Doctors For "Our" Kiddos

One of the best things that you can do for your child is find someone that knows what you are dealing with.  Chances are that person is not at your local pediatricians office.  We have an amazing pediatrician and we are very blessed with her support, but even she admits that she is not a specialist on Down syndrome-and I do not expect her too be.  As my children's mother it is my job to be their expert.  When I need guidance I research what I can and present my findings to the professionals.

You will hear a lot of people say...."don't worry just treat them like the rest of your children".  This statement is partially true in my opinion.  We most certainly treat Emma like the rest of our kids. She enjoys all the same things our other kids do.  She plays dress up, she sings and dances, she climbs and slides, she has fits and gets in trouble like the rest of our kids do.  She goes to Mother's Day Out just like the other kids did, and she does all the other countless things our other kids do or did.  She also has 8 therapy sessions a week, hypothyroidism, cardiologist visits once a year, orthodontist appointments at the age of 2, labs drawn every 3 months, has a restricted diet and is on a  neurodevelopmental program unlike the rest of our kids. With that said...Emma's life will always be a little different than theirs.  Because of the 21st chromosome it is very important that Emma gets bio medical support.  We believe that we have to have someone that understands exactly what Down syndrome is and how we can help Emma's body function at it best.

There are not a lot of physicians that truly understand this about our kids, so I have decided to compile a list of ones that I feel are good choices.  Because we use Erica Peirson I will start with her.  Our appointments with Dr. Peirson are done via Skype.

Erica Peirson, ND

2161 NE Broadway St.
Portland, OR 97232
drpeirson@gmail.com

www.downsyndrometreatment.net



Norm Schwartz, MD
Ph: 414 351 5772
Fax: 414 351 5760
4200 W. Good Hope Road
Milwaukee, WI 53209 USAinfo@inwellnesstoday.com
www.inwellnesstoday.com



David Berger, MD, FAAP
3405 W. Fletcher Ave

Tampa, FL 33618

(813) 960-3415
http://www.wholisticfamilycare.com/



The Franz Center
3160 Southgate Commerce Bld. #64
Orlando FL 32806
Answers@DrCorneliaFranz.com
Phone 407-857-8860
Fax 407-857-7099
http://drcorneliafranz.com/joomla/



(for thyroid)
Raphel Kellman, MD
150 East 55th Street, 6th floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 717-1118
http://raphaelkellmanmd.com/

Recognize the value of biomedical treatment of children and adults with Down syndrome Please sign.
https://www.change.org/petitions/down-syndrome-specialty-clinics-recognize-the-value-of-biomedical-treatment-of-children-and-adults-with-down-syndrome

Help Getting Labs YOU Want?

 

 

 

 

Getting labs drawn is priority number 1 around here.  We are very fortunate to have the support that we need and are able to get the necessary labs drawn for Emmalin and Presley.  If you are unable to get labs drawn that you feel are necessary you do have other options.

 

 

DirectLabs is the leader in direct access laboratory testing. They offer a wide variety of important health and wellness blood chemistry tests directly to you online at extremely discounted prices. Confidential results are available online in as little as 24 hours for most tests.

 

DirectLabs offers their customers private and secure online accounts called "MyDLS" where you will access your orders, print your lab requisition, and retrieve your results.

 

https://www.directlabs.com/Home/tabid/36/language/en-US/Default.aspx

 

Methylation and MTHFR

What is Methylation

Simply put, methylation is a chemical reaction that occurs in every cell and tissue in our body.  Chemically speaking, methylation is the process of adding methyl groups to a molecule.  (A methyl group is a chemical structure made of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms.)  Since methyl groups are chemically inert, adding them to a protein (the process of methylation) changes how that protein reacts to other substances in the body, thus affecting how that protein behaves.  Enzymes, hormones and even genes are proteins and the process of methylation affects them all.

In some way, methylation of proteins helps the body detoxify.  For example, the methylation process helps convert the toxic amino acid (homocysteine) into a beneficial amino acid (methionine).  If your body cannot methylate properly, toxins build up in your bloodstream and will eventually cause disease. 

Another role of methylation is to help the enzymes in our bodies work efficiently.  Enzymes are proteins that act like switches for chemical reactions-they initiate very important processes in every cell and tissue.  In a similar way, methylation affects our genes, which are also made up of proteins.  In fact, methylation can turn genes on and off, which can be good or bad for our health, depending on the gene.

Some nutrients affect the process of methylation quite dramatically-methyl donors (nutrients like folate and choline) actually donate methyl groups to proteins and methylating factors (nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc) helps this process along by monitoring specific methylation reactions.  how well your body "can methylate" is important to your overall health.

What is MTHFR and How is it Related to Methylation

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that converts folic acid into usable form that our bodies need.  It is a key enzyme in an important detoxification reaction in the body-one that converts homocysteine (toxic) to methionine (benign).  If this enzyme is impaired, this detoxification reaction is impaired, leading to high homocysteine blood levels.  homocysteine is abrasive to blood vessels, essentially scratching them, leaving damage that causes heart attacks, stroke, dementia and a host of other problems.

Additionally, when the enzyme MTHFR is impaired, other methylation reactions are compromised.  Some of these methylation reactions affect neurotransmitters, which is why impaired MTHFR activity is linked with depression.  Inefficiency of the MTHFR enzyme is also linked to migraines, autism, fertility, cancer and birth defects, all of which depend on proper methylation.

High levels of homocysteine can be attributed to many conditions such as: 

*  The condition can lead to high rates of dementia /Alzheimer`s due to a decrease in vitamin B-12. 

*  High homocysteinemia can lead to coronary artery disease, common carotid atherosclerosis other Vascular Diseases.

*  Complications in Pregnancy Due To Neural Tube Defects. 

*  Atherosclerosis

*  Rheumatoid Arthritis

*  Downs Syndrome

*  Alcoholism

*  Osteoporosis

*  Neuropsychiatric Disorders

*  Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes

*  Early Pregnancy Loss

*  Spontaneous Abortion (Viable Fetus)

*  Placental Abruption, Low Birth Weight

What is the MTHFR?

There is a gene called the MTHFR gene that basically controls how well this enzyme works.  A simple blood test can tell you if you have variant copies of this gene.

There are over 50 known MTHFR variants, but the two prime variants are called 677 and 1298, the numbers refer to their location on the gene.  The routine lab test for MTHFR variant only reports on 677 and 1298 as these are the most studied.

The 677 variant is associated  with early heart disease and stroke and the 1298 variant with a variety chronic illnesses.  The MTHFR is reported out as heterozygous or homozygous.  If you are heterozygous you have one affected gene and one normal gene (could have come from either parent).    The MTHFR enzyme will run at about 55% to 70% efficiency compared to a normal MTHFR enzyme.  If you are homozygous then enzyme efficiency drops down to 7% to 10% of normal, which of course makes a huge difference."  Emmalin is homozygous as am I.  She got one copy from her father and one copy from me, just as I received one from each of my parents.

"The worst combination is 677/1298 in which you are heterozygous to both anomalies.  Many chronic illnesses are linked to this anomaly.  98% of autistic children have an MTHFR anomaly.  Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, are all conditions associated with MTHFR anomaly." 

"MTHFR can make you susceptible to illness because the pathway is the primary source of glutathione production in the body.  Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant and detoxifier.  People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxins."  

"As we age MTHFR problems get much worse due to the accumulation of toxins and the cumulative effect of oxidative stress, which ages our bodies."

What kind of symptoms are associated with the MTHFR gene defects?

There are many different symptoms someone with one or both gene mutations might encounter.  Not everyone has the same set of symptoms because there are many other genetic and environmental differences that complicate health.  But if you boil it down, there is a key systemic problem that comes from low methylation and it causes three different symptom areas. 

Systemic problem:  Homocysteine levels are too high due to the fact that not enough Methylfolate is available to convert the Homocysteine into Methionine, SAMe and Glutathione.  Think of Methylfolate (L-MTHF or 5-MTHF) as the wizard changing the bad guy (Homocysteine) into good guys (SAMe and Glutathione).

Three symptom areas:

    1.  Central Nervous System disorders - some of these come from Homocysteine not getting converted into SAMe.  SAMe is responsible for creating Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine (neurotransmitters responsible for mood, motivation, and to some degree energy levels - if these are low, then Depression is often the result, but even aggression and alcoholism are symptoms sometimes found in men).  Pregnant women may encounter extreme Post-partum depression.  Also, things like Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Migraines, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Memory loss with Alzheimer's and Dementia and other psychiatric problems can be tied to this issue (OCD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and more).  These challenges are typically more related to the 1298 gene mutation.  A very recent clinical trial (not even published yet) was done by Dr. Fava (July, 2011) showed that giving L-Methylfolate (Metafolin) found in the prescription 'medical food', Deplin, was as effective as the top anti-depressant drugs available today (and without all the side effects).

   2.  Cardiovascular problems often occur when Homocysteine levels in the body are too high.  Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots, Peripheral neuropathy, Anemia even Miscarriages and Congenital birth defects can be related to this issue among others.  These problems are typically more related to the 677 gene mutation, but the worst is for a person who has one 677 variant and one 1298 variant.

    3.  Environmental poisoning can increase when not enough Homocysteine gets converted into Glutathione.  Glutathione is responsible for detoxifying the body of the heavy metals we encounter in the environment - it is our body's most powerful antioxidant.  When a body gets too burdened by heavy metals and toxins, a lot of unexpected health problems emerge.  Some symptoms of this can be: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver and kidney dysfunction, hypertension, tachycardia, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, immune problems, hair loss, rashes and more.

Sometimes diseases/disorders fall under a 'two-pronged' cause, meaning the causes of it stem from both genetic and environmental problems).  Autism is a big one that falls into this 'two-pronged' cause category [American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2008] along with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and more.  MTHFR is at the top of a list of 16 genetic defects for autism.  Another study showed 98% of children with autism had one or both of the MTHFR gene defects (677 and/or 1298).  A recent clinical study indicated that mothers with MTHFR who didn't take folate during pregnancy were 7 times more likely to have an autistic child than mothers without the MTHFR gene defect [Epidemiology, July 2011, Vol. 22, Issue 4, pgs 476-485].  Colon and gastric cancers also have key links to the MTHFR gene defects, just do an internet search on 'MTHFR and colon cancer' or 'MTHFR and gastric cancer' and you will find many clinical studies and articles on the subject.


 If I Have Variant Copies of the MTHFR Gene, What Can I Do?

If the MTHFR enzyme is inefficient, you can compensate for your body's inability to methylate efficiently since this biological process is dependent on several B vitamins.  You may simply need more B vitamins than someone without a variant copy of this gene, such as vitamin B6, B12 (methylcobalamin) and the active form of folate (5-methyl tetrahydrofolate).  Other methyl donors such as SAMe and trimethylglycine may also provide benefits.  If you have a defective copy of the MTHFT gene, it is important for you to monitor your homocysteine level as well.  Fortunately, lowering homocysteine can often be done with the nutrient supplements listed above.


Determining what copies of the MTHFR you have gives you the ability to compensate accordingly.  The old paradigm that we are simply a the mercy of our genes is now challenged.  Genetic testing empowers you to take control, launching you into a new age of truly individualized healthcare.

Update 6-21-16
MTHFR Gene Mutation: A Beginners Guide

I knew the more I researched the more I would discover.  The deeper I looked I realized how hard Emmalin's little body really has to work.  As scared as some of this makes me, I thank God I know what to do to help my child be her best.  Now most of the stuff I was already doing with Emmalin so I only have to change up a few things.  I now know what multi-vitamins she can handle and which ones are toxic to her and me.  I have always been heavy on the B Vitamins but I did need to change her B12 vitamin based on this new information.

http://www.methyl-life.com/symptoms-of-mthfr.html

Why MTHFR Is Only A Part of Methylation

http://www.mthfrsupport.com/why-mthfr-is-only-a-part-of-methylation/

Here is the B Vitamin that we use currently.

http://www.amazon.com/Pure-Advantage-B-12-Methylcobalamin-Spray/dp/B0014JOBXS

And here is the vitamin we are switching too:

http://www.nutrichem.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&product_id=3485&flypage=flypage.tpl&pop=0&keyword=msb&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41

Please watch for my next post when I go into details about the lifestyle and dietary changes I have made for Emmalin and our family, now that we know each of us is affected by the MTHFR gene.   





Introducing Little Rock Chiropractor Dr. John Vincent

When Emma and Presley were little we began taking them to see Dr. John Vincent for cranial sacral therapy.  We continue to see him every 2-3 weeks.  He has done a incredible job keeping our kiddos immune system good and clean and has kept their entire bodies in line.  We believe that it one of the major parts to our puzzle for our girls continued success.

Chiropractor Dr. John Vincent

"At the age of 10, I was told by my pediatrician that I needed to see a chiropractor", says Dr. Vincent.

"At a school screening in the fourth grade, I was found to have scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. Upon finding this out, my Mom took me to my pediatrician, who, lucky for me, referred me to a chiropractor. I followed the care plan the chiropractor set up for me, and by the end of care, my spine had been returned to its normal position. This set the ground work for my later decision to become a chiropractor myself."

After finishing his undergraduate prerequisites in Arkansas, Dr. Vincent moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended Life University. During his four years at Life, courses included biochemistry, a major emphasis on anatomy and human physiology, X-ray, diagnosis, chiropractic adjusting techniques and patient care in the Life University Public Clinic. In 2004, Dr. Vincent graduated with his Doctorate in Chiropractic. He practiced in Atlanta for 3 years before returning to Arkansas.

Dr. Vincent holds a postgraduate certification as a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP). This certification gives him a greater ability to aid people with their specific extremity misalignments. This has enabled him to work with many athletes including some members of the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team. Dr. Vincent has also completed all the seminar modules to become a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner (CCWP). This certification has allowed him to empower his patients, teaching that the body doesn’t make mistakes, and the only two ways to restore health are to add sufficiency and remove toxicity.

Dr. Vincent believes education is a major key to wellness. Helping patients understand and get a picture of what is going on with their bodies, so they are able to make positive health decisions.

"Thanks for visiting our site. I look forward to meeting you in person and learning how I can help you reach your optimal health potential. Give our office a call, or email me using the link below, and let’s arrange a time to explore your options."

Little Rock Chiropractor, Dr. John Vincent

Dr. John Vincent

http://www.chenalchiropractic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=488095021244067&set=a.412371548816415.103981.374070262646544&type=1#!/WellnessRevolutionLittleRock



Video for New Parents and Medical Staff

When we were given Emma's diagnosis it was basically said in passing.  It was assumed that I already had a diagnosis.  I will say though that after the initial ripping off of the band aid the medical team was incredible.  They were kind and very positive.  My dear friend Robin was not so fortunate.  The first few weeks are so crucial.  Parents need to understand that Down syndrome is nothing short of GREAT in our world.

Great video for the medical community and new parents.  I can not wait to see what the next generations achieves.

http://vimeo.com/66687709

Acrylamide

You’re probably well aware that carbs like French fries, potato chips and white bread can be empty calories that help you pack on the pounds. But did you know they can also contain a toxic by-product of the cooking process that’s been linked to cancer?

The substance is called acrylamide. It’s an industrial chemical known to increase infertility and neurological problems at high doses. The EPA regulates acrylamide in drinking water to protect public health. But it’s not regulated in food.

We haven’t known about its presence in food for long – because it’s not an ingredient or a contaminant. How does it get there? Here’s how: Certain natural sugars and certain natural protein building blocks become fused together to form acrylamide when temperatures top 250°F (typical toasters top 300°F). Many foods don’t have the right combo of nutrients to produce acrylamide, even when cooked for a long time, but a few very popular ones do.

Here are the top foods to be aware of:

• French fries and potato chips
• Crackers
• Toasted breakfast cereals
• Cookies
• Bread

And, the browner the toast or cereal or potato, the more acrylamide it likely contains.

All other things being equal, frying produces the most acrylamide. Roasting is better. Baking better still. And when it comes to acrylamide, steaming or boiling can produce none at all.

Fast Facts

• The amount of acrylamide in a typical large order of fast food fries can be 200 to 2000 times the amount allowed by the EPA in a glass of water.
• The #1 source of calories for American kids is cooked white flour snacks and treats.
• The top two “vegetables” eaten by kids are French fries and potato chips.
• Experts suggest that 30% of all cancers are caused by diet. Perhaps acrylamide plays a key role.

The Good News

Now, the good news: There are easy ways to reduce your exposure and protect your family.

The basic idea is to dial it back. Dial back the temperature, dial back the cooking time above 250° F, and dial back the number of servings of french fries or crackers. Here’s how:

Change how you prep carbs.
If you’re going to cook potatoes, consider putting them in a bowl of water 30 minutes before you cook. This can cut acrylamide levels by up to 38%. Soaking for two hours does even more and doesn’t take extra work, just a bit of forethought. Even rinsing potatoes before cooking helps.

Here’s another trick: Store potatoes in a cool place but NOT the fridge. Storing potatoes in the fridge prior to cooking increases acrylamide when you bake them.

Many kids like the crusts cut from sandwiches, and they might be on to something! Crusts have the highest acrylamide content before and after you toast it.

And if you bake your own bread, add some rosemary (roughly 1 teaspoon) to dough prior to baking. This can reduce acrylamide by up to 60%.

Change how you cook carbs.
Next time you roast potatoes, take them out when they’re golden yellow rather than crispy brown.

If you want to eat potatoes and avoid acrylamide altogether, consider steaming or boiling.
The water can keep the temp at 212°F, below the 250 °F needed for the acrylamide reaction. Microwaving also does not tend to create acrylamide.

Toast your bread for a shorter period of time and at the lowest level. Or skip the bread altogether. Make your sandwich or burger on a butter lettuce wrap.

Change what carbs you cook.
Try broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. These are all cruciferous vegetables and contain agents that could both deactivate cancer-causing chemicals and stop the growth of existing cancer cells. So, five or more servings a week could offer dual protection against the effects of acrylamide. (I’m not suggesting you can have all the fries you want if you eat broccoli! We don’t know of any foods that get directly rid of acrylamide in your body, but cruciferous veggies have been linked in some studies to lower cancer risks.)

Keep in mind that this isn’t a new problem. We’ve been eating acrylamide in foods for a long time, we just didn’t know it. There’s no reason to expect a new epidemic. I’m most concerned about this problem for women, since acrylamide has been shown to affect reproductive organs, and for kids, since they’re still developing and more vulnerable to carcinogens in general.

While it’s not a new problem, we’re talking about a new solution. By reducing acrylamide, there’s a chance we could lower cancer risk and neurodevelopmental problems.


http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/toxic-toast-411-acrylamide


What solution is the industry implementing?

The industry's acrylamide mitigation efforts are truly global in scope. The industry has developed a special process using the enzyme, asparaginase, to mitigate acrylamide's natural formation in dough-based foods. This process has been implemented worldwide in every country that has approved the process.
In Europe, a guidance document or “Toolbox” has been developed by the European food processors' trade association (FoodDrinkEurope), in collaboration with European regulators and with input from the GMA and many of our member companies. The toolbox highlights possible ways to reduce acrylamide in different types of products. The industry follows this guidance and has implemented many of the techniques as well as others that industry discovered through its own research.

Will these changes eliminate acrylamide from all products?

Currently, there does not appear to be a practical and effective method for completely eliminating acrylamide from many kinds of products. There is not a single solution that can be applied to all foods. Nevertheless, through research and innovation, the industry is discovering ways to reduce levels of acrylamide in many foods and continues to develop innovative ways to reduce levels even further.

 

Are there other ways humans are exposed to acrylamide?

Food and cigarette smoke are the major sources of acrylamide exposure.  Exposure to acrylamide from other sources is likely to be significantly less than that from food or smoking, but scientists do not yet have a complete understanding of all sources of exposure. Acrylamide and polyacrylamide are used in some industrial and agricultural procedures, and regulations are in place to limit exposure in those settings.

The information in this post is simply meant to inform-not to totally overwhelm.  I certainly do not expect my family to make such a lifestyle change to cut acrylamide out of our diet.  But after researching I will make some changes to decrease our intake.  This morning while making sandwiches for the kids lunch I cut the crust off.  The next time I am eating french fries I might skip over the darker ones.  I will not allow my french bread to get too toasted when making it.  I may skip the toasted cereal in the morning and just have fruit.  These are just some of the corrections that I will make from this point forward-now that I know a little more about acrylamide.

From Robin:  My husband is the medical officer for a military team that deals with Weapons of Mass Destruction.  I showed him Tricia's article and he informed me that Acrylamide was the neurotoxin as the mystery substance in their last training exercise.  I find this very interesting and yet depressing.

Iron Deficiency

It is not uncommon for a child with DS to have low iron levels. However, there are those that are elevated as well. Therefore it is not advised to give your child supplemental iron until you have lab work supporting a deficiency. Nutrivene does not add iron to their daily supplements, so it is safe until you obtain labs. Please check any supplements you may be giving your child. Presley had polycythemia at birth, too many red blood cells making her blood very thick. This can be dangerous, so they quickly took blood out through her umbilical cord to lower the levels. By 6 months, she had developed a mild anemia as evident by a low hemoglobin, the important part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. I monitored this since it was only mild and by 8-9 months, it had resolved on its own. However, our one year labs revealed she had a decreased iron level of 29, normal low is 30. You will obviously have iron deficiency long before you actually develop iron deficiency anemia. The iron stores and blood levels have to drop significantly before it affects the hemoglobin. This is another important reason why children with DS need more than the traditional lab work up at 1 year old. I mention all of the above to show how a child with DS can have varied labs, especially the first year, so do not take anything for granted. A good basic lab evaluation can be found at the nutrivene website under the Education Information section, then scroll down to "blood testing sheet" or ( http://www.nutrivene.com/educational_information.php  ) At 18 months, I requested to recheck her thyroid levels, cbc, and iron. While her CBC (red blood cells, hemoglobin, etc..) were still within the normal range, her iron level had dropped to 24. I was glad I requested the labs to be drawn, because we could begin supplementing with iron before it began to cause an actual anemia. Also, her white count was low and there were many abnormal cells with target cells, smudge cells, poikilocystosis, tear drop cells, and others. Individually, these can mean various issues, but collectively, they steered towards iron defeiciency anemia. Some of the blood cells were not being formed correctly or being released while they were still immature. I began using liquid vitamin C and Floradix, which is supposed to be gentle on the stomach and non constipating. Unfortunately, I found the latter not to be true. Presley has a history of constipation due to the low muscle tone since 2 months old. It had resolved when we began using the thermos cereal (http://nacd.org/health/thermos.php) as recommended by the nutritionist through NACD (National Association of Child Development). I ran out the week I began using the iron supplement and after one week, she was crying and not sleeping just as she had previously when she was unable to go. I had to use a glycerin suppository for the first time to "get things going" and we are beginning the thermos cereal again today. Fingers crossed things get back to normal. As for the Vitamin C, it increases the absorption of the iron and she doesn't seem to mind the taste. While reading, I was also reminded that the circumin has iron chelating properties. This isn't good news since circumin has so many benefits. My husband and I discussed it and decided to continue at the current dose of circumin and have the labs drawn in 8 weeks. Our genetic clinic has been so gracious to give us a standing order to repeat the labs when we feel necessary. If the labs do not show progress, we will discontinue the circumin and repeat labs again in the future. Having a child with Down Syndrome is a wonderful experience, but you need stay focused on enjoying the journey and not just the destination. It can be overwhelming at times, and just when you think you can switch to autopilot for awhile, you may run into some turbulence. Many blessings, Robin Tolliver

For more information about anemia and Floradix, check out these websites: http://dsdaytoday.blogspot.com/2011/03/anemia-causes-cures.html
https://sites.google.com/site/superdownsyndrome/medical-issues/iron-deficiency-anaemia
http://www.florahealth.com/product_categories.cfm?category_id=4&prod_id=87


This is some more information taken from the excellent book Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. Required daily intake of iron by age: birth to 6 months: 6mg; 6-12 months: 10mg; 12-36 months: 10mg; A cast iron skillet recommended. Allow sauces to simmer to increase the amount of iron absorbed. Stay away from processed foods such as white flour, ice cream, and soft drinks which contain additives (phosphates) that decrease iron absorption. Animal foods such as small amounts of meat, poultry, or fish should be given with meals containing iron rich foods to increase iron absorption. Victamin C great improves iron absorption so fresh orange juice with whole grain millet or brown rice ceral is a good combination. Get your iron from ferrous, not ferric, compounds as ferrous is more readily absorbed by the body. Unfortunately ferric is use by manufacturers because it has a longer shelf life than ferrous, so read your labels.

So these are the things I am doing to raise Presley's iron levels:

1.  Floradix oral iron supplement 7 - 10 mg daily
2.  Vitamin C 250 mg liquid with iron supplement
3.  Orange daily, attempt to give after iron supplement meal
4.  Cooking with cast iron skillet
5.  Adding more iron rich foods into her diet, to include thermos cereal, vegetables, and select meats
6.  Black strap molasses 1 tsp twice a day - super rich in nutrients and iron

Lastly, I will recheck her levels in 8 weeks after beginning the iron to see if levels are coming up.  I will also request an iron study which will include TIBC, Iron, reticulocyte count and Ferritin levels.

Healthcare Guidelines Specific For DS

The pediatric health guidelines for caring for a child with Down Syndrome were updated in 2011.  Your healthcare practitioner may not be aware, so please copy this and provide them with the new standards.  Healthcare evaluations for a child with Down Syndrome is very different than the well baby check ups for typical children.

2011 Healthcare guidelines for DS:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/128/2/393.full.pdf