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Randall Neustaedter OMD

            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 they 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.

Daily Dosage of Supplements for Kids

	2-6 year olds	6-12 year olds
Cod Liver Oil	1 teaspoon  for each 50 lb of body weight
DHA from algae	100 mg	200 mg
Vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol or mixed tocopherols)	100 IU	200 IU
As needed:
Calcium	250-500 mg	500-800 mg
Magnesium	250 mg	250-400 mg
Zinc	10 mg	20 mg
Copper	1 mg	2 mg

KidShake Recipe

• ¾ cup organic rice milk (you can use organic cow's milk if your child is over two years old)
• ½ banana
• ½ cup frozen mango or other fruit (not strawberries unless organic, too many pesticides used on berries)
• ½-1 tablespoon liquid calcium/magnesium formula (equivalent to 300-600 mg calcium)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon colostrum powder
• ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, use honey only if your child is over 12 months old)
• 1/2 teaspoon vitamin C powder (optional, equiv. to 1000 mg vitamin C)

Optional: 2 tablespoons whey protein powder (unsweetened, i.e. 0 carbohydrates, equivalent to 10-12 gm protein)