1. SOS for an itchy scalp!
2. The pill that melts winter weight gain.
3. Outsmarting sneaky trans-free claims.

SOS for an itchy scalp!   For a few months now I’ve had an embarrassing dandruff problem. The itchiness, oiliness and flakes are driving me nuts. I tried dandruff shampoos, but when those didn’t work I started looking online for other remedies. I read that one of the major triggers is a poor diet. Is this true? And is there something I can eat more of to get healthy hair again?

It’s true that a diet lacking in key ­nutrients—specifically zinc and B-complex vitamins—is a major dandruff trigger. Although scientists haven’t figured out the exact mechanisms, these nutrients seem to stop the rapid turnover of scalp cells that causes flaking and itching. They also help regulate the scalp’s oil glands. To get the benefits, consume at least 15 mg of zinc (the study-backed amount) by taking a daily multi­vitamin or by eating foods like beef, shellfish and mushrooms. And get the beneficial daily dose of 200 mg of B-vitamins with a combination of your multi and food sources like dark leafy greens, avocados and bananas.

The pill that melts winter weight gain!   When I'm in a funk, I automatically reach for comfort foods like mac and cheese. Unfortunately, I spent most of the dreary winter that way, and now that spring's here, I'm afraid to even think about how I'll look in shorts. And that just makes me want to eat more carbs! Is there anything that can help? 

Good news: Research in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice reports that taking 400 mg of chromium daily alleviates the blue moods that trigger carb cravings. The mineral improves the body's use of insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. And when blood sugar is balanced, mood swings and cravings cease. Better yet, this dose speeds metabolism by up to-seven times, reducing body fat by about 10 percent and increasing calorie-hungry lean muscle mass. Chromium is found only in trace amounts in food, so a supplement is needed to reach the proven dose. (Choose a brand that contains chromate polynicotinate, one of the best absorbed forms of the mineral.) One to try: Fat FlushWeight Loss Formula ($28 for 90 capsules, a one-month supply), at Uni Key Health.com or call 800-888-4353. Mention First to receive a10 percent discount!

Outsmarting sneaky trans-free claims!  I read that, starting in January 2006, the FDA requires trans fats to be clearly labeled on food packaging. But I still see products in the grocery store, like chips, crackers and cookies, which I suspect have trans fats in them even though they say they don't. What's the truth?

Good question! Despite FDA regulations, many products that list zero trans fats on the "nutrition facts" panel aren't really 100 percent trans fat-free. That's because the FDA allows products with less than 0.5 grams of trans fats per serving to boast they have none. And while less than a half gram may not sound like much, it quickly adds up to more than the recommended daily maximum of 4 grams, especially if a serving size is just a few chips or cookies. So continue to check the ingredients list for partially hydrogenated oils or palm oils (a sure sign the food contains at least some trans fats) and limit your portions.