Down Syndrome: A Day to Day Guide: August 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Survey Results: Are Unvaccinated Children Healthier?

Here are the stats:

* Less than 10% of unvaccinated children suffer from allergies of any
kind. This compares with 40% of children in the USA ages 3-17
reporting an allergy to at least one allergen and 22.9% with an
allergic disease.
* .2% of unvaccinated children suffer from asthma. This compares with
14-15% of vaccinated children with asthma in Australia, 4.7% in
Germany, and 6% in the USA.
* 1.5% of unvaccinated children suffer from hayfever. This compares
with 10.7% in Germany.
* 2% of unvaccinated children had neurodermatitis. This auto-immune
disorder affects over 13% of children in Germany.
* ADHD was present in only 1-2% of the unvaccinated children. This
compares with nearly 8% of children in Germany with ADHD and another
5.9% borderline cases.
* Middle ear infections are very rare in unvaccinated children (less
than .5%). In Germany, 11% of children suffer from this problem.
* Less than 1% of unvaccinated children had experienced sinusitis.
This compares with over 32% of children in Germany.
* Only 4 unvaccinated children out of the 7,600+ total surveys
reported severe autism. In all 4 cases, however, the mother tested
very high for mercury. In the USA, approximately 1 in 100 children
suffer this neurological illness and 1 in every 38 boys in the UK.

article below

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/2011/08/survey-results-are-unvaccinated-children-healthier/

Survey Results: Are Unvaccinated Children Healthier?

by Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
<http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/author/sarah/> on August 25, 2011
in vaccination
<http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/category/vaccination/>
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<http://www.flickr.com/photos/houghtonbird/6076353103/>In December 2010,
a comprehensive survey was initiated by the German site/impfshaden.info/
and its counterpart /vaccineinjury.info/ to compare the health of
vaccinated versus *unvaccinated children*. As far as I know, no survey
or study of this kind has ever been conducted except for a compilation
of statistics of the patients of Dr. Mayer Eisenstein MD, a pediatrician
based in Chicago.
Over 7,500 surveys have been filled out so far, and while this project
is ongoing
<http://www.vaccineinjury.info/vaccinations-in-general/health-unvaccinated-children.html>,
the results are starting to be published.
*Please note that only the health of entirely unvaccinated children was
evaluated*. Parents were also asked to review the birthing records for
their children to ensure that their baby had not mistakenly received the
Hep B jab before being taken home.
I am happy to report that all 3 of my children participated in this
survey. I am proud to have been part of this important, *worldwide
effort* to help inform the public about the clear and present dangers of
vaccination.
The market for vaccines is expected to surpass *$36* /*billion*/ dollars
by 2013. Vaccines are clearly an important growth industry for Big
Pharma. Just witness the rapid increase in the childhood vaccination
schedule from 3 shots in 1950 to 68 vaccines by age 11-12 today (25 of
those by the age of 6 months)!
In 1986, it cost a parent about $80 for her child to receive every
government recommended vaccine. In 2011, it cost $2200! Clearly,
vaccines are one of the fastest growing sectors of the pharmaceutical
industry. $4 billion in tax dollars are spent every year purchasing
vaccines for health clinics in the United States alone.
*Big Pharma does not want the results of a survey like this to be
published* as it threatens their very reliable and growing oil well of
profits: childhood vaccination. This is why surveys like this will
never be reported objectively on the evening news or in major newspapers.

*Who Participated in the Survey?*

75% of the surveys were filled out in English and 25% in German. Most
of the respondents were from the USA followed by the UK, Canada, and
Australia.
Slightly more completely unvaccinated children are male than female and
the children are primarily between the ages of 0-2 years of age followed
by 2-4 years and 5-6 years. This makes sense as the momentum against
vaccination has only gained steam in the past 5 years or so.
Most of the children participating in the survey were breastfed for
longer than 6 months and their parents preferred natural or homeopathic
remedies to allopathic (drugs/surgery) methods for illness intervention.
*Over 99% of the parents who chose to completely unvaccinate their
children were happy with their decision*. Can the same be said for
those who choose to vaccinate? I highly doubt it. I hear from people
all the time who greatly regret their decision to give into doctor or
family pressure to immunize.
The biggest reasons for not vaccinating were a concern over the
ingredients and that the shots would be ineffective. 25% of respondents
had seen a vaccine reaction in a friend or family member and had decided
not to vaccinate for that reason.
One respondent wrote:
*/“As a speech-language pathologist in the pediatric setting, I have
seen many cases of children having seizures within 36-72 hours following
routine vaccines with a traumatic regression in the child’s brain and
language and overall development. I feel in my heart, it is linked to
vaccines and do not want to subject any of my children to this.”/*

*Are Unvaccinated Children Truly Healthier Than Vaccinated?*

Ok, let’s get down to brass tacks. Are unvaccinated children really
healthier?
Here are the stats:

* Less than 10% of unvaccinated children suffer from allergies of any
kind. This compares with 40% of children in the USA ages 3-17
reporting an allergy to at least one allergen and 22.9% with an
allergic disease.
* .2% of unvaccinated children suffer from asthma. This compares with
14-15% of vaccinated children with asthma in Australia, 4.7% in
Germany, and 6% in the USA.
* 1.5% of unvaccinated children suffer from hayfever. This compares
with 10.7% in Germany.
* 2% of unvaccinated children had neurodermatitis. This auto-immune
disorder affects over 13% of children in Germany.
* ADHD was present in only 1-2% of the unvaccinated children. This
compares with nearly 8% of children in Germany with ADHD and another
5.9% borderline cases.
* Middle ear infections are very rare in unvaccinated children (less
than .5%). In Germany, 11% of children suffer from this problem.
* Less than 1% of unvaccinated children had experienced sinusitis.
This compares with over 32% of children in Germany.
* Only 4 unvaccinated children out of the 7,600+ total surveys
reported severe autism. In all 4 cases, however, the mother tested
very high for mercury. In the USA, approximately 1 in 100 children
suffer this neurological illness and 1 in every 38 boys in the UK.

These results are no surprise to those who chose to not to vaccinate
their children. While not vaccinating is no guarantee of health for
your child, the odds are certainly in your favor of far fewer problems
both in the short and long term should you forgo immunization.
It seems by quite a landslide that unvaccinated children are indeed
healthier than vaccinated children.
For those parents on the fence or still contemplating their
decision,*the results of this survey should help bring into sharp focus
the slam dunk of not vaccinating. *
Still have questions? See all my posts on vaccination by clicking here.
<http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/category/vaccination/>
To view the entire survey results, click here.
<http://www.vaccineinjury.info/vaccinations-in-general/health-unvaccinated-children/survey-results-illnesses.html>
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist.com
Source: The Health of Unvaccinated Children, Survey Results
<http://www.vaccineinjury.info/vaccinations-in-general/health-unvaccinated-children/survey-results.html>

Related Posts

Nosodes: Homeopathic Alternative to Vaccines
Immunizations
Vaccine Information Coalition

Probiotics: Benefits and Uses

Bifidobacterium lactis Dr. Usman pointed out in her AutismOne speech that it promotes neurogenesis--new cell growth in the brain. Supports digestion, helps prevent and stop diarrhea and improves immune function.

Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid (which inhibits yeast growth) as well as natural antibiotics, and has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella, shigella, S. faecalis and E. coli. Studies have shown that L. acidophilus is effective in reducing lactose intolerance and reinforcing the immune system, as well as reducing cholesterol levels.

Lactobacillus brevis is a transient bacterium that is valued for its ability to help improve the symptoms of lactose intolerance. L. brevis inhibits the growth of some pathogens, and its proven antimicrobial effects support the immune system.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a transient strain that produces interferon, a protein that inhibits the replication of invading viruses, on its way through the intestinal tract. This bacterium is beneficial in cases of acute diarrhea and lactose sensitivity. Traditionally, L. bulgaricus is found in yogurt along with S. thermophilus. Note: Has been proven to produce histamine, so avoid if needed.

Lactobacillus casei is commonly used for milk fermentation and is naturally occurring in the mouth and digestive tract. It breaks down carbohydrates and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the small intestine. Studies have demonstrated L. casei's antimicrobial effects and its helpfulness in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics and viruses. Note: Has been proven to produce histamine, so avoid if needed.

Lactobacillus plantarum secretes a naturally occurring antibiotic called lactolin, giving it beneficial antimicrobial activities. This probiotic is being studied for its efficacy against allergies. It also breaks down histamine.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus occurs from the mouth to the small intestine, and helps inhibit the pathogenic bacteria involved in vaginal and urinary tract infections. It produces a mucus coating called mucin, which prevents toxins from entering the bloodstream and protects against the invasion of harmful microbes. L. rhamnosus has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of oral vaccinations against rotaviruses (which cause vomiting and diarrhea) and may help to remedy gastroenteritis (also called "stomach flu"). Shown to down regulate histamine receptors and up-regulate anti-inflammatory agents.

Lactobacillus salivarius found in the mouth and small intestine, has been shown to improve bleeding gums, tooth decay, bad breath, thrush and canker sores. L. salivarius breaks down proteins and produces B vitamins, enzymes and lactic acid. Its strong antimicrobial effects have been demonstrated clinically.

Bifidobacterium bifidum assists with proper digestion and absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. It manufactures B vitamins and produces lactic and acetic acids, which inhibit the growth of unfriendly bacteria. Studies have shown that B. bifidum can reduce the incidence of acute diarrhea in infants and is beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. With regular use, B. bifidum can improve immunological and inflammatory responses in seniors.

Bifidobacterium breve also produces beneficial lactic and acetic acids. It has been shown to repress the growth of ulcer-inducing bacteria. Recent studies have demonstrated that B. breve populates the immature bowel of infants and can help very low birth weight babies to gain weight.

Bifidobacterium infantis is the most important probiotic found in infants' colons and is effective in the treatment of acute diarrhea. It stimulates the production of immuno-modulating agents, and can fight such pathogens as clostridia, salmonella, and shigella. It also breaks down histamine.

Bifidobacterium longum plays a direct role in preventing invasion of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria. B. longum breaks down bile salts, helps to synthesize B vitamins, and stimulates the immune system through its effects on immunoglobulin A (IgA). Another producer of the good acids (lactic and acetic), B. longum has been clinically shown to improve lactose digestion and constipation. It also breaks down histamine.

Lactobacillus lactis (also referred to as Streptococcus lactis) is another transient bacterium that produces the immuno-supportive lactic acid. Lc. lactis produces a peptide called nisin, which has proven activity against C. difficile. In addition to controlling acute diarrhea, it is also recognized for its potential in the long-term management of colitis.

Streptococcus thermophilus is a transient bacterium with proven antioxidant activity. It produces large quantities of lactic acid and helps in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. S. thermophilus also breaks down lactose and improves lactose intolerance by producing the enzyme lactase. Shown to down regulate histamine receptors and up-regulate anti-inflammatory agents. Note: I avoid this strain. There is no substantial data to support my wanting to avoid it other than parents whose kids have PANDAS (which a lot more kids have it than we know about... they don't get diagnosed until their behavior is noticeably bad) say that their kids have a reaction to the strep strain in probiotics and yogurts. I'm not taking any chances. :)

Lactobacillus gasseri is in some of Garden of Life's probiotics. These bacteria are thought to help the body function properly by reducing harmful bacteria, enhancing immune function, and stimulating digestion. It is often used to promote weight loss, reduce belly fat, inhibit fat production, speed up metabolism and protect against obesity. It is said to treat allergies, asthma, diarrhea, high cholesterol, menstrual pain.

Lactobacillus reuteri Note: Has been proven to produce histamine, so avoid if needed.

Saccharomyces boulardii, is an important yeast that functions like a probiotic in the body. Doctors have recommended it to help patients with diarrhea. It helps to regulate the intestines and protect them from pathogens and other things that can damage the intestinal lining. It also modulates different parts of your immune system and keeps the intestinal barrier function up and running. Studies show that taking S. boulardii alongside your antibiotics can reduce the possibility of getting diarrhea. S. boulardii can also help treat other ailments such as lactose intolerance, and might even have a future in the treatment of acne, vaginal yeast infections, high cholesterol, fever blisters and canker sores. It seems to improve the quality of life of people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as Crohn's disease. According to Dr. Sid Baker, "For some individuals on the autism spectrum, the combination of S. b., a yeast-free diet, and avoidance of refined carbohydrates is all it takes to produce a dramatic improvement." Jett has ASD and takes 2 a day.

For recommended probiotics, also see the DS Day to Day amazon Store.

You want to look for a good delivery system and one with Bifidobacterium lactis and without Streptococcus thermophilus.

Florify $13.99 30 capsules
One daily dose of Florify probiotic contains 5 billion colonies of stomach-acid-resistant flora from: Bifidobacterium lactis (Dr. Usman pointed out in her AutismOne speech that it promotes neurogenesis) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (which targets your small intestine) and Florify also has a proprietary blend of FOS (fructooligosaccharides) and dicalcium phosphate. It doesn't contain the strain that our kids should avoid. (You get it through Melaleuca's wellness club. Let me know if you want to be a member. It's only $1 in January.)

Master Supplements Children's Theralac® Mult-Strain Probiotic
A high potency probiotic powder containing 5 probiotic strains of human origin and 2 prebiotics in an acid-proof, controlled-release formulation. Has Bifidobacterium lactis and 4 other strains.

I also give Jett a soil-based probiotic: Prescript Assist

Sources

http://www.duolac.com/strains.html

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/bifidobacterium-lactis-benefits-3870.html

https://www.bulletproofexec.com/why-yogurt-and-probiotics-make-you-fat-and-foggy/

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/acidophilusprobiotics/fl/Lactobacillus-Gasseri.htm

Related Posts

Jett's Complete Supplement List

First Foods: How & What & When to Introduce
First Foods: GAPS Introducing Solids
First Foods: Yogurt & Bone Broth

Antibiotics: Alternatives & What to Avoid
Heal the Gut, Heal the Child
Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Natural Ways to Help with ADD & Hyperactivity

Breastfeeding

First Shoes: What's Best?

What's the best first shoe for your baby? Well, going barefoot is best since it provides the best grip, and therefore stability, on the floor as well as tactile stimulation while walking, but it's not always practical or socially acceptable. So you want to find the shoe that mimics bare feet as closely as possible. For Jett, I bought the Robeez brand baby shoe. They are 100% leather so his feet can breathe and his toes can move around and grip onto the floor. The soles are thin enough that he can feel the differences on surfaces. But they also protect his feet from ant bites, abrasions from shuffling on the floor and from sharp objects. I plan on continue using this style of shoe as long as he can fit into them, even once he can walk.
Here's a collection of ads and links for a variety of baby shoes that support this same concept. I got Jett's used from a friend through a forum who snatches up any Robeez she sees at garage sales. If you've tried any of these shoes, or similar, please share your experience!

Robeez footwear flex and bend with every step. They promote good balance and unrestricted growth, while protecting little feet from the world. They stay on too, with elasticized ankles to ensure a perfectly snug fit. Prices range from $20 to 48. Ebay sells them new and used. Adorable shoes! I got Jett's all to look like "real" shoes instead of the cute little themed shoes like the lion on the left.
Bobux are the original soft soled leather baby shoes with the ankle elastic system that ensures they are easy to slip on and they stay On!

Bobux are made from Eco-leather, a soft natural leather, tanned in an environmentally friendly method that is safe for your baby.
Bobux Eco-leather is Chrome(VI) free and surpasses British Safety Standard BS 5665:EN71 making Bobux safe for your baby even if they put them in their mouth. more info...
Bobux designs face your baby! After all they are the ones wearing them, shouldn't they have the best view of the cool designs.

Bobux are recommended by Pediatricians as the perfect footwear for children under two. The soft leather upper and suede leather sole allow the feet to function properly and grow without restrictions.

Bobux have no laces for kids to untie or trip over, and no fasteners to undo. a unique elastic system makes Bobux easy to slip on and they STAY ON!

Bobux are washable! We suggest occasional machine washing with like colors on gentle cycle using a mild detergent, or wash by hand. Stuff with paper towel and air dry.

Bobux are handcrafted from only the softest natural leather, which means we don't have to line them. This allows the leather to absorb perspiration, keeping the feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Bobux feature a flexible, slip-resistant suede leather sole, ideal for toe gripping babies and toddlers learning to crawl or walk.

pediped Originals® are the first step in the pediped® footwear system and the best first shoes your child will ever wear. When children learn to walk, they tend to shuffle, so it is important for their feet to feel the floor. Doctors recommend shoes with soft leather soles because they most closely mimic barefoot walking and do not force children to change their natural stride. Priced around $32.
Originals® feature soft, flexible leather soles and a roomy toebox so feet can move, grip, and feel the floor. This way, little feet can grow properly and develop strength, musculature, and the grasping action of the toes. Originals® closely resemble the natural shape of the foot and are so comfortable your child will not want to take them off!
We encourage children to stay in Originals® as long as possible, but once your child is walking, he or she can transition to Grip ‘n’ Go

Leather sole, next best thing to bare feet
Soft, cushioned leather soles. Made with a double layer of durable leather plus a foam pad on the soles for extra cushioning, pediped footwear provides the ultimate in comfort and protection
Velcro fasteners. Pediped footwear features velcro fasteners that make them quick and easy to put on. Secure yet comfortable, they stay on babies' feet
Indoor/Outdoor use. Pediped footwear is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, yet still provides the benefits of a true soft-sole
Pediped shoes have an extra cushion for ankle protection, flexible, and great for indoor and outdoor use

At Soft Star, we believe shoes should provide protection from the elements while doing the best to simulate barefoot conditions. Soft Star Shoes are designed wider, with flexible soft soles and natural breathable materials. All our soles are as lightweight and flexible as possible while still providing the protection needed.

For children in particular, this is important as the bones in their feet are still forming and not fully ossified until ages 9-11. Many children's shoes made today are simply scaled down versions of adult shoes with molded arch supports, stiff soles and foot beds that are too narrow to allow toes room to spread.

The Sof-Touch^TM sole is low profile and non-skid to minimize trips when little ones are getting the hang of walking and running. These soles are durable and provide plenty of protection from outdoor elements. The Sof-Touch^TM sole makes a very nice first shoe for your toddler and is used on shoe sizes 3 to 7.
	Our classic Vibram^TM sole is lightweight and flexible, but tough enough to handle anything you can dish out. Vibram provides light cushioning while still giving a barefoot-like feel. It has a flat sole (no arch supports!) which will mold to the shape of your foot over time. The Vibram sole is used on shoe sizes 8 and up for children, and on the Rambler style for youth and adults.

Moccasins

Our moccasins start with a sheepskin fleece inner sole that works as a cozy cushion and naturally wicks away moisture. The wicking action keeps feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We then add an outer sole, of which there are several options.

	Our traditional suede sole is flexible and soft. Suede is naturally durable and non-skid. This sole works well both indoors and outdoors with a thick suede for protection. More than one baby has made their first steps on this terrific sole. For adults looking for a minimal shoe - this sole gives you the best "barefoot" experience possible allowing your feet to move naturally as if they were inside a leather sock.Note: After extended wear, you may want to 'rough up' the surface with a wire brush to maintain non-skid properties.
The T-rex sole is a non-slip rubberized fabric bonded to the suede sole above. T-rex is made with the same material used by mountain climbers to provide extra gripping on their gloves. As well, the black soles maintain a clean appearance even after a lot of wear. The rubberized fabric adds a moisture barrier keeping feet a little drier when you walk across a wet sidewalk. This is not a rubber sole - but a rubberized layer for non-slip purposes. Over time you may wear through the thin rubber layer in spots, but you will still have the same sturdy suede sole underneath.
	For added protection and durability, a tough leather sole can be added to your moccasins for an additional fee. Because this sole is needed only in extreme outdoor wear situations, we ask you to please call or email us if you want this option. This sole is nearly indestructible, yet it's still light weight and flexible. Because they are light and tough, they make a great camp or hiking shoe! Sticking close to home, these soles are wonderful for walking the dog on damp mornings or just keeping you cozy on the couch

We believe soft soles not only feel good, but they are also good for you! Our feet are complex structures, with 19 bones and 126 muscles and ligaments. Podiatrists agree, the more time spent barefoot, the better for the development of a healthy and athletic foot.

The soles on our shoes are soft and flexible with non-skid surfaces.

Balance, strength and flexibility are maximized when feet are allowed to develop naturally. When you or your child can't go barefoot, a soft sole that mimics barefoot conditions is ideal. Soft soled shoes are critical for healthy feet. So whether you are looking for soft soled baby shoes for your precious little one's first steps or a health alternative to the common heavy, inflexible soles made for children or just a comfortable slipper for you to relax in after a long day, Soft Star Shoes has just the right sole for you!

Sources

http://www.robeez.com/
http://www.softstarshoes.com/
www.pediped.com/footwear-system.aspx
http://www.bobuxusa.com/s.nl/sc.5/category.68/.f

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Vitamin C Plays Important Role in Brain Function

This discovery is exciting and important to the DS community for several reasons — one, it reinforces how important common vitamins are, which supports the use of TNI (Targeted Nutrition Intervention) — two, it reminds us of the connection between eye dysfunction and brain dysfunction so we will recognize and treat it as a symptom of a brain disorder in the central nervous system and not just as a sensory issue — three, it reminds us that brain receptors and cells can be protected from premature breakdown by antioxidants such as vitamin C and — four it offers us an additional way to treat GABA overexpression, which is a major problem in individuals with T21 (presently addressed with Ginkgo Biloba). My notes are in italics. I also bolded parts I felt are significant.

Additionally, Vitamin C is great for increasing the level of glutathione in the body, which is much needed in individuals with DS. See studies below.

Also this linked study shows that treatment with vitamin C can dissolve the toxic protein aggregates that build up in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.

OHSU scientists discover new role for vitamin C in the eye — and the brain

07/14/11 Portland, OR

In a surprising finding, vitamin C is found to prolong proper function of retinal cells.

Nerve cells in the eye require vitamin C in order to function properly — a surprising discovery that may mean vitamin C is required elsewhere in the brain for its proper functioning, according to a study by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

“We found that cells in the retina need to be 'bathed' in relatively high doses of vitamin C, inside and out, to function properly,” said Henrique von Gersdorff, Ph.D., a senior scientist at OHSU's Vollum Institute and a co-author of the study. “Because the retina is part of the central nervous system, this suggests there's likely an important role for vitamin C throughout our brains, to a degree we had not realized before.”

The brain has special receptors, called GABA-type receptors, that help modulate the rapid communication between cells in the brain. GABA receptors in the brain act as an inhibitory “brake” on excitatory neurons in the brain. (These receptors do not work properly in people with Down syndrome.) The OHSU researchers found that these GABA-type receptors in the retinal cells stopped functioning properly when vitamin C was removed.

Because retinal cells are a kind of very accessible brain cell, it’s likely that GABA receptors elsewhere in the brain also require vitamin C to function properly, von Gersdorff said. And because vitamin C is a major natural antioxidant, it may be that it essentially ‘preserves’ the receptors and cells from premature breakdown, von Gersdorff said. (Premature breakdown of brain cells and receptors is also a concern for individuals with DS.)

The function of vitamin C in the brain is not well understood. In fact, when the human body is deprived of vitamin C, the vitamin stays in the brain longer than anyplace else in the body. “Perhaps the brain is the last place you want to lose vitamin C,” von Gersdorff said. The findings also may offer a clue as to why scurvy — which results from a severe lack of vitamin C — acts the way it does, von Gersdorff said. One of the common symptoms of scurvy is depression, and that may come from the lack of vitamin C in the brain. (Also interesting because Prozac, used to treat cognitive problems in DS, heals depression while regenerating neurons. If vitamin C relieves depression then it makes you wonder if it may effect neurogenesis as well.)

The findings could have implications for other diseases, like glaucoma and epilepsy. (In DS, the prevalence of patients with glaucoma was 11.5%, significantly higher [P = 0.014] than that in the Non-DS control group, 1.1%.) Both conditions are caused by the dysfunction of nerve cells in the retina and brain that become over excited in part because GABA receptors may not be functioning properly. (Jett had nystagmus which is an eye flutter. His TCM said that she was concerned about the possibility of seizures because of the presence of the nystagmus. Her concerns make much more sense to me now.)

“For example, maybe a vitamin C-rich diet could be neuroprotective for the retina — for people who are especially prone to glaucoma,” von Gersdorff said. “This is speculative and there is much to learn. But this research provides some important insights and will lead to the generation of new hypotheses and potential treatment strategies.”
----------

Scientists and students in von Gerdorff's lab in OHSU's Vollum Institute are dedicated to basic neuroscience research. The vitamin C research work was done using goldfish retinas, which have the same overall biological structure as human retinas.

The retina research work was done by Ph.D. student Evan Vickers, working as part of the von Gersdorff lab. The work was in collaboration with Cecilia Calero in the lab of Dr. Daniel J. Calvo from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Gustavo Cid and Luis Aguayo from the University of Concepcion, Chile.

The work was funded by the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnicas (Argentina), the Pew Foundation, the International Brain Research Organization and the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

The study was published online in the June 29 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, which is the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience.

About the Vollum Institute

The Vollum Institute is dedicated to basic research focusing on gene regulation, structural biology, cell signaling, molecular neuroscience and synaptic modulation with implications for human diseases ranging from autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders to Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric diseases and mechanisms of drug addiction.

Dosage

How much vitamin C should our loved one get and in what form?

A recommended dose of vitamin C is 250-2000 mg (not the US government's recommendation) for adults. So, just to give you an idea, 150 lbs = 250-2000 mg; 75 lbs = 125-1000 mg; 37 lbs = 62-500 mg; 19 lbs = 31-250 mg; 9 lbs = 15-125 mg, etc. Vitamin C is safe – too much simply causes diarrhea. Try increasing the amount until it causes loose stools, then reduce the dose slightly so it does not. This is called taking vitamin C to "bowel tolerance". Using muscle testing might be an easy and effective way to find out how much vitamin C your child can tolerate.

Jett weighs 20.6 lbs and he takes 3,750 mg of vitamin C, twice a day. Your child may not need that much, or may need more! I figured out this dose by increasing it "to bowel tolerance." I slowly increased his dose until his stool became loose. Once this happened, I lowered the dose until he was regular and his stool consistency was normal. Bonus: Jett's constipation is gone!
(See Constipation: Causes and Cures, if needed.)

I started Jett on the Nature's Way Alive Vitamin C which I was happy with but he needed so much that it became too bulky.

Once he's at least 60 lbs,I may try the liposomal vitamin C, to maximize my dollar. It's very strong stuff, so if you use it, use very little and slowly work your way up to the maximum dose.

Even though Vitamin C is commonly supplemented, you'll still need to introduce it slowly and in small amounts. The initial doses of C may trigger an immune response in your child. (It can "kick-start" a sleeping immune system.) For Jett, he got a runny nose in the night. (I had to wake up and clean out his nose.) He'd never been sick and doesn't have runny noses, so this was significant for him. In other children I know who start on C, they actually got colds. Or at least the symptoms of a cold: runny nose, fever, etc. So, do ease your child into the dose. And pick a time when you don't have an upcoming recital or event where you'll need your child to be 100%. Also give him plenty of fluids throughout the day to help his body get rid of whatever the C has found to fight off. Update: At the same time that I had tried the C, I also was seeing if he could tolerate a little dairy. So when I stopped the dairy, and continued the C, the runny nose stopped. So, in Jett's case, it was the dairy and not the C.

Another possible side effect is gas. The Vitamin C will kill off yeast. This "die off" may cause gas. If your child still eats things that promote yeast like sugar, you may have more gas. Jett's diet is pretty clean and doesn't seem to have a problem with yeast, so he hasn't had this side effect. A teen that I know had terrible gas at first because he has a yeast-supporting diet.

Products

The most powerful and fast acting form of vitamin C is as ascorbic acid. If your child is sensitive to the acidity, you may want to purchase buffered C (Perque Potent C Guard is the only one not derived from corn) or by adding baking soda to your Vitamin C Powder from Vitacost or The Vitamin C Foundation Brand (which is not sourced from China). If it's still a problem, you can try a powdered fruit which is high in Vitamin C like Camu Camu or Amla. Jett uses camu camu because amla didn't muscle test well for Jett.

Be sure to get $10 off your first Vitacost vitamin order.

Details

Nature's Way Alive Vitamin C is easily absorbed, gentle on the stomach, non-GMO and free of common food allergens. It's just pure vitamin C complex from four 100% organic fruit sources: acerola, goji, amla (amalaki) and kiwi. You can get it in vegetarian capsules or in powder form. One capsule is 125 mg, when I started, I gave him a capsule a day and saw how that went for a week.

I then was using Vitacost brand Buffered C Complex because Jett's need for vitamin C was greater than I realized and I had to give too many of the Nature's Way capsules (6) which was becoming too bulky for him to have to eat mixed in his food. Once he can take capsules, I would like to go back to find an organic source. So, now, Jett weighs 20.6 lbs and he takes 3,750 mg of vitamin C. I figured out this dose by increasing it "to bowel tolerance." I slowly increased his dose until his stool became loose. Once this happened, I lowered the dose until he was regular and his stool consistency was normal.

Then I used Vitamin C Powder but it is derived from corn so I discontinued. It also isn't buffered so it can be hard on tooth enamel. This product is the best kind because it's properly buffered and is not derived from corn: Perque Potent C Guard another choice to consider would be the product from
The Vitamin C Foundation. The Ester C didn't work at all, by the way.

At four years old, I'm just using camu camu powder over ascorbic acid for Jett, at one teaspoon twice a day, more only if there's any constipation. Originally, I was avoiding ascorbic acid because of the sour taste, but I read that, after long term use, it could break down into oxalates in the intestines which may lead to oxalate stones like kidney stones. The findings are debatable, see here for details.

According to the makers of Lypo Spheric Liposomal Vitamin C, it provides maximum assimilation and bio-availability because there are no binders, fillers, gelatins, capsule materials, dyes, sweeteners or flavorings common with tablet and capsule supplements. Plus, if you take more than 2 to 3 grams of traditional Vitamin C, the ascorbic acid in the intestines can cause gastric distress -- gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Often Vitamin C will be eliminated via very loose stool. By using this brand, you can supposedly avoid the degradation and discomfort associated with traditional forms of Vitamin C and protect the lower G.I. Tract - hence, no gastric upset, no diarrheal flushing effect. Lastly, the liposomes quickly journey to the bloodstream and are circulated throughout the body and "grabbed" by the damaged cells that need it.

You will need to observe your child and go very slowly, especially if using the powerful Liposomal Vitamin C.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=lypo+spheric+vitamin+c&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=6340275787&ref=pd_sl_79vyvtto3p_b

How I got Jett to take his Vitamin C

I put 1/4 teaspoon in a little honey and a couple of large spoonfuls of applesauce. I give with a little bit of coconut water (for the potassium) and 1/4 teaspoon of chokeberry powder (for the other minerals needed for the C to be best ingested). Jett hates the sour taste, but takes it like this just fine. He'll even feed it to himself. He gets it three times a day. Later, I added his fermented cod liver oil and choline which he is taking fine. At four years old, I just put camu camu in with his other supplements in his applesauce. (I need to start teaching him how to take capsules!)

Vitamin C Overdose

Since it's a water soluble vitamin, there isn't a high level of risk associated with an overdose. The excess amount that your body does not needs gets excreted out through urine so it does not cause much of a problem. However, that does not mean that you should continue with high C foods or supplements in excess if overdose symptoms appear.

Someone who has taken too much vitamin C may have a strong smell during urination, bloating or gas, nausea and an upset stomach. He might also experience sores on the inside of his mouth. Diarrhea could also occur. It was once believed to cause kidney stones, but experts now say there is no solid evidence of dangerous side effects from vitamin C.

In a more severe case of overdose, you might notice the following symptoms: a greater need for oxygen and deficiencies in B vitamins as well as copper. These symptoms usually only show up in more severe cases in which at least 6,000 mg of vitamin C has been consumed, or when someone takes a large amount of vitamin C and other vitamins or minerals. If you see any of these symptoms and believe that the cause may be a severe overconsumption of vitamin C, simply reduce the intake of vitamin C.