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The Vitamin D Newsletter
Another Autism Case Report
by John Cannell, M.D.
vitamindcouncil@vitamindcouncil.org

January 30, 2010.
(This is a periodic newsletter from the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit trying to end the epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. If you would like to subscribe please go to the Vitamin D Council’s website. http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/)
This month, I dedicate the entire newsletter to a mother’s lengthy case report of her autistic son. Other than name and place of residence, the letter was not edited.
Dear Dr. Cannell:
At age 2.5 years, between December 2007 and January 2008, my son experienced a fairly dramatic onset of symptoms that led to his diagnosis of autism. His symptoms (many of which we did not even know the terminology for at the time they first occurred) included:
–The inability to sleep at night, we would put him to bed at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. following his normal bedtime routine
–Development of anxiety and refusal to leave the house even to do preferred activities
–Obsessive-repetitive questions and monologuing/run-on speech
–Sensory issues (refusal to wear jeans or any fabrics other than fleece, screaming hysterically at bath time, complaining and covering eyes in sunlight, covering ears for everyday noises that had not bothered him before (toilets flushing, pulling pots and pans from cupboards, etc.)
–Toe-walking
–Flapping and self-stimulating behaviors (repeatedly tapping his cheeks and eyes with all ten fingers, continually twisting up his fingers in pretzel-like configurations, holding objects in his peripheral range of vision and straining to see them from the corner of his eyes)
–Development of an unusual pattern of stuttering/vocal tic at the end of words,he would repeat the last sound/syllable,”I don’t want to go to the store-or-or-or-or-or-or. It won’t be fun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n.” He would make sounds even in his sleep “n-n-n-n-n-n” or “s-s-s-s-s-s-s”
–Loss of muscle tone (stopped walking up and down stairs and began crawling/sliding instead, decline in balance and motor skills)
–loss of handedness (began switching left to right hand, after seeming predominantly left-handed)
–Marked increase in hyperactivity
–Frequent spacing out/unresponsive episodes
Our son and his twin sister were born at 36 weeks, 5 days on March 17, 2005 after four months of bed-rest. As early as their 8 week appointment, I mentioned to our pediatrician that we had concerns about our son’s eye contact and social responsiveness (in comparison to his sister). I felt that I was having more difficulty bonding with him. We were told “don’t worry, but don’t wait” and were referred to our state’s Early On intervention program. At the end of June a physical therapist and speech pathologist from our intermediate school district came to our home to evaluate our then 3 month old son and told me that he was doing just fine and that I was worrying too much. I agreed that by the time they saw him he had begun smiling and making better eye contact.
We didn’t worry again about our son until fall 2006. He had walked just before his first birthday, but by 18 months+ he still seemed clumsy and prone to falling compared to his sister. We took him back to the intermediate school district for evaluation and were told that all of his development seemed to be in the normal range and that we shouldn’t worry. We were advised that we could take him to music and gym classes to work on his coordination and told that we could pay for private physical therapy if we elected. We followed all of the recommendations.
For a year, we didn’t notice any other changes until the sudden onset of symptoms listed above when he was 2.5 years. With the sudden onset of symptoms above, we took our son to see a number of specialists during the winter of 2008 including a neurologist (who diagnosed him with Asperger Syndrome), a psychologist (who diagnosed with autism), and a second psychologist who specialized in the treatment of autism (who diagnosed him with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not-Otherwise-Specified). All three diagnoses are on the autism spectrum. He also began seeing an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a behavioral specialist, and a DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) doctor for dietary interventions. We saw a dramatic improvement by April/May of that year. Nearly all the symptoms on the list above had resolved. We assumed the improvements were due to diet but he started to go into the sun around that time. Our son slept well and spent many peaceful, happy and anxiety-free months during the spring and summer after turning three.
In mid-November 2008, I sent the following e-mail to the DAN doctor who had been helping us with our son.
“You saw our son Jonathan Switzer a few times regarding his autism diagnosis and diet issues, etc. He had a regressive period last winter from about December through April when his autism was diagnosed, then did pretty well all summer. Nursery school started off okay, too, but now he seems to be having another regression.
Main symptoms:
–Great difficulty getting to sleep (fidgets for 2 plus hours most nights while he had been falling asleep easily for several months prior to that)
–Marked increase in anxiety (again refusing to leave the house even to do things he loves, frequently shaking/clenching and telling us “I’m scared)
–Onset of OCD-like behaviors (afraid to get hands dirty, get extremely upset if he gets even tiny drips of water on himself)
–Increase in self-stimulatory behaviors (flapping, fidgeting, noise-making)
–Frequent crying jags and telling us he’s just giving up on everything
We have had other parents tell us that their kids on the spectrum have a worsening of symptoms during the winter months and we feel like we are observing this same pattern. We’ve done some reading about light therapy for depression/anxiety and to help correct disturbed sleep patterns and would like to give it a try for Jonathan.
Wondering if you have ever prescribed a light therapy box for pediatric patients before. Our insurance told us they will cover it with a diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but I don’t even know if that is something that can be diagnosed in children. Guess we’re willing to try anything at this point. Do you know much about this type of therapy?”
Neither the DAN Doctor nor our pediatrician would write a prescription for a therapy light, so we purchased one on our own and found it made no discernible impact on his symptoms.
By December, our son’s symptoms had worsened further and we decided to put him in a very expensive and intensive autism treatment program through our local hospital. He made slow progress during his participation in the program from January through April. He was also involved in speech and occupational therapy during the winter months. At his IEPC meeting at school in March, we were encouraged to put him in the district’s program for children with developmental delays. We instead elected to register him for regular pre-school for the following year.
During that winter, I was crying to some friends about my son and describing his seemingly seasonal pattern of symptoms. We had just seen a second neurologist searching for help, and I was extremely frustrated when, after listening to my son’s symptoms and history, he told me bluntly, “There is nothing seasonal about autism,” then suggested that we put our son on an anti-depressant. We refused the medication. One of the friends I was crying to is a research librarian and the other is a medical researcher. After our conversation, they located and e-mailed me a few journal articles they thought might help, one of the articles was by Dr. Cannell and discussed his vitamin D theory of autism. Reading the article was one of those “Aha!” moments and I felt hopeful that Dr. Cannell was on to something.
By June our son was released from both speech therapy and occupational therapy and we were told that he no longer showed any delays for his age. When he had begun occupational therapy in January, the OT had been astonished at our son’s lack of muscle tone. She recommended that he also receive Physical Therapy services, so we went on a long waiting list. Our initial OT was in a car accident, and in May we were transferred to a new OT. When the new OT first saw our son, she said could not believe he was the same child described in the notes. By May the low muscle tone, hyperactivity and distractibility noted in his file, were no longer evident. His turn came up for physical therapy and we were told he no longer needed it.
Our son has always spent a lot of time outdoors in the summer, without sunblock. He had a happy and relaxing summer. As fall/back-to-school approached, I began to fear the onset of another regression and again read the article by Dr. Cannell my friend had sent. I visited his website and decided we would try a vitamin D supplement. Our pediatrician did not encourage any dose higher than 400 i.u. (that found in a typical multivitamin) but did write a script to have his 25-hydroxy level tested. In August his level was 37, so we started him on 5,000 iu daily and had his level retested on October 21st. By October his level was 96. The pediatrician was concerned that this was too high and told us he should not have more than 400 iu per day.
Knowing that Nov-March are typically his worst months, we reduced the dosage down only to 3,000 iu from October through mid-December. At an appointment in December our son was doing wonderfully (none of his usual fall/winter symptoms yet evident) and the pediatrician told us 3,000 iu was too much and that we should be giving no more than 400 iu. In mid-December we reduced the dose to 1,500 iu. By the beginning of January we noted a marked loss of eye contact. We also noted that our son was again interchanging his right hand for writing and eating (after using his left hand exclusively for 8+ months). We increased his vitamin D level to 4,000 iu daily in early January. On January 11 we had his 25-Hydroxy level checked on January 11 and found that it was 89. By the end of January, we and his grandparents noted improvement in his eye contact.
In January 2010 we attended his preschool conferences. The teacher had marked cards with the following code (1=age appropriate, 2=developing, 3=area of concern). Our son received 1s in all areas with the exception of hopping on one foot and balance beam where he received 2s. We were told that he is on par with or ahead of his peers in all areas (academic, fine motor, etc.), and that his teacher had noted no unusual symptoms or concerns.
During the fall/winter 2009-2010 our son has been free from nearly all of the most troubling symptoms that plagued him the previous two winters. The following example may demonstrate the improvement in his daily life since last winter.
One of our son’s low points was a Christmas party we attended in December 2008. Before leaving the house to attend the party our son screamed and yelled about having to take a bath and because we would not let him wear sweatpants to the party. He then begged us not to make him leave the house. During the 40 minute trip to the party our son asked us repetitive questions and talked incessantly. Upon arriving at the party, he immediately walked into an unoccupied room adjacent to the room where the party was occurring, and put his face into the corner. Despite much coaxing by my husband and me, he refused to come out of the corner.
After approximately 45 minutes of standing in the corner we managed to get him out through the promise of some food rewards. He proceeded to walk around and around the perimeter of the living room where all of the other kids were playing. He rubbed himself along the walls and covered his ears as he walked. He finally settled into playing alone in a corner of the room. All of the kids at the party participated in a book exchange. Our son refused to come to the area where the other kids were gathered. We coaxed him over only to have him throw the book he received and refuse to thank the parent who had purchased it for him. He spent much of the evening in time-outs for that and other inappropriate behavior.
In June of 2008, after playing in the sun for several months, we met for a picnic with the same group of friends at a local park. Our son ran up to the other children and joined right in playing bulldozers in the sand with them. He behaved and interacted in a completely appropriate and typical way during the picnic which lasted several hours.
This year (2009) we attended the same Christmas party at the same house. Our son got ready and left for the party without anxiety or incident. He chatted normally during the drive to the party. He walked into the house, said, “Hey, check out my new train,” to some of the kids already playing and settled in to playing happily with the other kids. During the book exchange, he received a book, smiled and gave a big hug to the person who gave it to him.
In December of 2008, I took a leave from my job so I could get my son to the intensive behavioral treatment program he was in and to all of his other therapy appointments. I dedicated 40-60 hours per week to my son’s various appointments and home therapy program.
This winter (January 2010), a former colleague asked me what Jonathan’s current therapy program consists of. I told her I spend about 30 seconds each day opening the jar of vitamins and giving him his chewable vitamin D. In my opinion, the 3 minutes or so I spend each week giving him his vitamin D have been much more effective, and much less expensive, than any other treatment we have pursued.
Thank you.
Jeannette, Wisconsin
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Dear Jeanette:
You’re welcome. Several things need comment. First, the symptoms are typical of autism. Second, the seasonality of symptoms suggest a vitamin D deficient disease. Third, the treatment in the spring of 2008 seemed effective but, in hindsight, it was simply due to spring sun exposure. Fourth, as you may now know, light boxes for seasonal affective disorder make no vitamin D. Fifth, your pediatrician knows little about Vitamin D other than what committees tell him; your decision to ignore his advice probably saved your son’s brain from further injury, as autism is a progressive inflammatory destruction of brain tissue. Sixth, the fact that you needed bed rest and gave birth prematurely suggests you were Vitamin D deficient during your pregnancy.
Seventh, his twin sister has never had autism, despite the same intrauterine environment. This is consistent with my theory, that autism is caused from a quantitative, not qualitative, variation is one of the enzymes that metabolize Vitamin D. That is, there are no structural differences in these enzymes in autism, only a genetically determined difference in the amount present. These enzymes are responsive to estrogen; estrogen protects the brain from being damaged by low Vitamin D, probably by increasing the amount of activated Vitamin D present, explaining why boys are four times more likely to have the disease.
The report that your son deteriorated when his dose was reduced from 3,000 to 1,500 IU suggests autistic children need adult doses of Vitamin D. When you reduced the dose from 3,000 to 1,500 IU/day he worsened although his level on 1,500 IU/day was probably still greater than 50 ng/ml. This makes me think that dosage needs to be stable and suggests that Professor Reinhold Vieth’s theory of a detrimental seasonal resetting of the intercellular metabolism of Vitamin D may even be true at levels above 50 ng/ml, where the body is storing the parent compound, cholecalciferol, in muscle and fat.
His current dose of 4,000 IU per day is perfectly safe and will give him a level of 80-100 ng/ml, inside the reference ranges of American laboratories. Toxicity (asymptomatic high blood calcium) begins somewhere above 200 ng/ml. Generally speaking, autistic children should take 2,000 IU per every 25 pounds of body weight for six weeks, then have a 25(OH)D blood test and adjust the dosage to get into the high end of the reference range, 80-100 ng/ml.
Although I first published the Vitamin D theory of autism theory 3 years ago, few autistic children are currently treated for their Vitamin D deficiency. This is due to several reasons. One, those who think, correctly, that autism is a genetic disease, stop thinking after that, reasoning that genetic diseases are untreatable. Such thinkers do not understand epigenetics (upon the genome). Vitamin D is probably the heart of epigenetics, as nothing works upon the genome like vitamin D.
Secondly, the “all autism is caused from vaccinations” crowd cannot accept the Vitamin D possibility as it threatens their core beliefs. They simply cannot change their minds.
Finally, as you now know, organized medicine would say you should stop the vitamin D and watch your son deteriorate, which is why slavery to evidence based medicine is fine for scientists and unethical for practitioners.
John Cannell, MD
Executive Director
Vitamin D Council
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“Of the 282 individuals with ASD, 14 (10 males and 4 females) met the modified Walker diagnostic criteria for mitochondrial disease. These individuals tested negative on chromosome microarray analysis, fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Rett syndrome, among other tests. Neurological characteristics accompanying their ASD included ataxia, dystonia, seizure disorder, and developmental delay. All 14 demonstrated molecular or biochemical problems.”

And don’t forget that the latest information on Autism will be presented at tomorrow’s conference, which will be of special importance for chiropractors. “We decided that no other doctor was trained in nutrition and natural healing like chiropractors.  I also believe that there is no better vitalistic physician in the world and I love chiropractic. It would be a perfect fit for those called to help these special children.”    Dr. Renee Tocco

Hope For Autism Conference Presents: Autism & Vaccines It Is Not Possible to Make Informed Decisions Without this Information
Presenting:
Mary Tocco – 30 yrs. Independent Vaccine Investigator Alan Phillips – Attorney and Consultant

Topics Covered:  Vaccine Ingredients and Production,
The Autism-Vaccine Connection, HPV and H1N1, Vaccines and Your Rights, Vaccine Exemption and more….

Date: Friday Nov. 13, 2009
Location: Sheraton Charleston Airport Hotel

12:45 – 2:45pm
Raising Children Nature’s Way –
Avoiding Unnecessary Toxins and Interventions

2:45 – 4:45pm
Vaccines:  Parental Rights and Legal Issues- Attorney Alan Phillips

6:00 – 8:30 pm
Vaccines, Autism & Illness…Indisputable Evidence

$25 Pre-paid ($30 at Door)
To Register call 843-766-1969

Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com
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Disturbed Energy Metabolism May Be a Factor in Some Autism Spectrum Disorders Jacquelyn K. Beals, PhD

October 28, 2009 (Honolulu, Hawaii) — A new study provides evidence of abnormal energy metabolism as an underlying mechanism in some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The report, presented here at the American Society of Human Genetics 59th Annual Meeting, evaluated the prevalence of ASD in a large population with suspected mitochondrial disease, summarized the mitochondrial and nuclear defects, and found “evidence that there is disturbed energy metabolism as an underlying pathological mechanism in a specific subset of patients within the spectrum of ASD.”
ASDs are defined by deficits in social interaction, impaired perception and communication skills, and repetitive behavior. Impairments are usually identified before a child is 3 years old, and often coexist with abnormal cognitive functioning, learning, attention, and sensory processing. Diagnosis is typically reached through clinical observation of development.
Autism is now considered 1 of several ASDs, which also include pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified and Asperger’s syndrome. Currently, biological and genetic markers for early identification are largely lacking. A February 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report estimated the prevalence of ASDs in the United States to be approximately 6.7 children out of 1000, or 0.67%.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain disease (MRCD) is a complex dual-genome disease. Presenter Lee-Jun C. Wong, PhD, from the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, noted in her talk that more than 200 genes are targeted to mitochondria, so defects in nuclear and/or mitochondrial genomes can affect mitochondrial function. Disorders can be autosomal recessive or dominant, sex-linked, or maternally inherited. Thus, both MRCD and ASDs are genetically heterogeneous disorders.
“Mitochondria are the only organelles that contain their own DNA. So, in order to be a dual [genome disease], you have to have DNA in the mitochondria involved,” Dr. Wong told Medscape Pathology. She explained that a primary defect can be in the mitochondrial genome, but mitochondria are unable to function alone with just the mitochondrial genome. Nuclear genes are also required, so there will always be interaction.
The current study reviewed the records of more than 4000 individuals evaluated by the Mitochondrial Diagnostic Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine and the Pediatric Genetics Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Among more than 4000 individuals suspected of having mitochondrial dysfunction, 282 showed autistic features (ASD). The male/female ratio was close to 1 in those without ASD, but was 1.74 among individuals with ASD. The researchers also found more males than females with suspected MRCD and definite ASD.
Of the 282 individuals with ASD, 14 (10 males and 4 females) met the modified Walker diagnostic criteria for mitochondrial disease. These individuals tested negative on chromosome microarray analysis, fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Rett syndrome, among other tests. Neurological characteristics accompanying their ASD included ataxia, dystonia, seizure disorder, and developmental delay. All 14 demonstrated molecular or biochemical problems.
Electron transport chain abnormalities were detected in 8 of the 14 individuals (4 had a common mitochondrial mutation); in addition, 2 females with ataxia and other problems had mutations of the nuclear gene POLG, which functions in the replication of human mitochondrial DNA. Additional nuclear gene mutations among the 14 ASD individuals affected SCO2, TWINKLE, SUCLA2, and other genes involved in mitochondrial DNA depletion. One patient with a homozygous SCO2 mutation also showed COX deficiency; 2 had primary LHON mutations.
“Mitochondria are making energy, but brain function requires a lot of energy,” Dr. Wong said. So we think that if you have mitochondrial dysfunction, you probably also have a brain [that does] not function very well. And that’s what causes the ASD.”
However, the diagnosis of ASD is “so nonspecific that you can almost apply it to anyone,” observed session comoderator Jerry Vockley, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, professor of human genetics at the Graduate School of Public Health, and chief of medical genetics at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC in Pennsylvania, in an interview with Medscape Pathology.
“If you’ve got all these other symptoms and autism spectrum disorder, should you follow-up and look for respiratory chain deficiency? Absolutely!” said Dr. Vockley. “But if you have nothing but autism spectrum disease, mild — even severe — neurointellectual deficits, and no other somatic findings, no neuromuscular findings, no lactic acidosis, nothing on metabolite analysis, is it worth looking for mitochondrial dysfunction? . . . There are no data right now that suggest that it’s worth doing.”
Dr. Vockley feels that a basic neurometabolic screen is reasonable in children with autism, as well as various blood and urine tests, and perhaps even a skin biopsy for enzyme testing.
“But if you don’t have anything on either symptom or metabolite analysis that points to the mitochondria, the next step is very invasive — it’s muscle biopsy. I don’t think that we have the data yet to say . . . that’s a reasonable thing to do,” he said.
“The problem is that both disorders are becoming quite frequently diagnosed. If you look at the fringes of both, the atypical presentations for either, both are frequent enough that eventually they’re goIng to intersect,” noted Dr. Vockley. “The question is: Do they intersect functionally? And we’re not there yet.”

Dr. Wong and Dr. Vockley have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 59th Annual Meeting: Abstract 62. Presented October 22, 2009.

I cannot say it more succinctly than he has here!  Get IODINE into patients! Lugols is cheap and not that bad tasting even 10 drops. Of course, any breast abnormality on Thermography needs to be painted and the Iodine will all absorb in a few hours and the red color disappears and with it often the lump!

I favor erring on the side of caution. I tend to give most people some iodine for at least awhile, as there is Bromine like PBDE (i.e. flame retardants) in almost every living thing on the planet today, so use my motto and F.I.G.H.T. BACK!!

Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com
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Date: 10/8/2009
Are Sea Vegetables the Cure for the Iodine Deficiency Epidemic?
Author: Joseph Pizzorno, ND
Source: Vitamin Retailer Magazine, November 2009
http://www.nhiondemand.com/AskDrJoe/ADJArticle.aspx?id=5&utm_source=Health+Studies+Journal+-+Professional&utm_campaign=e8a8915890-ADJ_SeaVegetables_Oct8th_2009&utm_medium=email

Iodine deficiency epidemic
Although most of us believe we are not deficient in iodine since the fortification of salt with iodine, the fact is most people are deficient and don’t know it. Due to changes in food intake, eating patterns and food production methods, iodine intake has been decreasing in the U.S. since the early 70’s. Even worse, we are exposed to increasing levels of environmental toxins that either block the absorption of iodine or block its actions in the body.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES), 24-hour urine levels of iodine have decreased from average levels of 320 mcg/L during 1971-1974 to 165 mcg/L in 2001-2002 – a drop of almost 50%.1,2 NHANES (2003-2004) found a urinary iodine level of <50 mcg/L in 12% of the U.S. population, indicating severe deficiency (<100 mcg/L is indicative of deficiency).3 Iodine levels in the breast milk of nursing mothers in Boston showed that only 47% contained sufficient amounts of iodine to meet infant requirements.4 This dramatic drop in iodine intake is made worse by an increasing level of iodine uptake inhibitors – perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate – in the food supply and environment.

Why has this happened?
Iodized salt is very effective in normalizing iodine intake. The problem is we eat less iodized salt. This has occurred for 2 reasons: first, we’ve all been told to decrease salt intake because excess consumption can elevate blood pressure. However, the more important cause is that almost everyone now eats more processed foods and meals at restaurants—most of these do not use iodized salt! This is made worse by the fact that the iodized salt sold for home use often contains less iodine than stated on the label and two other good sources of iodine, bread and milk products, now contain very little due to changes in how they are produced.
Dairy products used to contain a significant amount of iodine since it was used to disinfect cow udders and dairy processing equipment. Now, however, antibiotics and other methods are used instead. In addition, less iodine is used in feed supplements. With these changes, the average iodine content of U.S. whole cow’s milk had decreased from 602 mcg/L in 1978 to 155 mcg/L in 1990. A 2002 study found as little as 88 mcg/L, less than 15% of those measured in 1978.5 This is worsened by the substitution of soft drinks for milk by children, adolescents and adults so we drink less milk which has less iodine.6,7,8 Another significant source of iodine in the past was bread since iodate-based bread conditioners were used to prolong shelf life. Today, most commercial bakeries are using bromate-based conditioners instead.
Iodized salt may have less than we think because it evaporates over time from salt containers and shakers.9 The rate of evaporation is increased by humidity and heat. In the summer in humid areas of the country, the half life of iodine in salt can be as little as one week! Many in the natural products field use sea salt as a supposed better alternative to regular salt. Unfortunately, it is not iodized.

What happens when iodine levels are too low?
Everyone is aware that iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones, so if levels are too low people suffer hypothyroidism. This is one reason the incidence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism affects 10-15% of the population, especially women. Probably more prevalent are the other problems found in people with low to marginal levels of iodine. It is well known that low iodine levels in fetuses and children leads to impaired mental development and research has now shown an increased incidence of fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer.10,11 Some research has also shown that iodine deficiency may contribute to obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia.

Are sea vegetables a good source of iodine?
Although sea vegetables, i.e., seaweed, are common in many traditional diets – especially the Japanese, they are not commonly consumed in the U.S. Most people think of sea vegetables as a food source for iodine. Some are, but many aren’t, and you have to eat more than just a few sprinkles. Also, some may be contaminated with toxic metals.
As the table below shows, the amount of iodine in seaweed varies greatly.12 Just as sea vegetables have a high affinity for iodine, they also have a high affinity for toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury.13 So be sure to only use those which are certified organic and preferably with an analysis of iodine and toxic metal content.

Conclusion
Iodine deficiency is a common and growing problem in North America. Fortunately, eating enough of the right kind of seaweed will replenish iodine supplies.

References
1 Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Hannon WH, et al. 1998 Iodine nutrition in the United States: trends and public health implications: iodine excretion data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys I and III (1971–1974 and 1988–1994). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct1998;83(10):3401-8
2 Caldwell KL, Jones R, Hollowell JG. Urinary iodine concentration: United States National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002. Thyroid. Jul2005;15(7):692-9
3 Caldwell KL, Miller GA, Wang RY, et al,. Iodine status of the U.S. population, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. Thyroid. Nov2008;18(11):1207-14
4 Pearce EN, Leung AM, Blount BC, et al. Breast milk iodine and perchlorate concentrations in lactating Boston-area women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007;92:1673-1677
5 Pearce EN, Pino S, He X, et al. Sources of dietary iodine: bread, cows’ milk, and infant formula in the Boston area. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul2004;89(7):3421-4
6 Keller KL, Kirzner J, Pietrobelli A, et al. Increased sweetened beverage intake is associated with reduced milk and calcium intake in 3- to 7-year-old children at multi-item laboratory lunches. J Am Diet Assoc. Mar2009;109(3):497-501
7 Rampersaud GC, Bailey LB, Kauwell GP. National survey beverage consumption data for children and adolescents indicate the need to encourage a shift toward more nutritive beverages. J Am Diet Assoc. Jan2003;103(1):97-100
8 Bleich SN, Wang YC, Wang Y, et al. Increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among US adults: 1988-1994 to 1999-2004. Am J Clin Nutr. Jan2009;89(1):372-81
9 Dasgupta PK, Liu Y, Dyke JV. Iodine nutrition: iodine content of iodized salt in the United States. Environ Sci Technol. Feb2008;42(4):1315-23 10 Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. Jun2008;13(2):116-27
11 Aceves C, Anguiano B, Delgado G. Is iodine a gatekeeper of the integrity of the mammary gland? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. Apr2005;10(2):189-96
12 Teas J, Pino S Critchley A and Braverman LE. Variability of Iodine Content in Common Commercially Available Edible Seaweeds. THYROID 2004;14:836-41
13 van Netten C, Hoption Cann SA, Morley DR, van Netten JP. Elemental and radioactive analysis of commercially available seaweed. Sci Total Environ. Jun2000;255(1-3):169-75 Dr. Joe Pizzorno is the founding president of Bastyr University and editor-in-chief of Integrative Medicine, A Clinician’s Journal. He is the co-author of seven books including the internationally acclaimed Textbook of Natural Medicine and the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, which has sold over a million copies and been translated into six languages.

Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com

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HSI eAlert

Dear Reader,

It was scary.

My husband’s blood pressure kept going up higher and higher. He started out taking magnesium and a few other supplements. When those did nothing, he decided to try a beta blocker (over my very loud protests).

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His blood pressure shot up to 190/110. We were both petrified.

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You can learn more about this revolutionary technology by reading the special offer below. (And I’ll keep you posted on how my husband does with it…)

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Friend,
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you already know how important it is to take control of this silent killer. Your doctor may have prescribed you medication, or you may be making diet changes, starting an exercise program, or taking other steps to bring your blood pressure down.
But I’ve got some good news. You’re about to discover a safer, easier way to lower your blood pressure—without resorting to drugs, diet changes, or strenuous exercise. Thanks to Zona Plus, you can drop your blood pressure to normal in just 4 to 7 weeks, even if you’ve been unable to lower it with medications or other therapies in the past.
Introducing Zona Plus…a safe, proven therapy recommended by doctors and reviewed in the Harvard Heart Letter!
Zona Plus is a breakthrough hypertension relief device that’s now recommended by physicians, clinics, and universities and has been reviewed in the Harvard Heart Letter and other leading publications for people who want to take control of their blood pressure naturally. It’s so effective, more than 90% of people who use Zona Plus are able to drop their blood pressure into the normal range—many of them in just weeks. Even doctors with high blood pressure are using it!
What’s more, you may be able to avoid costly blood pressure medications that are often loaded with unwanted side effects—or safely ease off those you may be taking. One study found that more than 60% of people currently taking drugs to control hypertension were able to reduce or completely stop their medication, simply by using Zona PLUS as directed. (Of course, you should never stop taking a medication without a doctor’s approval.) Best of all, just about anyone can perform this therapy without excessive strain or fatigue. It’s so easy, you can do it while watching the news, reading a book, talking on the phone, or any other time your hands are free.
All it takes is 12 minutes a day, 5 days a week—that’s just one hour total each week—to see dramatic results! And as long as you continue to perform this therapy, you’ll be able to keep your blood pressure down.
How an accidental discovery by the Air Force turned into a lifesaving breakthrough Researchers first discovered the science behind this high blood pressure therapy while trying to solve a completely different problem for the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force found many of its fighter pilots were experiencing incidents of “G-Force blackout,” a condition that causes temporary vision loss. The problem arose when the Air Force began deploying the F-16 fighter jet—an aircraft that turns very quickly, putting greater G-force on the pilot.
To find a solution, the Air Force commissioned Dr. Ronald L. Wiley, a respected cardiopulmonary physiologist. Dr. Wiley took part in a study using a certain type of isometric handgrip therapy. It was hoped that this therapy, which involved steady pressure against measured resistance, would help Air Force pilots better maneuver the F-16 fighter jet and increase their G-force tolerance. Dr. Wiley discovered this isometric therapy worked wonders to increase pilots’ G-force tolerance so they could avoid “G-Force blackout.” But it also offered another important side benefit. For pilots with slightly elevated blood pressure, the therapy actually lowered their blood pressure!
Armed with this accidental discovery, Dr. Wiley decided to research this therapy further. Working in several university laboratories over the next two decades, he eventually developed the ideal isometric therapy to safely and effectively lower blood pressure. He then tested this therapy in multiple controlled studies conducted by physicians and cardiac rehabilitation centers, and found it produced dramatic results in just weeks.

Works 4 ways to lower your blood pressure naturally Thanks to Zona Plus, it’s easy for you to take advantage of Dr. Wiley’s breakthrough discovery and lower your blood pressure naturally. This easy-to-use device is programmed to lead you through the same isometric therapy Dr. Wiley found to be safe and effective in his studies. You simply turn it on, and Zona Plus guides you through each 12-minute session step-by-step.
The therapy is simple. First, you squeeze as hard as you can for 1-2 seconds with your right hand, then with your left, each followed by 10 seconds of rest. Next, you’re directed through four 2-minute sessions, two with each hand, separated by 1-minute rest periods. That’s all there is to it! And you just need to do five therapy sessions a week to see results.
Research shows Zona Plus works four ways to lower your blood pressure naturally:
•         Reverses the effects of damaged arteries—Studies indicate Zona Plus therapy actually reverses the effects of Endothelial Dysfunction, a condition in which the cells that line your blood vessels become damaged. This condition is a major precursor to other cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, diabetes, stroke, and hardening of the arteries.
•          •         Boosts nitric oxide production— Zona Plus therapy increases the production of nitric oxide (a vasodilator), which helps relax blood vessels, thus increasing the amount those arteries and veins can stretch. This also aids in lowering blood pressure.
•         Retrains your nervous system to work more efficiently—Zona Plus therapy increases vagal tone. This makes your nervous system work more efficiently so you become more resistant to stress. It’s like doing three hours of yoga in 12 minutes!
•         Provides easy cardiovascular exercise— Zona Plus therapy restricts blood movement to the heart by constricting blood vessels in your forearm. This causes your heart to work harder, just as in other forms of exercise. Except there’s no sweating required!
Because Zona Plus changes how your body works from the inside out, people who use this therapy see blood pressure improvements that are 7 times better than with regular exercise and twice as good as with medication. That’s why it’s a more effective way to lower your blood pressure than running, biking or swimming!

Proven safe and effective in 21 published medical articles To date there are 21 published medical articles that support the effectiveness of this type of isometric therapy in lowering blood pressure. They’ve appeared in respected, peer-reviewed medical journals such as the Journal of Applied Physiology, Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and many others.
One recent study that appeared in the International Journal of Cardiology found that participants who performed a similar type of isometric therapy as you get by using Zona Plus dropped their blood pressure by an average of 13 points in just six weeks.
Another study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulation looked at patients diagnosed with hypertension and currently taking medication. It proved that by using Zona Plus, they safely “remodeled” their arteries by relaxing artery walls and improving circulation, thus lowering blood pressure.
Then there’s the real-life testimonials we hear all the time from people like you who’ve tried this blood pressure breakthrough and seen dramatic results. Alan Smith of Arizona says after using Zona Plus for 7 weeks, his blood pressure dropped from 140/90 to 120/80.
Laura Sutherland, a nurse, says, “when I started this program, my blood pressure was hovering around 150/100 on some days. After six weeks of using Zona Plus, my blood pressure came down into the 120s/80s range, a place I have never been consistently—even on drugs!”
Even doctors are using Zona Plus to control their own hypertension and seeing outstanding results. Dr. John O’Handley, a family physician from Ohio, says, “After researching the scientific basis for Zona Plus, I tried it myself and found it lowered my blood pressure. Now I recommend Zona Plus to my patients.”
You, too, can enjoy easy, natural blood pressure control— and may even save a fortune on drugs!
Many people who take drugs for high blood pressure suffer miserable side effects, like fatigue, weakness, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, even insomnia. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As long as your doctor says you’re allowed to do physical exercise, Zona Plus may be able to change your life by eliminating your need for these drugs in the first place.
Not only that, you could save a fortune on what you may currently spend on blood pressure medications. According to a Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive poll, the average cost of these drugs runs about $93 a month. That adds up to $1,116 a year! And the cost just keeps going up.
Zona Plus gives you an easy way to lower your blood pressure at a fraction of the cost of long-term drug therapy, with NO unwanted side effects. As part of this exclusive money-saving offer, you can order Zona Plus without risk for just $349—a $50 savings off the regular price of $399.
Compare the cost of Zona Plus to the long-term costs of using blood pressure medications, and you’ll see how much more you can save. Zona Plus is built to last 20 years, so it actually costs just $1.45 a month. If you spend an average of $93 a month on blood pressure drugs, you could enjoy a net savings of nearly $5,500 in just 5 years!
Try Zona Plus risk FREE for 8 weeks. Your satisfaction with your results is 100% guaranteed! You won’t risk a penny… I invite you to try Zona Plus in your home for eight full weeks without risking a penny. It arrives ready to use, complete with a lithium battery (a $7 value). We’ll even ship it to you FREE via Federal Express Ground—that’s an extra savings of $15 on top of the $50 savings you’ll already enjoy.
If you don’t see your blood pressure drop to normal by simply using Zona Plus 12 minutes a day, 5 days a week as directed, return Zona Plus to us for a full refund. You’ll promptly get back every penny you paid!
How can I back up Zona Plus with such an incredible guarantee? Because it works for almost everyone who tries it. As I mentioned earlier, more than 90% of people who use Zona Plus as directed are able to drop their blood pressure into the normal range. What’s more, many of them are able to work with their physicians to get off blood pressure medications for good! I know Zona Plus can help you take control of your blood pressure naturally, too. So please don’t miss this chance to put it to the test today—without risking a penny! Simply click here to get all the details on this special introductory offer.

Yours truly,

Steve Wood
Founder and President, Zona Health

Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com

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Dear Reader,

You don’t hear much about multiple sclerosis — mostly because it’s a disease that continues to stump doctors and researchers. While there are a handful of treatments that can alleviate some of the symptoms, there’s no cure for it. But last month, researchers from the UK and Canada did even better. They made a discovery that may prevent it from occurring in the first place.

And the missing link is none other than vitamin D.

Researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of British Columbia examined genetic factors involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. They found that one of the genes known to have the strongest effect on MS risk interacts closely with DNA and proteins that rely on vitamin D to activate them.

If your body doesn’t have enough of this essential nutrient to activate those proteins, the nearby gene may be altered. And your risk of developing MS may increase as a result.

The researchers actually believe that this vitamin D deficiency-MS risk relationship begins before we’re even born. According to the article I read about this study “They believe that vitamin D deficiency in mothers or even in a previous generation may lead to altered expression of the gene in their offspring.”

In theory, this could mean that if women get ample vitamin D throughout their lives — and during pregnancy — it could potentially wipe out MS altogether.

Granted, it is still theoretical at this point. But it certainly can’t HURT. And while vitamin D may or may not be the MS savior, it does play a critical role in many, many other aspects of your health.

Dr. Wright recommends 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily for adults and teenagers, 1,000 IU for infants and small children, and 2,000 IU for everyone in between.

Yours in good health,

Amanda Ross
Editor
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:
“Vitamin D helps control MS gene,” BBC News (http://news.bbc.co.uk), 2/5/09

Dr. Garry F. Gordon will present ‘TOXIN MAGNET: The New Zeolite-Based Detox Program You Need To Get Healthy’ at the 37th annual Cancer Control Society Convention, on Saturday Sept 5th, 2009 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, Universal City, CA (Los Angeles area).

As our environment becomes increasingly toxic,  a safe, effective and convenient ‘daily’ treatment for lead, mercury, and other toxins, is now an essential part of any effective anti-aging and health promoting program.
Dr. Gordon’s “Toxin Magnet” powerpoint presentation will be available on the Gordon Research Institute website at www.gordonresearch.com.  A webinar will soon be announced on that site for those who are unable to attend this conference. For additional information, use the search feature and type in either the word ‘Cancer’ or ‘Kobayashi’,  for life-saving information about a proven program that eliminated cancer for over 10 years, for more than 10,000 patients!

I draw your attention to a few paragraphs from his extensive presentation, which discusses some of the impact of chemicals and toxins on our health. Click the link to view the entire 13th annual conference proceedings ‘Managing Biotransformation: The Metabolic, Genomic, and Detoxification Balance Points’.

Garry F. Gordon MD,DO,MD(H)
President, Gordon Research Institute
www.gordonresearch.com

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The Proceedings From the 13th International Symposium of The Institute for Functional Medicine
http://www.alternative-therapies.com/at/web_pdfs/ifm_proceedings_low.pdf

(Excerpt from presentation article by Mark Hyman, MD entitled ‘Systems Biology, Toxins, Obesity, and Functional Medicine’)

LIVING IN A SEA OF TOXINS: THE PROBLEM

Why should we worry about toxins unless we work with toxic chemicals or spray pesticides for a living? Isn’t exposure minimal? Unfortunately, risks of exposure are substantial, pose significant public health risks, and can no longer be ignored. We live in a sea of toxins. Every single person and animal on the planet contains residues of toxic chemicals or metals in their tissues. Eighty thousand new chemicals have been introduced since the turn of the 20th century and most have never been tested for safety or for synergistic actions. The Centers for Disease Control issued a report on human exposure to environmental chemicals. They assessed human blood or urine levels for 116 chemicals (and there were thousands more for which tests were not conducted) as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.1 While they found high levels of toxins in some, and low levels in many more, the study, in isolation, may not tell the whole story. Why? Because these chemical toxins move quickly from the blood into storage sites-mostly fat tissue, organs, and bones-so the blood or urine levels underestimate the total toxic load. Both weight gain (because of stored toxins) and the total toxic load can frustrate attempts at weight loss by impairing two key metabolic organs-the liver and the thyroid, by damaging the mitochondria- the site of energy metabolism, by affecting neuroendocrine signaling, and by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress.

FAT AS A STORAGE DEPOT FOR FAT SOLUBLE TOXINS

The Environmental Protection Agency has monitored human exposure to toxic environmental chemicals since 1972 when they began the National Human Adipose Tissue Survey. This study evaluates the levels of various toxins in the fat tissue from cadavers and elective surgeries. Five of what are known to be the most toxic chemicals were found in 100% of all samples (OCDD or octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, styrene, 1,4- dichlorobenzene, xylene, and ethylphenol-toxic chemicals from industrial pollution that damage the liver, heart, lungs, and nervous system). Nine more chemicals were found in 91-98% of samples: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, DDE (a breakdown product of DDT, the pesticide banned in the US since 1972), three dioxins, and one furan. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found in 83% of the population. A Michigan study found DDT in over 70% of 4 years olds, probably received through breast milk. With the global economy, we may be eating food that was picked a day before in Guatemala, Indonesia, or Asia, where there are not the same restrictions on the use of pesticides as there are in the United States. Many of these chemicals are stored in fat tissue, making animal products concentrated sources. One hundred percent of beef is contaminated with DDT, as is 93% of processed cheese, hot dogs, bologna, turkey, and ice cream.

WHERE DO TOXINS COME FROM?
Exposure to toxins comes from two main sources: the environment (external toxins) and the gut (breakdown products of our metabolism, or internal toxins). Both can overload endogenous detoxification mechanisms.

External Toxins: The Dangers from Without
The external toxins include chemical toxins and heavy metals. The heavy metals that cause the most ill health are lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and aluminum. Chemical toxins include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), solvents (cleaning materials, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene), medications, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, and food additives. Infections (hepatitis C virus) and mold toxins (sick building syndrome) are other common sources of toxins. Our modern refined diet can be considered toxic because it places an exta burden o detoxification systems through excessive consumption of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup (the two most important causes of elevated liver function tests), trans fatty acids, alcohol, cafeine, aspartame, foods made with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the various plastics, pathogens, hormones, and antibiotics found in our food supply.

Testing for Toxins and Detoxification Function
* Genetic testing of detoxification pathways for phase I and phase II SNPs
* Detoxification challenge test (provocations with caffeine, aspirin,
acetaminophen)
* Measurement of detoxification enzymes
– Reduced glutathione
– Glutathione peroxidase
– super oxide dismutase (SOD)
* Heavy metals
– RBC or whole blood
– Hair analysis
– Chelation challenge with DMPS or DMSA
* Urinary organic acids
– Specific compounds measured, including sulfates, pyroglutamate,
orotate, and others, can give clues to problems with detoxification
pathways.
* Chemical antibodies to various toxins and metals (can occasionally be useful)
* Organophosphates: identified through a 24-hour urine collection test
* Mold and mycotoxin antibodies
* IgG food sensitivity testing
* Celiac testing (IgG and IgA anti-gliadin antibodies, tTG IgA)
* Digestive stool analysis for dysbiosis
* Tests for hidden infections (Lyme, H. pylori, etc.)

Practical Suggestions for Patients
Remove Toxins
* Eat organic food and animal products to avoid petrochemical pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics.
* Drink filtered water (reverse osmosis or carbon filter).
* HEPA/ULPA filters and ionizers can be helpful in reducing dust, molds,
volatile organic compounds, and other sources of indoor air pollution.
* Clean and monitor heating systems for release of carbon monoxide, the most common cause of death by poisoning in America.
* Have houseplants that help filter the air.
* Air out your dry cleaning before wearing it.
* Avoid excess exposure to environmental petrochemicals (garden
chemicals, dry cleaning, car exhaust, second-hand smoke).
* Reduce or eliminate the use of toxic household and personal care products (aluminium-containing underarm deodorant, antacids, and pots and pans).
* Remove allergens and dust from your home as much as possible.
* Minimize electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from radios, TVs, and
microwave ovens.
* Reduce ionizing radiation (from sun exposure or medical tests such as X-rays).
* Reduce heavy metal exposure (predatory and river fish, water, lead paint, thimerosal-containing products, etc.).

Improve Elimination of Toxins
* Have 1-2 bowel movements a day.
* Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
* Sweat regularly.
– Use exercise to help you sweat regularly.
– Use steam baths or saunas – infrared saunas may be even more beneficial.
* Regular exercise, yoga, or lymphatic massage can improve lymph flow and help flush toxins out of your tissues into your circulation so they can be detoxified.

To read the rest of this article, see page 136 of The Proceedings From the 13th International Symposium of The Institute for Functional Medicine at http://www.alternative-therapies.com/at/web_pdfs/ifm_proceedings_low.pdf.

 The truth is that in today’s nutritionally void and polluted world, children and adolescents who do not take supplements face greater health risks than those who do. If you want your child to be healthier and more active, your child needs to be in the group taking supplements.

Garry F. Gordon, MD,DO,MD(H) Gordon Research Institute www.gordonresearch.com

Breaking News on Supplements & Nutrition North America

Most Children Don’t Need Supplements Says Study…

By Lorraine Heller, 04-Feb-2009

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/content/view/print/235056

A study published this week reports that many US children and adolescents who take vitamin and mineral supplements may not actually need them.

Appearing in the February issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a JAMA journal, the study suggests that health care providers in the country should discourage the use of supplements by children with healthy diets.

Many Americans use vitamin and mineral supplements despite the fact that these products are largely deemed unnecessary for children and adults who eat varied diets, the study reported in its background information.

The US supplements industry issued an immediate response to the new study, stating that vitamin supplements are a component of a total health package and should not be discounted from the equation.

One Third of Children

The papers authors, from the University of California Davis School of Medicine and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, found that around one third of children and adolescents take vitamin and mineral supplements.

The findings were derived from an analysis of data from 10,828 children age 2 to 17 who participated in the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

As part of the study, parents filled out questionnaires and participated in household interviews, and children and teens underwent medical examinations, including nutrition behavior analysis.

The study, which broke down age groups into children aged 2-4, 5-11 and 12-17, found that younger children were more likely to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Prevalence was 43, 37 and 27 percent respectively.

Greatest Intake

Underweight children and those children with better overall diets reported greater supplement intake.

“Our results supported our hypothesis that underweight children would have the highest use of vitamin and mineral supplements,” wrote the authors.

“However, in contrast to what we expected to find, children and adolescents with healthier nutrition, more active lifestyles, greater food security and greater health care access were more likely to use vitamin and mineral supplements.”

The researchers said that children and adolescents who may face the greatest risks for vitamin and mineral deficiencies are those that actually take supplements less. Children in this group include those with less healthy nutrition and activity patterns, greater obesity, lower income, lower food security, poorer health, and lower health care access.

OK For Some

The authors concluded that some children and adolescents who are underweight may potentially benefit from VM [vitamin and mineral] supplementation, but for other groups of VM users, medical benefits are less clear.

Health care providers should screen their patients regarding the nutritional quality of their diet and their supplement use, and should then counsel parents that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend use of VM supplements in children and adolescents with varied and healthy diets, they wrote.

The supplement trade group Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) agreed that underserved areas of the population could benefit from multivitamins, but said that the supplements are also important for an overall approach to wellness.

The study also highlighted an ongoing debate surrounding the use of supplements by different population groups, stating that multivitamin preparations for older children and adolescents are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and may result in adverse effects.

CRN said this was a misconception. The fact is that dietary supplements, including childrens’ vitamins, are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, it said.

Source:

Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Use by Children and Adolescents in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Vol. 163 (No. 2), Feb 2009

Authors: Ulfat Shaikh, MD, MPH; Robert S. Byrd, MD, MPH; Peggy Auinger, MS