DEAR DR. BLONZ: My elderly mother is convinced that taking daily multivitamins causes weight gain. I have never heard of such a thing, and don't believe it. Is this possible? -- S.T., Oakland, California

DEAR S.T.: No. OK, there could be a weight-gain twist in an exceptional circumstance, such as a nutrient-deprived body that had wasted away a bit. In such a case, a multivitamin could provide the deficient nutrients and help return one to normal health, which could involve regaining the lost body weight.

But outside of a rare, specific case such as that? No.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: In a recent column, you responded to a question about nutrition while on dialysis. Thank you for the link you posted (b.link/3nucqh) regarding how a registered dietitian can help.

The renal nutrition plan is complex, and dietary recommendations can change monthly, based on the most recent lab results. This can be very confusing to individuals who might not understand unless they receive personal nutrition counseling from a dietitian familiar with renal dietetics.

Thank you for this helpful information. Now retired, I worked as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. -- J.M., via email

DEAR J.M.: Thank you for these comments. As you know, the blood is what carries nutrients throughout the body. It also serves as the medium through which metabolic wastes produced by the cells get picked up, transported and eventually eliminated from the body.

It is essential to appreciate our kidneys' central role as the blood's cleansing filter; they are also responsible for fine-tuning the concentration of various substances in our bloodstream to desired levels. When they are not working correctly, close attention must be paid to what we put into the body -- which is where dietitians specializing in renal dietetics play their role.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: When using a blender, do you get the same amount of dietary fiber as the unblended food? I am having some work done on my jaw and will be shifting to a liquid diet while things heal. -- S.C., Oakland, California

DEAR S.C.: No problem with using a blender; the fiber value will be the same as long as the whole food gets consumed. The same goes for a juicer, but only one that does not discard the solids, which tend to be the source of insoluble fiber. Blenders and juicers can cause the food to spend slightly less time in your stomach, but the net effect of the fiber should be the same.

As for your particular situation, there are liquid fiber supplements on the market that can be used to fortify foods, but also to help those who can only eat through a straw. In your case, the idea of blending whole foods or using a liquid supplement can make sense.

Keep in mind that your digestive system and its muscles usually do what your blender will be doing; that can translate to some minor upsets until the whole system gets used to your new way of eating. A consult with your physician would be in order, as well as one with an associated dietitian, who can help you select a progression of foods to soothe the adjustment period and help with the healing process.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I know that you are a nutritionist and recommend healthy eating and lifestyle, but I wanted to tell you my story. The blood test at my most recent wellness exam showed that my cholesterol levels were OK, but I had very high triglycerides. My family has a history of heart disease, so I remain concerned. My family doctor recently retired, and I had started with a new nurse practitioner, and she prescribed Tricor for my triglycerides.

The results were almost immediate. My numbers dropped from very high into the normal range. I had been working on this using diet and exercise, but the use of Tricor was almost a miracle since no one for 20 years had any suggestions on how to lower my triglyceride numbers. -- F.S., Tulsa, Oklahoma

Dear F.S.: Tricor is a brand name for a prescription medication based on the compound named fenofibrate. It is one of the medications that can help lower elevated blood lipids, including triglycerides. It's great that you have experienced success. If you haven’t already, I recommend you read through the accompanying documentation about this drug.

If the documentation is no longer available, consider visiting a website with consumer information on this compound. Pay particular attention to possible interactions with other medications and food-drug interactions (check the pages at b.link/quwac8). For example, if taking fenofibrate, you should avoid grapefruit juice and monitor your alcohol intake. Remember to contact your pharmacist or other health professionals if you have questions or concerns.

Having very high triglycerides is not good, and the fact that heart disease is in your family history would certainly heighten your concern. It's excellent that you have a health professional who has helped. It is essential to appreciate that while the medication has lowered your triglyceride level, it does not lessen the importance of a healthful diet and lifestyle, so don’t give up on these. Continue to live that healthful life, and there will be more of it to enjoy.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I am a cat lover and owner, and I know that taurine is an essential amino acid for cats, but not for us. I see it in energy drinks and wanted an explanation. -- R.G., Chicago

DEAR R.G.: Taurine is not an amino acid; it is a related compound known as a sulfonic acid. You are correct that it is needed by cats and not by human adults; a healthy body can make what it needs on its own.

Taurine does play several roles, including involvement in fat digestion and various aspects of the cardiovascular system. There is also evidence that additional taurine may help with some pathologies. In sports drinks, though, the caffeine provides the kick, so it is unclear what taurine adds aside from misdirected curb appeal, especially given the small amount provided per serving.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: At a recent dinner party I attended, a toast was made with acai berry juice. The flavors were unique, but what was served along with the juice was a litany of claims that this was an exceptional health food: "so much better" than other fruits. Since that meal, I have read a bunch of hype on the subject, and was hoping for your take. -- S.T., Scottsdale, Arizona

DEAR S.T.: Just because a fruit is new-ish to certain markets doesn't make it more healthful than the ones we're more familiar with.

In general, berries are where plants keep their developing seeds for the next generation. As such, berries will have access to nutrients needed to help the seeds develop and remain viable until it is time to grow and gather nutrients on their own. But berries, typically exposed to the oxidizing rays of the sun, must also have antioxidants and other protective substances, many of which are color-rich compounds bound to the skin and pulp.

The acai berry comes from the acai palm, a tree native to Central and South America. The acai berry has the makings of a healthful food with unique attributes. But are the health benefits it brings to the table significantly better than what we get from raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates or even a glass of orange juice?

Regular consumption of various fruits and berries keeps our body in good working order, and novel fruits often rely on brand marketing to get a share of the spotlight. Enjoy them all, but keep things in perspective.

DEAR DR. BLONZ: I have a brother on dialysis, and he seems to be slowly starving to death. He is a renal-failure patient and must be on a low-potassium diet, but all the healthy foods I want him to have are high in potassium and phosphorus. Can these be "neutralized," for the lack of a better word, so they are safer for him? He can't get enough calories from low-potassium foods to maintain his weight. Any recommendations? -- T.T., Chico, California

DEAR T.T.: There isn't a way to neutralize the nutrients; I urge you to speak with a dietitian specializing in kidney disease.

Some background: The kidneys work from a set of biochemical tolerances, causing them to pull excess and unwanted substances out of the blood. If these vital organs are not working properly, the levels of undesirable substances will rise. Those in renal failure often have to turn to dialysis machines to "cleanse" the blood.

Check out this article on how a dietitian can help those with kidney disease: b.link/3nucqh. You can also search for an appropriately trained dietitian in your area on that site. I wish you and your brother well.

Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.