Immunity boosters for DCs

[s7714]

I thought there was a thread about this not too long ago, but I can't seem to find it...

My 6 year old was sick literally two weeks ago with a week long fever and congestion. That fever has been gone for about a week. Today after school she called me into the bathroom to say that her tummy hurt. Sure enough, she had really loose stool and a temp of 102. UGH! I'm beyond frustrated that she's sick yet again. We push the whole washing hands concept, and she's pretty good at cleaning her hands at school so I don't know what else to do on that front.

She takes her vitamin almost every day, but I'm thinking I need to give her some additional something to help boost her immunity. Do they make Vit. C supplements for kids that actually taste good? (FTR normally we do not do any gummy-type vitamins at all, but at this point I'm willing to go there if it means we might forgo some illnesses.) Any other suggestions for things you use to boost your DCs immune system? TIA!

[alirebco]

We do Vitamin D, probiotics, flax or fish oil, lots of fruits and veggies, no refined sugar, and try to make sure we're getting enough exercise and sleep.

Seems to be working so far! We don't get sick that often.

[schrocat]

We eat lots of fruits and vegetables, cook from scratch and DS (4) drinks Yakult, has a daily dose of cod liver oil and drinks a cup of freshly pumped breastmilk everyday.

[MommyAllison]

We do gummy vitamins, as they are pretty much the only ones DD will take. There is a echinacea/zinc/Vit C gummy that works really well for us. We used to get them at Costco, but they stopped carrying them, and we now get them at Target. They are these: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10034306 We also do their multi vitamins and fish oil vitamins, and I'm considering adding the vit D gummies to the mix.

[mytwosons]

We've always done probiotics and fish oil, but added Vit D in higher doses this year. I think it has really made a difference. Many kids in DS1's class have been sick, but we haven't caught anything yet!

[Twoboos]

Ok, I'm sick of the sickness here, too!! We already take Multi and probiotics. I bought some fish oil and should probably start on that too.

What Vit D's do you all recommend?

[Katigre]

Vitamin D3 - DS takes these (Rainbow Light D3 Lemon Gummies (http://www.vitacost.com/Rainbow-Light-Vitamin-D-1-000-IU-Sunny-Gummies-Sour-Lemon?csrc=GPF-021888120628). 1000IU/day and he also does fish oil every day.

Probiotics are also important for immune system health - eat a yogurt that has them each day or else take some.

In addition, avoid those things that harm the immune system. Sugar and processed foods are bad for your health and make you more susceptible to sickness, so limit them and make sure to eat plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.

[s7714]

My DDs eat yogurt w/probiotics almost every day, so I think they're good on that front.

What vit D and fish oils are you all using? My older DD gets plenty of vit D from her calcium/vit D supplements we take for our bone condition. My younger DD could probably stand to take a little more vit D though.

[essnce629]

Having adequate vitamin D levels is supposed to help prevent flu and boost the immune system. Most people are deficient in vitamin D. They're doing studies on Vitamin D and swine flu protection.

Canada examines vitamin D for swine flu protection
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Health-condition-categories/Immune-system/Canada-examines-vitamin-D-for-swine-flu-protection

Vitamin D For Swine Flu Prevention
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-soram-khalsa/vitamin-d-for-swine-flu-p_b_310235.html


We just bought the Carlson vitamin D drops from vitacost.com. Carlson makes them in 400IU (baby), 1000IU, and 2000IU strength. They are tasteless and are in a coconut oil base. I just bought the 2000IU strength for our whole family. ONE drop equals 2000IU and the bottle has 365 drops. DS1 gets one drop a day (2000IU), while DBF and I take 3 drops (6000IU). I also have some vitamin d in my prenatal and calcium supplement.

This site talks about vitamin D dosage amounts: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/treatment.shtml

It says that children over the age of 1 should take 1000IU per every 25 pounds of body weight per day. Babies under 1 need 1000IU and adults need 5000+IU.

Carlson Vitamin D drops
http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?ss=1&Ntk=products&Ntt=carlson%20vitamin%20d%20drops

DS1 also just started taking again a multivitamin (Nutrition Now Rhino Gummy Bear), calcium (Nutrition Now Rhino Calciums), probiotics (Culturelle), flax/borage oil (Spectrum), and cod liver oil (Nordic Naturals). I also give him chewable vitamin C (500mg) every hour or so if he starts to feel like he's getting sick.

DS1 did get sick two weeks ago with a high fever, chills, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and cough, but it only lasted one day.

[daisymommy]

Can someone remind me on the best probiotics for kids? Dosing for age 3 and 7? I remember awhile back we talked about putting some powder on breastfeeding moms breast for babies. Can't remember what type though...a green bottle I think?

Also Omega 3's/Cod Liver oil dosage?

Thanks! And sorry so short...NAK.

AHA! Found the infant one.
http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Babys-Jarro-Dophilus#IngredientFacts

Now to find one for the other kiddos... How about this?
http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Once-Daily-Primadophilus-Kids

For adults:
3.4 Billion http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Jarro-Dophilus-FOS-3-4-Billion-100-Capsules
Or 12 Billion? http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Jarro-Dophilus-FOS-2-5-oz-Powder#IngredientFacts

Is 12 Billion organisms daily overkill?

[Tondi G]

Can someone remind me on the best probiotics for kids? Dosing for age 3 and 7? I remember awhile back we talked about putting some powder on breastfeeding moms breast for babies. Can't remember what type though...a green bottle I think?

Also Omega 3's/Cod Liver oil dosage?

Thanks! And sorry so short...NAK.

AHA! Found the infant one.
http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Babys-Jarro-Dophilus#IngredientFacts

Now to find one for the other kiddos... How about this?
http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Once-Daily-Primadophilus-Kids

For adults:
3.4 Billion http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Jarro-Dophilus-FOS-3-4-Billion-100-Capsules
Or 12 Billion? http://www.vitacost.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Jarro-Dophilus-FOS-2-5-oz-Powder#IngredientFacts

Is 12 Billion organisms daily overkill?

I've been taking these probiotics myself (just ran out, need to head to whole foods soon).

http://www.vitacost.com/Udos-Choice-Super-8-Hi-Potency-Probiotic

[Tondi G]

Another immune booster is elderberry.

http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Wellness-Elderberry-Extract-4-fl-oz

Here is one for kids (sounds like it tastes better... my kids didn't really like the one above so I took it)

http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Sambucus-For-Kids/pd_section-pr#ProductReviews

I remember hearing good things about Childrens Winter Health Formula

http://www.vitacost.com/Herb-Pharm-Childrens-Winter-Health-Compound

[ett]

For those doing all the supplements with their DC's, did you check with your pediatrician before you started? I would like to give my kids a Vitamin D supplement, but I'm not sure how much to give. I know there are different recommendations online, but should I still check with the pediatrician first?

[KpbS]

We do gummy vitamins, as they are pretty much the only ones DD will take. There is a echinacea/zinc/Vit C gummy that works really well for us. We used to get them at Costco, but they stopped carrying them, and we now get them at Target. They are these: http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10034306 We also do their multi vitamins and fish oil vitamins, and I'm considering adding the vit D gummies to the mix.

We take these (Vit C, zinc, echinacea) gummies as well. I have really noticed a difference in DS1 since he began taking 2/day. DS2 will get a cold and DS1 will start to get the cold but he fights it off and never ends up getting it after all. Plus they taste very good.

We also take the multi-vitamin of this brand.

[brittone2]

For those doing all the supplements with their DC's, did you check with your pediatrician before you started? I would like to give my kids a Vitamin D supplement, but I'm not sure how much to give. I know there are different recommendations online, but should I still check with the pediatrician first?

If you go to your ped about D, print out the newest research, etc. to discuss. The problem with D is it is possible to overdose (because D is fat soluble), but the RDA is also thought by a lot of the researchers studying the topic to be ridiculously low. So for liability reasons, IMO many peds are stuck in limbo of not knowing how much to okay (and I doubt most want to do a blood draw to find out current levels in a given child, kwim?). The RDA is probably really inadequate for many kids but since it is possible to overdo a fat soluble vitamin, they can be kinda stuck.

I had my levels checked as an adult and despite supplementing for a long time with over 2000iu, I'm barely in the very bottom of the normal range (eta: I was tested in August, so coming off the summer in sunny NC...so if I was tested in February or something I'm sure I would have been below the normal range I was barely, barely in it anyway). Certainly not optimal. I have bumped up my dose quite a bit with my midwives' blessing (they tested my D, which I've been wanting done for a long time).

Our ped was fine w/ our dosing on D, but YMMV. Definitely print out the newer research though.

[m448]

similar to what others have posted:

Carlson's D drops for the kids
probiotic mixed into their carlson's cod liver oil
nutristars multi

I also blend this kids wellness tea that is pretty great on a daily basis (I cold brew it, keep it in the fridge and cut it with cranberry or apple juice). When I remember I give it to them daily but when they're sick I give it as water. I really recommend the book Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm. When my oldest was diagnosed with pneumonia several years ago and he was on the cusp of being diagnosed with RAD I started researching herbals and natural remedies as well as immune boosters. I preblend an herbal cough syrup that I brew for when we have something going around the house (has antimicrobial and immune boosting herbs).

Oh and here's that tea blend - it's very mild tasting pretty much the peppermint being the only taste:

chamomile, dried leaf and flower

Rose hips, dried

Lemon balm, dried leaves

Hibiscus, dried flowers

Spearmint or peppermint, dried leaves

nettle, dried leaves

elder flower, dried

red clover, dried flower

Equal parts by weight, mix and then brew 1 Tablespoon per cup of water. I mostly cold brew in the fridge but if I hot brew I'll add a bit of fresh ginger for more immune boosting.

[maestramommy]

For those doing all the supplements with their DC's, did you check with your pediatrician before you started? I would like to give my kids a Vitamin D supplement, but I'm not sure how much to give. I know there are different recommendations online, but should I still check with the pediatrician first?

I agree with Brittone, but I would also recommend getting your DC's blood checked FIRST to see if their Vit D levels are sufficient or not. That way you have a better idea of how much your DC needs if they are low. I am currently dosing my kids with the AAP rec'd 400IU daily. I am also going to get my own levels checked next week. I currently take 400IU daily as part of my prenatal multi. If I am low then I will get my kids checked as well in case it's a hereditary issue.

[BelleoftheBallFlagstaff]

Another immune booster is elderberry.

http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-Wellness-Elderberry-Extract-4-fl-oz

Here is one for kids (sounds like it tastes better... my kids didn't really like the one above so I took it)

http://www.vitacost.com/Natures-Way-Sambucus-For-Kids/pd_section-pr#ProductReviews

I remember hearing good things about Childrens Winter Health Formula

http://www.vitacost.com/Herb-Pharm-Childrens-Winter-Health-Compound

We SWEAR by Elderberry Extract,best thing ever.

[brittone2]

I agree with Brittone, but I would also recommend getting your DC's blood checked FIRST to see if their Vit D levels are sufficient or not. That way you have a better idea of how much your DC needs if they are low. I am currently dosing my kids with the AAP rec'd 400IU daily. I am also going to get my own levels checked next week. I currently take 400IU daily as part of my prenatal multi. If I am low then I will get my kids checked as well in case it's a hereditary issue.

I think the problem with blood draws is that many regular (non pediatric) MDs still aren't really up to date with some of the concerns about people being so low in D, and I know of many people who have been told by their doc to "get 15 mins of sunlight a day and you'll be fine" because that's enough to get the (probably insanely low) RDA. I know my mom's doc brushes her off every time she asks to get her D levels tested, and I've heard and read a bunch of similar stories.

I think many people would have an even more difficult time getting a ped to test a child (without obvious concerns or perceived need, kwim?). I'm assuming that involves a venous draw which can be tricky with kids unless you are dealing w/ someone experienced in peds blood draws.

I'm so happy my midwives are now checking women routinely (have wanted to find my level out forever!), but I'm not sure it is all that easy for everyone to find a doc that will test them, let alone their kids.

[maestramommy]

I think the problem with blood draws is that many regular (non pediatric) MDs still aren't really up to date with some of the concerns about people being so low in D, and I know of many people who have been told by their doc to "get 15 mins of sunlight a day and you'll be fine" because that's enough to get the (probably insanely low) RDA. I know my mom's doc brushes her off every time she asks to get her D levels tested, and I've heard and read a bunch of similar stories.

I think many people would have an even more difficult time getting a ped to test a child (without obvious concerns or perceived need, kwim?). I'm assuming that involves a venous draw which can be tricky with kids unless you are dealing w/ someone experienced in peds blood draws.

I'm so happy my midwives are now checking women routinely (have wanted to find my level out forever!), but I'm not sure it is all that easy for everyone to find a doc that will test them, let alone their kids.

Interesting! I have talked to my ped about this, and not surprisingly, he is pretty skeptical about all this talk about Vit. D. Feels like it is the latest "health craze." Doesn't mean he wouldn't test if I asked. He is all about allaying parental concern. Luckily we have a lab in the office, and they are good about ped blood draws. One of the perks of a LARGE group practice.

[Meatball Mommie]

I second (third?) the elderberry rec. At work, one of the women has been trained as an herbalist and she highly recommends elderberries. She makes her own elderberry syrup that has no alcohol (it's just made from dried elderberries, honey and water but I don't know her recipe) and it tastes yumm-o, imo. I love honey, so I could drink a ton of it. My boys like it enough to take a tsp if they're starting to come down with something. Several co-workers swear by it and I really think it shortened the length of my last cold (it never really developed beyond a stuffy nose and a sore throat).

[brittone2]

Interesting! I have talked to my ped about this, and not surprisingly, he is pretty skeptical about all this talk about Vit. D. Feels like it is the latest "health craze." Doesn't mean he wouldn't test if I asked. He is all about allaying parental concern. Luckily we have a lab in the office, and they are good about ped blood draws. One of the perks of a LARGE group practice.

I was just doing some reading the other night about how the original RDA was set many years ago, and it wasn't really solidly evidence-based, kwim? So while I think maybe some of the D stuff is overstated, I also think that many people are truly deficient or not at optimal levels. There is definitely a pretty good body of research from the past few years...it will be interesting to see where things go.

[essnce629]

I really recommend the book Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! Unfortunately, mine is missing and I have no idea what happened to it. :( I actually used the suggestions in it to get over a very hardcore sinus infection.

[neeter]

We SWEAR by Elderberry Extract,best thing ever.

How much do you take? Would love to know more, thanks!