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Notes from Dr. Brian Skotko

Supplements & Vitamins

Parents frequently ask me: which supplements or vitamins should my son or daughter with Down syndrome be taking?

Currently, there is no good research to show that supplements can improve the cognitive development of people with Down syndrome.

Liz Szabo of the New York Times recently wrote this great piece on the promises and pitfalls of supplements.  I recommend that you give it a read.  And, here are my thoughts about how this relates to people with Down syndrome.
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Here are 5 actions that I recommend instead:
  1. Track of your son or daughter's Body Mass Index (BMI).  This is a calculation of weight based on a person's heightWe know that being overweight or obese can lead to lots of medical complications. If their BMI is greater than 85% on typical curves, you should consider working closely with a registered dietitian.   Here's how to find one.
  2. Instead of adding a supplement, think about taking one out: sugar!  Spend a week tracking the grams of added sugar that your child consumes.  You might be surprised how much sneaks in.  Aim for less than 25 grams dailyAnything more can have negative consequences
  3. Sign up for the e-newsletter from LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation.  I trust them.  When credible research comes up, you'll be the first to hear about it.
  4. Consider a multivitamin. Not all diets are perfect, particularly with picky eaters, so a regular multivitamin (nothing fancy) can round things out.
  5. Don't beat yourself up.  Because you are not giving your son or daughter extra vitamins does not mean that you are behind or failing as a parent.  Reassure yourself that you are making a conscious and informed decision to wait for better research.  
Copyright © 2018 Brian Skotko, All rights reserved.