Folate vs. Folic Acid: Benefits and risks.

Appropriately, the first week and month of the New Year begins with Folic Acid and birth defect awareness. Folic Acid being the most famous anti-birth defect vitamin in the B family. However, there is confusion and misunderstanding about this vitamin, its benefits and risks.
This awareness week should be renamed FOLATE WEEK.
Folic Acid is a synthetically made vitamin. Folate, or B9, is the natural form of this B vitamin. It is found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains like brewer’s yeast, legumes like lentils and liver. Unfortunately, most people are still lacking in this B vitamin and many are not aware of how important Folate supplementation is in birth defect prevention. Issues that may arise in a child, from a Folate deficient mother are neural tube birth defects (spina bifida and anencephaly), mentally retarded children, cleft palate, brain damage, preeclampsia, premature birth, after birth hemorrhaging, anemia in both mom and child, breathing issues, learning or developmental disabilities, premature delivery, and less likely to survive than those born closer to 40 weeks' gestation. . Spina bifida birth-defects occur within the first 22 to 28 days of pregnancy, when many mothers-to-be may not be aware they are even pregnant. Since half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and half of all unplanned pregnancies occur to women using birth control, it's important to recommend Folic Acid supplements to ALL women of childbearing age. Studies show that Folic Acid supplements can also help reduce the chance of a premature birth by 70%.
Folic Acid food fortification has reduced birth-defects (spina bifida and anencephaly) by approximately 30%. There has however, been shown this fortification of processed grain foods in 1998 in the Canada and the US, with the synthetic Folic Acid is now causing problems. An increase in breast and prostate cancer risk by 20-30%, as well as asthma and respiratory tract infections in children by 25%. This has caused Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Italy and the Netherland to rethink plans of fortifications.
Unlike the more easily absorbed natural Folate, Folic Acid is not bioactive as it is proclaimed to be, and must be converted by the intestines and liver before it can be used for critical Folate dependent actions. Many people (< 25%) do not have the ability to convert Folic Acid. These people are particularly vulnerable to Folate deficiency, which is linked to an increased risk of birth defects and cancer. Un-metabolized Folic Acid may store in tissues and possibly increase genetic mutations. Insufficient Folate may lead to blood vessel damage, abnormal blood clotting, oxidize LDL cholesterol, promote inflammation adversely affecting cardiovascular, neurological, skeletal, endocrine, and digestive health.
Food fortification of processed foods with a single or few synthetic nutrients after they have milled out all of its natural nutrients is problematic. Supplementing with a single nutrient is like trying to bake a cake with just flour….it doesn’t work. Nutrition is like a cake recipe, all nutrients (about 31 including omega fatty acids), work together, and if all nutrients are not present we will not get the same cake or in pregnancy, the healthiest possible baby. An imbalance may cause toxic levels of some nutrients and deficiencies of others. Synthetically produced supplements just do not work the same way as those nutrients found naturally in food.
It would be ideal if all women would eat natural whole grain foods (no need for fortification), fresh vegetables and beans, which have not had their natural Folate and other nutrients milled out of them, as well as take their prenatal supplements.
However, many pregnant women neglect taking vitamins, especially those in low social status, and eat processed foods, never quite achieving full nutrition.
Unfortunately most prenatal supplements contain Folic Acid rather than Folate, as it is much cheaper and neither do they contain the full range of all nutrients.
The general population would also benefit tremendously by avoiding Folic Acid fortified processed foods such as white bread, cookies etc.., that are otherwise nutrient void (useless foodstuff, in my not so humble opinion). I would venture to bet, that if all men and women consumed sufficient natural Folate and all other nutrients, by eating healthier foods, without synthetic Folic Acid, that these birth defects could be 80-90% prevented. In addition, our overall cancer and heart disease rate would severely decline.

Spina Bifida Month & Moms B vitamins

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month.
Spina Bifida* and anencephaly are a sever
forms of birth defects that has since food
fortification of Folic acid in the US dropped about 30%. *Spina bifida, literally means “cleft spine,” and is characterized by the incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges (the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord)
Folate, the natural form of this vitamin is found in green leafy vegetables, brewers yeast, lentils and liver. Unfortunately, Americans are still lacking in this B vitamin and many are not aware of how important Folate supplementation is in birth defect prevention. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) and the national Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) is spearheading new education. There has however, been shown that food fortification of the synthetic Folic Acid is causing gene mutations in embryos leading to disease. This makes the case more important to consume supplements with natural Folate in a comprehensive multivitamin. Folate works with vitamin B12 and C to utilize protein and is necessary for red-blood-cell formations which carry oxygen through the blood to our bodies and a growing baby in utero. Folate also forms nucleic acid, which is vital for growth and reproduction of all body cells. Folate is crucial for brain function, mental and emotional health, proper appetite and helps prevent food poisoning. It is sadly the most deficient nutrient in our diets as it’s easily destroyed by light and high temperatures, or even when food is left out for too long. Especially pregnant women lack Folate. Pregnant women need 800 mcg daily. A deficiency can lead to anemia, irritability, forgetfulness, mental sluggishness, cancer, damaged blood vessels, blood clotting, cholesterol, cardiovascular, neurological, skeletal, digestive problems, and while pregnant, to mentally retarded children, spina bifida birth defects, cleft palate, brain damage and poor learning abilities in a child. Other problems during pregnancy of Folate deficiency are preeclampsia, premature birth, after birth hemorrhaging and anemia in both mom and child. Alcohol, oral contraceptives and anti-convulsants interferes with Folate absorption. Folate can also help with diarrhea, ulcers, menstrual problems atherosclerosis, fatigue, forgetfulness and graying hair. Most supplements are made of Folic Acid the synthetic form of Folate (naturally occurring in foods). Folic acid is not bioactive and must be converted by our intestines before it can be used. 25% of people have reduced ability to convert Folic acid and un-metabolized Folic Acid can be stored in cells, inhibiting Folate dependent functions. Unlike Folic Acid, natural occurring Folates require no transformations to be absorbed and used by the body. The B vitamin Choline is also vital in working with Folate to prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida and to improve neurological development in unborn babies. Choline also helps Omega Fatty acid absorption. Actually all B vitamins; B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, B15, Biotin, Choline, Folate, Inositol, and PABA work so closely together and must therefore be taken together. Supplementing with one or just a few (such as the synthetic prescription prenatals and most prenatals - read labels before purchase) makes them either useless or can cause a deficiency in others by throwing off the balance. A high dose of one can deplete the others. Because of their metabolic function, they should be taken on a full stomach. According to studies and the FDA, taking prenatal 12 months before conception offers best protection
Vitamin B deficiency has recently been shown in 2 new studies, to also cause cognitive impairment and B12 deficiency in particular leading to brain shrinkage. B12 deficiency is usually caused by a vegan diet as B12 is not found in any plant foods, only animal protein. these studies were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Journal of Neurology respectively.

Kids could be over-exposed to melamineTDI via Chinese foods.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are afraid that children globally could be exposed to 3 times the safe melamine levels through eating chocolate and biscuits made in China. Just as infants have been throughout the Austral/Asia area, via infant food milk powder. Milk powder is present in most processed carbohydrate foods, from candy to cookies and cereal and even protein bars. Investigations so far show that melamine was added to milkpowder to mask that it had been watered down to fake a good protein content (melamine and protein both have high nitrogen content which is how protein levels are measured in foods). Its advisable to read foodlabels and know where they are from.

California broadens chemical control.
CA can now regulate and ban toxic chemicals in our products such as lead in jewelry, and mercury in thermometers . THe chemcials to most targeted are: Pthaltes in plastics such as baby bottles (endocrine disruptors, reproduction problems), PBD's in elextronics and furniture(neurotoxins affecting congnition), Lead in electronics, pipes, and paint (neurotoxin), Bisphenol in canned foods, water bottles, infant food containers (neurotoxin causing cancer, heart disease, diabetes), Arsenic in electronics (carcinogen), and Mercury in those new twisty light bulbs and some electronics (neurotoxin).

Flu shot or Not?
In an article in the LA Times this week, many parents are questioning flu shots, for various reasons. flu shots may be inexpensive but many are not convinced of their safety or effectivness. Parents wants to do what they think is best for their children and are concerned with mercury content. Despite some mercury free vaccines parents are still wary of possible toxic side effects that could have neurologal consequenses. They prefer to prevent the flu naturally. There are many ways to do so: wash, wash and wash your hands, eating only nautral un-processed foods, regular exercise, taking comprehensive multi vitamins, eating garlic, lots of vitamin C, staying positive, staying away from sick people, not touching public surfaces with your skin (elevator buttons, door handles, toilet flushers, gas pump handles etc...) and some even swear that massages and taking cold showers help. The Neti pot is also popular for sinus problems. And in a perfect world every sick child should stay home from school and day care. The most vulnerable people in our society to exposure of toxins are those most targeted for flu shots, those being small children, pregnant women and the elderly. A new study blows away all the myths, and hype of the flu shot pushers: It says giving flu shots to the elderly results in zero reduction in their risk of death. In reality, it doesn't even prevent them from catching the flu. Even worse, it makes their immune systems more vulnerable to future infections. Especially since the infulenza virus changes every year and the vaccines strains can be pure guess work. The fact is that between 1976 , before flu vaccines and 1999, deaths from the flu quadrupled.




BABYBJÖRN has new baby carriers
in the new Sprit collection in many
vibrant new colors for fashion forward
parents

JPMA Awards & the ABC Kids Expo 2008

Having just attended the 2008 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and judging for the JPMA Awards, here are the results and the winners of the 2008 Innovation Awards Competition. Internationally recognized, more than 100 cutting edge products were entered. The Juvenile Products Manuf. Association 2008 Innovation Award Winners are:

From Zigo Leader

The Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle is the first mom- or dad- powered family transportation

system. Place one or two children in the ChildPod, put on a helmet, and you’re ready to

ride. The LeaderLink System allows the Leader to uncouple in 30 seconds or less, transforming it into the separate elements, Zigo ChildPod and Zigo Cycle. ChildPod can be converted into a Jogger with the Jogger Kit or a traditional bicycle trailer with the Trailer Kit.

From Baby Planet

The Eden Convertible Bassinet, has dual use as both a bassinet and a toddler chair.

Eden also includes “Easy Release” hand grips to detach from the base; soothing music

and vibration; easily accessible storage; and a removable, machine washable liner for

easy clean up.

From Medela

The Freestyle™ Breast Pump is the first rechargeable, hands-free, double-electric

breast pump. It weighs less than one pound, but it is powerful with Medela’s exclusive

2-Phase Expression(r) technology. Accessories attach easily to nursing bras and the

motor can be worn on the waist, or placed on mom's lap or a table.

From teutonia

The teutonia® stroller’s modular design allows for complete stroller customization to

suit individual lifestyles and needs. This German engineered stroller can be

customized in-store with three seating options like the t-Tario 32 car seat, two wheel

options and three stroller chassis for different phases, stages and uses. Every seat

snaps into every stroller chassis so they’re easy to change as children grow or parents’

needs change.

From Wishbone Design

The Wishbone Bike is an innovative, premium quality, 3-in-1 ride-on toy. Without pedals,

it begins at age 1 as a lightweight and stable trike. Later, it converts to a bike that teaches

2 and 3 year olds to balance on two wheels without trainers. Finally the frame flips over to

grow with children up to 5 years old. Wishbone Bike is an eco toy made from sustainable-harvested birch wood, recycled plastic wheels, and non-toxic eco-friendly glues and finishes.

From The Lindsay Loo Co.

Bibbies 4 Babies have no straps, Velcro or snaps; they actually look like they are floating. Bibbies stays in place, because they are strapless a child forgets they're wearing one. We use 100% cotton, ultra leather, rare earth magnets and an innovative lining that absorbs but does not leak. Bibbies are soak- proof, reversible, easy to use by simply flipping and clipping into the neckline. Bibbies have been tested and are machine washable and dryer safe.

From Stroll-Air

Stroll-Air Handle sleeve covers come in 3 different sizes and can be mounted on most strollers on the market. The Neoprene stroller handle sleeve protect the hard to replace, foam stroller handles. Handle sleeve can also be used on strollers' bumper bars and shopping cart handles and therefore protects babies from unwanted germs. Full zipper allows the sleeve to be easily attached and removed for washing.

From Scandinavian Child

The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, patented compact countertop appliance that

functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals

for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserving their vitamins and flavors. It then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. Parents can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods.

From Cardinal Gates

Invented by a 10-year old, the Lock N Block Sliding Door Gate™ (LNB) is a patent

pending safety gate specifically for the sliding patio door. In many homes, doors open directly onto the patio area. In such cases, sliding patio doors should be controlled by security measures. To operate, you simply place the LNB snuggly into the track and clamp the gate onto the functional panel of the sliding door. The clamping mechanisms prevent any slipping once attached and the bumpers pivot to accommodate various tracks. The Lock N Block is not just a gate, it is an obligation.

From 4 Moms

The Mamaroo improves on the bouncy seat and baby swing to provide the latest

innovation in soothing motion for babies. The Mamaroo can mimic the actual soothing movements that mothers make when holding their babies. Through a variety of controls, parents can also alter the speed and type of movement depending on whether it is time for sleep or play. It comes with several soothing songs and an audio dock so parents can personalize the audio experience for their baby.

Other gret new products on display were: Think Baby Bottles, Wagamama Baby infant blankets, Epicuren baby skincare with Anne Geddes, Naturepedic Organic baby bedding, Baby Bjorn's new baby carriers: the Spirit, Synergy, Air and the new Baby sitter Balance bouncer for their 35th anniversary, Dekor Diaper Disposal's new biodegradable refills, another Swedish babycarrier Lascal has new carriers, a KiddyGuard safety gate, and KiddyBoards for allowing older kids to ride with the stroller, there's a very practical baby carrier from Danish Lillebaby, from Phil&Ted's, the Lobster - a portable baby seat that clamps on to most tables, the Australian designer gr8x has a new self inflating feeding pillow, Stroller suspenders that keeps blankets on the stroller,

and speaking of strollers, 4 Moms also is coming out in the spring with a new stroller

that collapses and unfolds with a click of a a button!! The Origami is made of

90% recyclable materials, has daytime running lights and a built in pedometer.

Who knew there were so many new baby things a mom just has to have?

September 1st 2008

September is BABY SAFETY MONTH. Please go to www.jpma.org. The Juvenile Products Manufacturing Ass. has lots of information on how to keep your baby safe. JPMA is also judging new baby products at the annual ABC Kids Expo in Vegas this month. At which i have been asked to be a judge. September 25th is FAMILY HEALTH & FITNESS DAY, and the 29th is WOMEN'S HEALTH & FITNESS DAY. please go to www.fitnessday.com for more info.

Celebrities that are pregnant and delivering through fall and winter this year is Minnie Driver, Laila Ali, Natalie Morales, Rhea Durham, Lisa Marie Presley (twins), Marisol Nichols, Gillian Anderson, Amy Poehler, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Jackie Sandler, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Garner and Rebecca Romjin (twins). Laila Ali exercises with her husband by taking long walks and working out twice a week. Ashlee Simpson is biking and doing Pilates with her trainer. Naomi Watts does weights, yoga and pool workouts with her trainer. Jennifer Garner goes to the gym. and our newest "Fit Mom Role model" is the GOP VP nomination of Sarah Palin, current governor of Alaska. Whomever you vote for in November, as a fit mom, Sarah is a champ. she grew up being athletic by running and taking her schools basket ball team to the national championship. She recently gave birth to a son in April. During her pregnancy she goes to the gym. when not pregnant this mom of 5, snow mobiles and runs 7 miles a day and is at less than 5 months postpartum running 3 miles every other day and looking fantastic at 44. Her very healthy food intake consists of lots of Alaskan fish, moose and caribou. This type of red meat is the leanest and healthiest red meat you can consume. I grew up eating similar Elk meat in Sweden. I still love venison. Please go to the WSJ for excerpt of next weeks 09/06 story on Sarah's fitness routine, in the new WSJ Magazine.

No Money, No Boys. The stress that money troubles from a slower economy and natural disasters like Hurricane Gustav can cause can affect the birthing sex ratio according to new research. Difficult times causes in increase in miscarriages, premature birth and other problems including less baby boys being born. Professor Catalano at UC Berkley, says male fetuses are more likely to miscarry or be born prematurely. As the male sperm and fetus is weaker in general to the female sperm and fetus, that is plausible. There are already more male conceptions but more girls that make it through a pregnancy and the first year of life. This because the male sperm is faster than female sperm and reaches an egg faster. But if there is no egg yet, male sperm dies off and the female slow-but-steady sperm will reach an egg. Historical researchers going back to the cave times, have also pondered whether more girls are born in bad times to ensure the continuation of our species as only females can carry children. and boys are more plentiful in better times as they are better hunter&gatherers or "breadwinners. This phenomenon apparently also translates into the animal world.

Americans deficient in vitamin B6. Scientist at Tuft's University in a very large study published May 2008, found that specifically women of childbearing age and especially those using or having used oral contraceptives to have the largest B6 deficiency. 75% of women age 13-54 using contraceptives and not taking a nutritional supplement were very deficient. Even 11% of those that do take supplements were deficient. This can happen with inferior and incomplete supplements. Vitamin B6 works together or synergystically, with all other vitamins. An incomplete or uneven formula would disrupt the body's proper nutrient balance. Especially the B vitamins . B6 works with iron to make hemoglobin (these transport oxygen to a growing baby). A deficiency can develop anemia, impair calcium and magnesium absorption and the conversion of B3 into tryptophan and serotonin production. As well as many other hormones vital to a healthy pregnancy. Early symptoms of a B6 deficiency is depression, fatigue,and cognitive dysfunction. So before anyone start using prescriptive anti-depressants (with their side effects on a developing or nursing baby), your B6 levels should be checked first along with omega fatty acids. Other symptoms are impaired metabolism, and mouth sores. But a sever deficiency can also lead to heart disease and cancer and lowers yours immune system. The resulting side-effects on a growing baby from a B6 deficiency can be detrimental.

Mom's vitamin D during pregnancy strengthens kid's teeth says researchers from University of Manitoba, Canada. "This study shows for the first time that maternal vitamin-D levels may have an influence on the primary dentition and the development of early-childhood-caries," wrote Robert Schroth. Vitamin D is produced in the body on exposure to sunlight. but only 15 minutes a day for light skinned peole and 45 minuts for dark skinned people is enough. Excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer. And with dietary sources of vitamin D providing relatively low doses of vitamin D experts are recommending supplements. Healthy Baby prenatal AM and PM taken together offers more vitamin D than other prenatals.07/10/08

July means full on summer and time to enjoy all of what summer gives us; a more relaxing shcedule for de-stressing, a little sunshine for some very important vitamin D, summer fruits like berries and peaches, nectarines and melons (full of vitamins, meinerals, anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients), refreshing salads. As berries and peaches are more likely to absorb pesticies, make sure to only buy orgainc ones. But don't forget to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Dehydration is a major casue of premature delivery. Be careful with bottled water, and do not drink out of a plastic bottle that has been in a hot car or reuse plastic bottles as bisphenols (BPA) can leach into the water. although by taking your Folate in your prenatal vitamins you can prevent toxic effects of bisphenols.

DHA improves children's brain power, according to a Martek BioScience study. Docosahexaenoid acid (DHA) (fish oil) intake of 400 mg a day can increase mental capacity in pre-school children. We already know DHA are the building blocks of the brain and is vital during pregnancy and infancy, but this study extends that benefit through childhood. DHA is also linked to better heart, eye and skin health, like eczema. Unfortunately most American children consume less than 30 mg of DHA a day. 06/30/08

SIDS linked to Brain Chemical Dysfunction. Italian researches found in an unrelated serotonin study on mice that a malfunction in the regulation of the brain chemcal serotonin could be the cause of SIDS. Serotonin is a chemcial that helps the brain communicate with nerve cells and the spinal cord and is important for heart rate, breathing and temperature regulation etc...Serotonin is affected by ones diet, nutirtional intake, DHA, exercise habits, and babies can be affected by stomach sleeping and over-bundling or over heating. 07/03/08

June is Nutrition Awareness Month and this week is National Men's Health Week.
With Father's Day here, it's important to remember that dad's health habits are also very important when trying to conceive. Bad lifestyle habits and choices can make a big difference on a potential dad's sperm quantity and quality. Everything from nutrition, exercise (or lack of it) or type of exercise (excessive bicycling reduces sperm count), cell phone use, and past or present drug use or abuse, and chemical exposures can all have an impact on fertility and the future health of a baby. Go to www.menshealthweek.org for more info.




Vitamin D supplementation needed during nursing.
Further studies published by the AMA are implicating that 40% of 8-24 month old
infants do not have adequate Vitamin D levels, which can cause rickets. Nursing
moms needs to supplement with extra vitamin D and make sure that both mom
and baby gets their minimum of 15 minutes of sunshine every day (without
sunscreen lotions) to improve vitamin D levels.

Trans fats consumption during nursing harms baby as well as mom.
The Journal of Nutrition published a study showing that lactating rats fed a trans fats had off spring with decreased heart function for glucose transportation and insulin sensitivities. Trans fats are used mostly in processed foods by the food industry for extended shelf life and flavor stability. But Trans fats do tremendous harm in raising LDL cholesterol (bad guys) and reducing the HDL cholesterol (good guys), which can lead to cardiovascular disease. it can also lead to metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. Avoid processed foods, margarines, nut butters without oil on top etc..

Artificial colors linked to ADHD.
Just as in Europe, the FDA here in the states is finally being urged to ban
artificial
food colors that are linked to hyperactivity. A UK study published in the Lancet
concluded that different artificial colors, and the preservative sodium benzoate
bring on ADHD in children. The colors implicated are: Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1,
green 3, orange B, red 3, and yellow 6.