Anything else to add???

[MommaToFive]

Hey all,

I am ready to start ds9 with ADHD/ODD/Depression on supplements....

I know that he needs Omega3, Magnesium and Vitamin B complex. Along with multivitamins... But is there anything else to add?? And if so what?? Is there anyway to keep the number of pills to a minimum?? Is there anything out that is a combination of these essentials? And finally what about the bcalmed I hear about? Does that need to be part of this too?? Thank you so much for your answers!!
Sorry about all the questions. I just want to be sure I have all bases covered!!

Erin

[catatonic]

Erin -
You need to make sure that you are providing at least 100 IU of Vitamin E daily. This is needed as the Omega3 places a high demand on Vitamin E, and its anti-oxidant effects are necessary with the Omega3.

You also want to make sure that you are including trace minerals (manganese, copper, etc.) The trace minerals are easy to find in a multi, and often the Vitamin E is as well. There are also multis that contain the same quantities of the B-vitamins as a B-50. That would help keep the numer of pills to a minimum.

There is a supplement called "Special Two" that is a "Now" brand. It has a good profile of ingredients, including the Vitamin E, minerals, B-complex...pretty much everything you'd need other than the mag and Omega-3. You take one in the morning, one in the evening. It is, however, large and smelly. My challenge boy reacted badly to this supplement (behaviorally), so I gave it to my other children without any problem. They don't react to things the way their brother does.

On the BeCalm'd...NO NO NO, BAD BAD BAD. I know there are a few people who have used this and found it beneficial, but they certainly appear to be in the minority. The vitamin content is so low it's almost nonexistent, one of its amino acid components is evil and toxic to the brain. The other amino acid may help or may hurt, depending which "type" of ADHD your child has.

For a more detailed explanation, take a look at the thread at adhdsupport.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=natural&action=display&thread=1068999662

Good luck with your supplements.

[MommaToFive]

Thanks Cat!!!

I really really appreciate all your help!!! I will look into the thread you listed.. Do you recommend any certain brand of supplements... Been researching and there are a lot of different brands, not sure what is best??? And my son is already taking a multivitamin that has some small amounts of the "B's" in it... i know he needs more thatn what it is providing.. Should I include what he has in the multi.. when I am figuring in how much he is taking? I am sure you are getting tired of my questions LOL.. I just want to make sure he is getting everything he needs.....

Thanks again!!! You are a lifesaver

Erin

[catatonic]

Rabbit FOOD would be a nice change from the "Special 2" which looks like rabbit POOP!

On brands, I use a lot of "Now" products, for a variety of reasons. THey're a reputable company, they produce a wide variety of products and many are available at the local health food store, and I can purchase them on-line at REALLY good prices.

I know there are some people who pay a great deal more attention to brand than I do, because assuring themselves of the quality of the ingredients is important to them. I'm lazier than that.

I do know that a lot of people have good luck with the Freeda's chewables, if you like chewables. And on the magnesium, where I'm a little pickier, I use the "Source Naturals" product called Ultra-Mag. It provides 400mg magnesium in a variety of magnesium compounds and is the only thing that FINALLY was successful in correcting 2 of my boys' magnesium deficiencies.

And yes, when you're figuring how much you're giving or want to give, do include the amount in the multi-vitamin. No need to be too anal about it, though. For example, if you want 50mg of the B-vitamins but your multi already includes 15mg of B6, don't stress over using a B-50 complex anyway. (Or one of the liquid B formulas if pill swallowing is an issue.)

Take a look at The Herbal Advisor at www.herbaladvisor.com . They sell vitamins at reasonable prices and have a big variety, and include all the label information. It's a good way to find out what's available.