Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH

Dr. Neustaedter has practiced homeopathy and oriental medicine for over 25 years, specializing in child health care. An accomplished and well-recognized author, he has written The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults (North Atlantic Books, 2002), a book that helps consumers make informed choices about vaccination. His new book, Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents (North Atlantic Books, 2005), represents a state of the art guide to raising children with natural medical care. He can be reached through his extensive website at www.cure-guide.com.

Published on 07/18/2004

Exploration on proper diet for children. Diet recommendations included.

Supplements for Kids

Establishing the proper ratio of fats in a child's diet is one of the most important nutritional adjustments a parent can initiate. Most children have a significant imbalance of fats, too much omega-6 fats (vegetable oils) and trans fats (fried foods and hydrogenated fats), not enough omega-3 fats. This imbalance contributes to allergies, infections, and attention problems.

Fish, chickens, and eggs are good sources of omega-3 fats if the animals eat green plants and algae. Get organic chickens and their eggs. Supplement kids' diets with organic eggs and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) derived from algae or fish oil. A 100 mg capsule of DHA derived from algae (called neuromins) or one teaspoon of cod liver oil per 50 pounds of body weight will provide adequate omega-3 fats.

Vitamin E will ensure that fatty acids are maintained at optimum efficiency once they are absorbed into cells. In addition, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects and increases resistance to infection. Use only natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol), not the synthetic form (dl-alpha-tocopherol). A mixed tocopherol form of vitamin E is best because children need the gamma as well as the alpha forms.

A calcium supplement is essential for children who are restricting dairy products (500 mg). The best forms of calcium for supplementation are calcium malate or calcium citrate, because calcium carbonate is produced from oyster shells, which can be contaminated with heavy metals, and because calcium carbonate is not as readily absorbed. Magnesium will assist calcium absorption.

Zinc stimulates immune function, prevents infections, and acts as a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the creation of antioxidants. Children with allergies and frequent infections should take extra zinc. If zinc supplementation is continued over a prolonged period of time, it should be given in conjunction with copper in a ratio of ten to one to prevent copper deficiency.

Children's diets should contain large amounts of natural vitamins A and C derived from fruits (oranges, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, mango) and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, squash, yams, red bell peppers). Vitamin A is also found in fish and eggs. Both vitamins are antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.