medicinal properties. It is known for supporting digestion, promoting kidney health, and providing antioxidants and essential vitamins. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-25-24
Preschoolers can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods: The All 4 Kids Study This study determined changes in preschoolers' ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods and stated food preferences after participation in a nutrition education program. Sigman-Grant, M., Byington, T., Lindsay, A., Lu, M., Mobley, A., Fitzgerald, N. & Hildebrand, D. 2013, Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 03/2014, Volume 46, Issue 2
Prevalence and Determinants of Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC) Among Adults in Nevada, USA: An Analysis of BRFSS 2022 Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCC) and identify its determinants among the adult population in Nevada, USA Jeyakumar, Angeline 2025, Current Developments in Nutrition, Volume 9, 107033
Sensory Evaluation and Acceptability of Fiber Rich Recipes Formulated from Foods Distributed in Food Pantries, Among Participants of Food Assistance Programs (PFAP) in Reno, Nevada Objective To formulate high-fiber recipes from foods distributed in the food pantries in Northern Nevada and evaluate them for sensory characteristics and acceptability among participnats of food assistance programs. Jeyakumar, A., Gastelum, A., Shaw, W., & Nyarko, S 2025, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 57(8), S64.
Synthesized f-MWCNTs/CS/PB for determination of manganese (Mn2+) in drinking water Ringgit, G., Siddiquee, S., Saallah, S., Lal, MTM. and Naznin, MT. 2023, Monatsh Chem 154, 191–203
The Amazing Nutritious Papaya This fact sheet contains extensive information on papaya facts and dishes anyone can try. Wilson, M. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-25
The Double Burden of Under and Overnutrition: A Synopsis. Jeyakumar, A., Godbharle, S., Ravindran, S., & Nunez Zepeda, A. M. 2025, Handbook of Public Health Nutrition: International, National, and Regional Perspectives (pp. 1-22). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
The Expanding Scope of Nutrition Transition Research: Need for New Domains and Measures Nutrition transition (NT) studies are yet to benefit from domains beyond the theoretical framework (TF). This gap is significant as health challenges have evolved with time. This paper aims to review the expanding scope of NT research. Angeline Jeyakumar, Deepa Agrawal, Siddhi Deshpande, Devishree Dunna, Swapnil Godbharle, Hema Kesa, Anjali Radkar and Athreyee Sinha 2024, Current Developments in Nutrition
The Unbelievable Kiwi This fact sheet contains extensive information on kiwi facts and dishes anyone can try. Wilson, M. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-23
Thyme: The Herb of Love Thyme is a fragrant herb long valued for its medicinal benefits. It is known for supporting respiratory health, boosting immunity, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Jeykumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-25-25
Turmeric: The Golden Spice Turmeric is a bright yellow spice renowned for its medicinal properties. It is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and for supporting joint and digestive health. Jeyakumar, A. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-25-26
Valuing Vitamins This fact sheet contains answers to questions that revolve around vitamins such as the foods to prepare, vitamins to take, etc. Wilson, W. and Scott, B. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-55
Vitamins and Minerals in Substance Use Recovery Vitamins and minerals, also called micronutrients, are necessary for healthy development, disease prevention, optimal metabolism and overall well-being, especially during recovery from substance use. Lindsay, A., Norman-Burgdolf, H., and Ganim, H. 2024, University of Nevada, Reno Extension, FS-24-03