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Physicians Recognize the Importance of Antioxidants in the Long Term Management of Down Syndrome - top - 

A recent review published by Drs. Gert Lubec and Ephrem Engidawork of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Vienna (Journal of Neurology, 2002, Vol 249: 1347-1356) eloquently outlines the scientific rationale for the need for increased antioxidant supplementation in the diets of persons with Down syndrome. 

These scientists based their argument on two well documented facts. First, because of the extra copy of chromosome 21, persons with Down syndrome produce more free radicals in their body. Scientists call free radicals, reactive oxygen species or ROS. Because ROS are highly reactive with other chemicals (one might even broadly compare their action to everyday cleaning agents like bleach), they can damage cell membranes, proteins and DNA in the body and decrease the body's ability to function properly. This would include body processes like cognition (the ability to learn), immunity and even muscle tone. 

Secondly, Lubec and Ephrem explain that ROS adversely affects health by the under or over production of proteins, called transcription factors or TFs, that regulate expression of our body's blueprint for living, DNA. For instance they state, "ROS modulate TFs and TFs modulate ROS generation; the consequence of any imbalance may be neuronal death and neurodegeneration in DS". The authors go on to explain that many TFs that are involved in genetically programmed cell death (apoptosis) are found in elevated levels in the brains of persons with DS. They point out that "Apoptosis of neurons and glial cells (brain cells-editor) may be responsible for the multitude of pathological findings in the fetus and later in life when Alzheimer's disease like neuropathological findings occurs from the fourth decade. Enhanced apoptosis in DS brain, can be caused by TFs and ROS". 

Importantly Lubec and Ephrem note, "Although we discussed the brain exclusively, we are aware that these pathogenetic principles of TF and ROS abnormalities may be extrapolated to other organ systems, such as the heart and dysmorphic (abnormality of shape-editor) features". 

They conclude by stating; "Therapeutic modalities that target these factors (ROS and TGs-editor) including antioxidants and caspase inhibitors might have some benefit in alleviating the symptoms of DS".

Finally, these scientists acknowledge in their paper the abundance of data that support their conclusions as well as an admonition to the scientific community about the lack of research into the specific causes of abnormal changes in body functions in persons with Down syndrome:

"We could add significant material from the literature supporting the involvement of TFs and ROS but for the readability and because the length of this review (82 scientific papers are cited in their paper-editor) we have to limit evidence and apologize to many important contributors to the subject for not having them cited. We also do not ignore many other facts and findings that may well contribute to the pathogenesis of DS." 

"......there is still therapeutic nihilism ("skepticism as to the therapeutic value of a drug or method" - Webster's Third New International Dictionary-editor) in DS. More than a century after the description of DS and with a high incidence in all populations, specific brain research is still far from adequate."

All quotes excerpted from: Lubec, G. and E. Engidawork. 2002. The brain in Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). Journal of Neurology, Vol. 249: 1347-1356 and Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language: Unabridged, 1993, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA.

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Physicians Become Increasingly Aware of the Importance of Vitamin Supplementation for Long-Term Health - top - 

In a landmark paper recently published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (R. H. Fletcher, MD, MSc and K. M. Fairfield, MD, DrPH, 2002, Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention In Adults, JAMA: Vol 287, 3127 -3129) two Harvard physician/scientists have concluded that most people do not consume an optimal amount of all vitamins by diet alone and recommend that "all adults take one multivitamin daily". They state; "Recent evidence has shown that suboptimal levels of vitamins, even well above those causing deficiency syndromes, are risk factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. A large proportion of the general population is apparently at increased risk for this reason (italics-editor)". They also point out that "The evidence for clinical effects of vitamins is increasing rapidly". 

Although these authors caution that high levels of certain vitamins can be toxic, the publishing of their position in the most widely respected of American medical journals is an excellent example of the medical community's increasing awareness of the value of judicious vitamin supplementation. Indeed, Fletcher and Fairfield, provide web sites for physicians to use as references to aid in increasing their knowledge of the beneficial effects of vitamin supplementation. 

Despite the dramatic departure of these recommendations from those issued by medical experts in many scientific and popular press venues in the past, close scrutiny of the medical/scientific literature reveals that this most recent publication is actually tacit recognition of an increasing body of evidence, accumulated over that last two decades, that, simply put, vitamin supplements are good for your health. 

Perhaps one of the most startling of these previous studies is that by Bendich et al. (1997, Potential Health Economic Benefits of Vitamin Supplementation, West J Medicine: Vol 166:306-312). These scientists studied a large number of previously published papers on vitamin supplementation as well as hospitalization rates and hospitalization discharge summaries from two large national and California maintained data bases for the years 1992 and 1993. They concluded; "For the conditions studied (birth defects, low-birth weight premature infants and coronary heart disease-editor), nearly $20 billion in hospital charges (during 1992-93-editor) were potentially avoidable with the daily use of folic acid and zinc-containing multivitamins by all women of childbearing age and daily vitamin E supplementation by those over 50". The authors point out that this potential savings would result from the accumulative effect of taking vitamins over a period of months and years. 

Other studies and papers in peer-reviewed scientific literature support the use of vitamin supplementation for decreasing the risk of degenerative states. Combs (1998, Emerging relationships of vitamins and cancer risks, Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care: Vol 1: 519-523) states; "Evidence is emerging that at least some vitamins may play a role in reducing cancer risks. Over the past year, the best evidence for such effects has been presented for vitamins A, D and E; less consistent evidence has been presented for vitamin C". Combs cautions that many of the beneficial effects may be the result of other nutrients in the foods within which these vitamins are typically found. 

There is no substitute for a well-balanced diet, exercise program and sleep, all in moderation, for maintaining good health. Most people, however, are not able to eat the "perfect" diet in today's busy and increasingly stressful world. Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that even consumption of a well-balanced diet may not allow intake of enough nutrients and vitamins to maintain optimum health. The existence of "optimum nutrition" versus a symptom-free nutritional state is now being recognized by the scientific and medical community. The former speaks to the long-termed prevention of chronic disease through diet, exercise and intake of protein, carbohydrates and fats and vitamins and minerals via diet and supplementation, while the latter is the traditional measure of day to day, short-term health. The consumption of dietary vitamin and mineral supplements may be able to bridge the gap in deficiencies in our diet and life style in the maintenance of long-term optimum nutrition. The recent article in JAMA speaks eloquently to this issue.     

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New from INI - top - 

Q-Gel Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that plays an important role in cellular energy, aids in circulation, and is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Unlike other forms of Coenzyme Q10 that are poorly absorbed, patented Q-Gel Coenzyme Q10 is highly absorbable, exhibiting 300% more absorption than other forms. Q-Gel Coenzyme Q10 is available in orange-pineapple liquid and 15, 20 (Vegetarian), and 30 mg softgels.

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Calcium Soft Chews are a delicious and convenient way to get your daily calcium needs. Each Calcium Soft Chew contains 500 mg of Calcium plus Vitamins D & E and is available in all-natural fruit (milk-free and vegetarian approved) or chocolate flavors.

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Enamel Saver Toothpaste with Xylitol may help prevent gum disease, or improve the condition of those who have it, according to clinical studies. Enamel Saver contains 36% natural Xylitol plus fluoride. Xylitol inhibits the growth of plaque. Plaque is the starting point for cavities and gum disease and contributes to bad breath and cancer sores. Enamel Saver is available in a mild peppermint flavor.

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Warm Herbal contains Echinacea, Elderberry, Willow Bark, Zinc, and Vitamins A & C in a great-tasting, all natural orange flavor. Warm Herbal may help to boost the immune system or reduce symptoms of cold and flu*. 

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Sambucol for Kids is specially formulated to help support a child's immune system*. Sambucol for Kids contains Elderberry Extract, Echinacea, and Propolis in a delicious berry-flavored liquid.

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Lacto Safe & Rhino Lacto Safe contains natural lactase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down milk sugar, as well as other enzymes specifically formulated for the digestion of foods containing lactose. Lactose intolerance, an inability to digest the naturally occurring milk sugars found in all dairy products, can lead to bloating, nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Lacto Safe is available in capsules and Rhino Lacto Safe is available in a pleasant tasting chewable tablet.

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Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil contains DHA and EPA. DHA promotes brain development and visual function and EPA is recommended for cardiovascular health. Arctic Cod Liver Oil contains no PCB's, heavy metals, or pesticides. This product is available in a delicious orange flavor.

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Nordic Naturals DHA Junior contains DHA and EPA. DHA is important for brain and eye development. DHA Junior is available in small, round gelcaps with a great-tasting strawberry oil. 

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Longevity Science Omega-3 Fish Oil from Norway contains both DHA and EPA. DHA is an important nutrient for growth and development of the brain, eyes, nervous system, and cell membranes. Longevity Science Omega-3 Fish Oil is available in a lemon flavored liquid or gelcaps.

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Longevity Science EnteroPro Probiotic is an enteric-coated high potency probiotic formula that contains six strains of beneficial bacteria. The enteric coating increases heat and acid resistance that may enhance shelf-life and passage through the stomach thereby providing a greater proportion of beneficial bacteria to the intestines. EnteroPro should be refrigerated to preserve freshness. 

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Longevity Science Total Gest is a high potency, full-spectrum plant enzyme formula that may aid in digestion. Total Gest contains 17 different plant source digestive enzymes that may be useful in digesting fat, starch, protein, sugars, and fibers. 

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Frequently Asked Questions - top - 


Does my son really need essential fatty acids in his diet? - top - 

EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) are considered "essential" as our body does not manufacture them: they must be obtained through our diet. The typical American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. DHA is important for growth and development of the brain, eyes, nervous system, and cell membranes. A recent study showed that DHA "significantly enhances visual acuity maturation and cognitive function. DHA is a conditionally essential nutrient for neurodevelopment in humans."1 

One additional benefit to EFAs is that they may help probiotics (good bacteria) adhere to mucosal surfaces (of the intestinal tract) and enhance the effects of probiotics.2

Breastmilk contains some DHA, as do infant formulas Enfamil LipilTM, Similac Advance, and Isomil Advance (soy-based). The richest DHA food source is fresh fish. However, there are some concerns with eating fish as they can contain heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins. Young children and pregnant women are cautioned to limit their fresh fish intake.

Fish oil supplements are an alternative to fresh fish. Neuromins DHA is an algae-based omega-3 that does not contain impurities. Other fish oils that undergo extensive purification to remove the heavy metals and environmental toxins are also acceptable. 

1Lipids 2001 Sep;36(9):885-95
2Nutrition 2002 Sep;18(9):786


My child seems sensitive to food textures. Is this common in Down syndrome? - top - 

Some children have oral defensiveness, which may be an expression of Sensory Integration (SI). If a child is unwilling to try new tastes and textures and gags (or even throws up) when a new food is introduced, you may want to seek the advice of a professional. Other indications of oral defensiveness include drinking liquids but not eating solid foods, not allowing anything near the mouth, and being extremely sensitive to food smells. It's important that this issue be addressed as children who are orally defensive may also have delays in speech and language.


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Upcoming TNI Consultations & Lectures - top - 

Dr. Lawrence Leichtman is currently scheduling consultations to see children and adults with genetic disorders, with a special emphasis in the areas of Down syndrome and autism. Dr. Leichtman is a nutrition-oriented clinical geneticist, pediatrician, and President of Trisomy 21 Research. To view Dr. Leichtman's upcoming schedule, click here 

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On Sale Now

Daily Needs Vitamin C 500 mg - BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) $5.95
Vitamin C is an antioxidant required for immune function, tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland functions, and healthy gums. Daily Needs Vitamin C contains 500 mg of pharmaceutical-grade ascorbic acid in each capsule. Capsules may be pulled apart and added to foods and drinks. Daily Needs Vitamin C (500 mg) contains 90 capsules.

Daily Needs Vitamin E 400 IU - BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) $13.95
was $15.95that helps to improve circulation, promote normal blood clotting and healing, Daily Needs Vitamin E is a pharmaceutical-grade, natural (d-alpha tocopherol) dry form of E. This type of Vitamin E is thought to be better absorbed and more easily digested than other forms of E. Daily Needs Vitamin E (400 IU) contains 90 capsules. 

Nutrivene TMG 500 mg - $12.95, was $15.95
TMG is a nutrient, extracted from sugar beets, that is considered a "methyl" donor. TMG is being studied in heart disease (individuals with high homocysteine are twice as likely to die of heart disease), autism, and depression. TMG contains 3 methyl groups. In the liver, TMG transfers one of its three methyls to homocysteine, converting it to methionine (an amino acid). Nutrivene TMG (500 mg) contains 180 capsules. 


Nutrivene Children's Daily Multiple Vitamin - $12.95, was $15.95
Nutrivene Children's Daily Multiple Formula provides nutritional support for active children or those needing additional nutrients in their diet (weakened immune system, over weight, under stress, etc.). Nutrivene Children's Daily Multiple contains 28 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Selenium, Zinc, Vitamins C, E, and A. This product is also a good source of Vitamin B, including Choline, a nutrient important for brain function. Nutrivene Children's Daily Multiple Formula is available in a Vanilla flavored powder. Nutrivene Children's Daily Multiple Formula contains 132 grams of powder.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information contained in Needs, Etc is supplemental in nature and should not take the place of advice from your physician or other healthcare professional