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Post by andrewsmom on Feb 20, 2007 8:54:17 GMT -5
Hi everyone! I'm looking for some info on iron and ds. When Andrew was born, we were told that kids with DS sometimes store iron (I forget where in their body they store it). When I google iron and DS all I seem to come up with is iron deficency. Hmmmm
So, I'm wondering if we are doing the wrong thing by giving Andrew vitamins WITHOUT iron. I know about the link between iron and plaque on brains of people with dementia. But we were told to stay away from vitamins with iron because it could be stored somewhere in the body.
Has anyone else ever been told this? Anyone know what I'm talking about? Any useful links to help me figure this all out? I certainly don't want to keep going on this route if there is no need for it, or if it could actually harm him in any way. Thanks for any info!
-Trisha
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Post by Jessie on Feb 20, 2007 15:40:54 GMT -5
This is from Dr. Leshin's site:
Q: Is iron dangerous for children with DS? A: The claim that iron is dangerous is often based on two suppositions, the first being that since iron is present in plaques in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease, iron must be part of the process of the creation of the plaques. However, it has been shown that plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease are very sticky, and contain many things that may not have been involved in the initial formation of the plaques. Researchers have still not come to an agreement on exactly what causes the plaques, and how the plaques actually fit into the clinical picture of dementia. (Readers interested in more on this topic are advised to see the website of the Alzheimer Research Forum.) The second supposition as to why iron might be harmful is based on the fact that people with DS have an excess amount of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in their cells, due to the extra 21st chromosome (see my essay on trisomy for more about this). The excess SOD is supposed to make more hydrogen peroxide available, which may react with iron to cause more damaging free radicals. At the present time, the research on this topic is still questionable and certainly ongoing. There is no definitive evidence that this happens, so it's too early to say that all iron is dangerous. I would certainly not recommend a low-iron formula for any infant with DS due to the high risk of iron deficiency anemia in this age group. After the second year of life, my personal recommendation would be that there's no reason to avoid iron-fortified foods, but there's no reason for extra iron supplementation in vitamins unless there is a documented anemia from iron deficiency. If you want to give your child a chewable vitamin and all your choices have some iron in them, pick the one with the lowest amount. (Caveat: women with DS who are menstruating do need iron supplementation to avoid becoming anemic; they don't tend to eat enough red meat to make up for the monthly blood loss.)
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Post by cindylou on Feb 20, 2007 16:31:51 GMT -5
good job digging that up Jessie-- I have to say that I've always avoided iron with Kaylee, mostly due to constipation issues.... I didn't know she would need supplements due to her cycle. 'Course, we're big red meat eaters here--so maybe she's fine. Should I drag her off for a lovely blood work up? not happening... cindy
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Post by Emilysmom on Feb 20, 2007 20:09:35 GMT -5
Years ago, when we started using Nutrivene D with Emily, we read a lot of info on NOT using iron on several sites.....but the one that I remember most would be the Nutrivene site. I think they have questions and answers; at least they used to. Try checking out the search engine for Nutrivene D.
Susan
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Post by andrewsmom on Feb 21, 2007 15:37:52 GMT -5
Thanks guys so much!!
Jessie...Thank you! I will have to look up more about SOD....but at least it is giving me someplace to start.
Susan...I have been on the nutrivene site before. I will go back and check out that section now...Thank you!!
-Trisha
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Post by Debbie on Feb 21, 2007 17:32:46 GMT -5
When I was older, I had problems with Anemia so I had to take vitamin's with Iron. I was an adolescent. I don't remember how long I took it. I eventually recovered but don't know how I came down with Anemia. I wonder how that happens. I tend to be that way for some reason. I have problems with fatigue from time to time. I have the Mitrol Valve Prolasp I wonder if that has something to do with it but I really don't know for sure.
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