Should children receive half doses of dietary supplements?

The Denver Post reports that experts disagree on dietary supplements for kids:

Dr. Kathi Kemper, who chairs the holistic and integrative medicine department at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, often recommends a multivitamin or fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, because "people have a funny idea what a healthy diet actually is," she said. Surveys show that 99 percent of American children do not meet the recommended daily allowance for one or more essential nutrients, Kemper said.

If you do use supplements, look for children’s brands. Avoid large doses of anything; some nutrients, such as iron and vitamin A, can become toxic. Also note that supplements are not standardized and quality is not well-regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Here’s a guide to some of the more common supplements:

• Multivitamins haven’t been shown to offer a tremendous benefit and aren’t recommended by the AAP, but they generally don’t hurt as long as they’re made for children and less than 100 percent of the daily recommended value. Gummy vitamins look and taste like candy; try brushing your child’s teeth afterward to avoid cavities, said registered dietitian Judith Dodd, a food and nutrition adviser.

• Vitamin D: Studies have consistently shown that kids are not getting appropriate amounts of vitamin D in their diet, said Daniels. He added that it makes sense to take a multivitamin containing D. But scientists aren’t sure how much vitamin D children actually need. The AAP recommends 400 international units a day to prevent and treat rickets, a bone-softening disease. Dietary sources are limited, but many foods are fortified with D. It’s also made by the body when the skin absorbs the sun’s rays.

• Fish oil/omega-3s: Kemper recommends fish oil for children who don’t eat fish two or three times a week. Daniels doesn’t recommend it for the general population.

• Liquid or powdered fruit and vegetable extracts: Whole fruits and vegetables are best. When choosing a supplement, much depends on how they are produced "because nutrients can be lost in the production process," said registered dietitian Dee Sandquist.

• Calcium: Children over age 3 are usually deficient in calcium: Only 15 percent of girls and 22 percent of boys meet the recommended intake levels, according to the federal dietary guidelines report. While a calcium supplement may be helpful, "milk has nine vitamins and minerals which provide an array of health benefits which a calcium supplement will not," said Sandquist, who also recommends nondairy options (soy, almond, rice) or sources such as cereal and orange juice.

• Iron: The AAP recommends 5 to 10 milligrams of iron for breast-fed babies. It should only be supplemented if needed for a medical condition, such as anemia, Sandquist said.

*

Integrative medicine conference on thyroid issues:

 

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 26, 2010

Patients Medical, a leading integrative medical center in New York City, will offer an informational webinar on Thursday, August 19th, 2010 at 6:30pm Eastern Standard Time, led by medical director and founder Rashmi Gulati, MD. Dr. Gulati will explain recent advances in diagnostic tools and holistic treatment options for those who live with thyroid disease. The webinar is free and open to the public for those who register for the event.

“Too many people are suffering because of thyroid disease. They deserve to know the truth about their health,” states Dr. Gulati. Approximately twenty-seven million Americans are affected by a thyroid disease. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) estimates that over half of those affected remain undiagnosed. Thyroid imbalance far surpasses diabetes as the most common endocrine disorder in the US.

“Millions have been suffering from fatigue, obesity, rollercoaster weight issues, hair loss, and depression for years while their thyroid disease remains undiagnosed. Specialized thyroid tests such as the Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) test are vastly under-utilized in many medical practices and can be used along-side the more common Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test to get a more accurate representation of a patient’s thyroid health,” explains Dr. Gulati.

“As the master gland, the thyroid influences many other critical hormones. If the thyroid is out of balance then many other systems suffer as well,” says Dr. Gulati, “When we look at the body as a whole and address the underlying cause of symptoms, we can prevent further illness and create wellness.” By addressing nutritional and hormonal imbalances, lifestyle practices such as stress-relief and exercise, and a variety of other factors, Dr. Gulati has guided her patients towards symptom relief, and more importantly, greater overall health.

Recent advances in medicine combined with patients’ demand for a more natural and holistic approachto treatments has led Dr. Gulati and her staff at Patients Medical to develop protocols that go beyond synthetic drugs for those diagnosed with hypothyroid or hyperthyroid conditions. Treatment plans may include custom-compounded thyroid hormone prescriptions, nutritional and herbal supplements to support thyroid function, and dietary therapy.

With over a decade of experience, Dr. Rashmi Gulati is a leader in internal and integrative medicine, having appeared as a medical expert on Good Morning America, CNN, and WCBS in addition to a variety of national publications, speaking about thyroid disease, hormonal health and holistic medicine.

About Patients Medical
Patients Medical (www.patientsmedical.com) is a unique integrative medicine center in Manhattan that combines the best of traditional and holistic medicine with modern technology to provide comprehensive care. Established in 1974, the center employs a multi-disciplinary staff including Board Certified Internists, Cardiologists and Nutritionists. The practice specializes in diagnosing the root cause of an ailment, then healing the whole person with personalized protocols that draw upon ancient healing techniques alongside Western Medial perspectives. Patients Medical offers free seminars each month on bioidentical hormones, weight loss, thyroid, chronic fatigue, nutrition and more.

Contact:     
Megan Franzen
mfranzen(at)patientsmedical(dot)com

 

AAIM is seeking papers on integrative medicine:

The American Association of Integrative Medicine recently announced a call for continuing education courses and journal articles for fall/winter so as to further develop their educational offering for integrative medicine practitioners worldwide.

Any practitioner of integrative medicine or alternative medicine can submit educational materials and enjoy the notoriety that comes with having their contributions be part of the world’s largest association devoted entirely to integrative medicine.

Accepted articles will appear in the organization’s flagship, quarterly print publication, the Journal of the American Association of Integrative Medicine (JAAIM). The organization is also seeking continuing education (CE) courses consisting of an outline, abstract, learning objectives, PowerPoint slides and a final quiz. AAIM CE courses enable members to learn something new and add to their practice of integrative medicine while receiving CE credits.

For more information, visit www.aaimedicine.com/pdf/jaaim/JAAIMsubmissionGuidelines.pdf.

Metagenics holds a conference:

The Institute for Integrative Medicine (IFIM), which organized the event, said the curriculum will appeal to health care practitioners interested in complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine, including physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, nutritionists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others. Attendees will learn how to develop an integrated practice, increase their patient volume, and deliver evidence-based treatment protocols.

 

 

“We’re excited to be part of this inaugural event,” said Daniel Thompson, Sales Director at Metagenics. “The goals of the conference align with our corporate mission of helping reverse chronic illness through lifestyle changes and high quality, science-based nutrition.”

 

 

Preliminary results of a Metagenics-sponsored multi-center clinical trial appear to support the power of lifestyle changes and condition-specific nutrition in managing metabolic syndrome. In the 12-week, two-arm, randomized, parallel group study, participants received a Mediterranean-style, low-glycemic-load diet alone or in conjunction with Metagenics’ UltraMeal PLUS 360° Medical Food. All subjects benefited from switching to the heart-healthy diet for 12 weeks, showing significant improvements in lipid levels, reduction of weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Those who received the medical food experienced even greater reductions in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.

 

“We’re pleased that Metagenics will be taking part in this landmark event,” said IFIM CEO James Padilla, DC. “The goals of the conference are to improve physician skills, knowledge and use of diagnostic procedures, and business acumen as they relate to complementary and alternative medicine.”

 

Added IFIM President, Steven Ross, DC, “We’re excited that this conference has drawn the attention of both novice and seasoned professionals across the health care spectrum.”

 

Conference attendees who are interested in learning more about Metagenics’ approach to lifestyle therapy and nutrition are encouraged to visit Booth #107 any time during the conference. Alternatively, health care practitioners can also visit the company online at www.metagenics.com or call 800-692-9400, where they will be connected to a Metagenics Nutritional Sales Consultant.

Puerto Rico hosts an integrative medicine conference:

 

Roger Deutsch, President and CEO of Cell Science Systems, Corp., and author of the book "Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat", is a featured speaker in Puerto Rico at the Caribbean Integrative Medicine & Anti-Aging Congress conference taking place Wednesday, September 1, 2010 through Saturday, September 4th, 2010. The topic of Mr. Deutsch’s speech is Food, Inflammation and the Aging Process; it focuses on the importance of personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes that have a positive impact on longevity, weight, aging and wellness.

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) expects 2,300 physicians, including the world’s leading anti-aging experts, to convene in Puerto Rico for the most influential conference and exposition on preventive medicine and bio-medical technologies in the Caribbean. Deutsch’s many years of research in the area of immune interactions with foods and nutrients make him a sought after speaker in this new and exciting field of science and health.

This medical conference brings key opinion leaders from around the globe to discuss the latest information on integrative and anti-aging medicine. Other topics include anti-aging vaccines, importance of nutrition in cancer treatment, toxic food syndrome, anti-aging vaccines and many more. "I am honored to speak to the anti-aging community’s most influential physicians and key opinion leaders. Anti-aging medicine has now become mainstream. The A4M is taking a leadership position here," said Deutsch.

Cell Science Systems, Corp. (CSS), located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, is a life sciences company and the worldwide market leader in food sensitivity testing as the manufacturer of the ALCAT Test. CSS operates a State of Florida and US government (CLIA) licensed laboratory; as well as an FDA registered, ISO certified, cGMP, medical device manufacturing facility. It is the sole owner of ALCAT Europe, GmbH, near Berlin, Germany, a European Union supported clinical and research facility of ALCAT testing services in the European Community. The ALCAT test identifies cellular reactions to over 350 foods, chemicals and herbs. These inflammatory reactions are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes, as well as skin, heart, joint, and digestive disorders.

For more information on Cell Science Systems visit www.ALCAT.com.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/.

*

 

Head to Jerusalem for the:

International Conference on Integrative Medicine

19-22 October 2010, Jerusalem

The Conference will deal with ways to unite the scientific principles of modern medicine with the holistic principles of alternative medicine, hosting a dialogue between professionals and participants from around the world.

In order to give all those interested the possibility to participate we hereby announce that the registration has started. Details and registration forms are available from the Conference site listed below.

***

Our law office has attorneys with legal experience  in FDA matters, including guiding  clients involved in health care  delivery, group medical and private  medical practice, who are concerned  about issues at the interface of  federal and state law, concerned  about medical board discipline or  medical malpractice liability  issues.  We also review and draft informed  consent forms and guide  clients concerning a variety of health care law  issues.

If you have legal questions concerning self-referral, kickbacks and fee-splitting or patient brokering in New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington DC, and other states, contact  a lawyer who knows the rules.

Consult an experienced  health care law attorney who knows complementary medicine and integrative  medicine for legal advice pertaining to any project involving allied health or CAM     professionals.

***

Healthcare & FDA attorney Michael H. Cohen is a thought leader in healthcare law & FDA law, pioneering legal strategies in healthcare. wellness, and lifestyle markets. As a corporate and transactional lawyer, FDA regulatory attorney who also handles healthcare litigation, healthcare mediation and healthcare arbitration, and international healthcare & wellness law speaker, Los Angeles / Bay Area healthcare & FDA lawyer Michael H. Cohen represents conscious business leaders in a transformational era. Clients seek healthcare & FDA attorney Michael H. Cohen‘s legal savvy on all aspects of business law, healthcare law, and FDA law, including:

Whether advising start-ups or established companies, Los Angeles / San Francisco / Bay Area healthcare & FDA attorney Michael H. Cohen brings his entrepreneurial spirit and caring insight to cutting-edge legal and regulatory challenges.  

The Michael H. Cohen Law Group counsels healthcare practices, entities, and companies, such as clinical laboratories, physicians, psychologists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, nurses, healers, medical spas, sleep centers, addiction treatment centers, surgery centers, anti-aging centers, integrative medicine clinics, anti-aging practices, mental and behavioral health counselors, medical service organizations, telemedicine and mobile (m-health) companies, online health ventures, stem cell and cord blood entities; and other health and wellness enterprises.

Healthcare and FDA lawyer Michael H. Cohen is admitted to practice in California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our clientele is national and international, and we also counsel healthcare and FDA clients in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, San Bernadino, Alameda, Contra Costa County, and other California cities and counties.  

Contact our Los Angeles, Ventura County, & San Francisco Bay Area FDA & healthcare attorneys today if you need a telemedicine lawyer, concierge medicine lawyer, HIPAA lawyer, FDA lawyer or FDA regulatory consultant (dietary supplements, medical devices, cosmetics, OTC drugs), advertising compliance lawyer, healthcare mediator or arbitrator, concierge medicine attorney, management services organization attorney, or other specialized healthcare legal advice or FDA regulatory consulting.

Michael H. Cohen Law Group logo