Vitamin Therapies

Down Syndrome and Vitamin Therapy

by Kent MacLeod, forward by Dr. Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD

Kent MacLeod is the founder of NutriChem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic

“This book is the outcome of his (MacLeod’s) work over the past 20 years. Using the most modern laboratory tests, MacLeod and his group analyze the abnormal biochemistry of children with Down Syndrome, as well as other children who might have Autism or one of the attention deficit syndromes. When the abnormal pathology is detected and corrected with the correct use of the nutrients these children improve. They are not cured in the same way that diabetes is never cured. With diabetes the patients must take insulin and watch their food forever. The same holds true for Down Syndrome: they must take their special nutrient formula and watch their diet forever. This is a small price to pay for the health improvements that come from this program.”

“MacLeod uses orthomolecular treatment. This word, coined by Linus Pauling in 1968, has become increasingly popular as physicians realize what it means for their patients. It emphasizes the use of organic molecules that are normally present in the body. It does not include the use of herbs or drugs but these are useful in some cases as adjuncts to the main therapy. When the biochemical abnormalities are corrected with the right nutrients in optimum doses the disease comes under control. In the case of children with Down Syndrome, the children gain the intelligence their genes have organized for them, their behaviour becomes normal, they become productive and they do not suffer the stigma of chronic disease. “


“This book provides useful descriptions of the many nutrients which may be involved and how they are used. In my opinion this treatment approach must be used for all of these children. One day it will be, when medical schools in Canada wake up and start teaching its method. I suppose they are still waiting for double blind randomized therapeutic trials that no drug company will fund because the treatment can not be patented.”

Nutri-Chem today:

From humble beginnings over 25 years ago, Nutri-Chem has developed into one of the leading complementary health centres in Canada.. Nutrichem focuses on patient-centered care through its integrated entities:

  1. Nutri-Chem Pharmacy, specializing in leading edge nutritional and pharmaceutical compounding.
  2. The International Center for Metabolic Testing (ICMT), a full blood and urine biochemical testing laboratory
  3. Metalife Biomedical Center, a clinic staffed by a medical doctor, pharmacist and nutritionist.


These professionals and staff work together to study on a child-by-child basis, nutritional deficiencies in Down Syndrome and Autism. They have thoroughly explored these subjects and as a consequence of their research and approach, their practice has naturally grown to include other health issues. Some of these include extensive work in the areas of hormones, thyroid, depression, ADD, pain management, and many other “unknown” undiagnosed conditions that have stumped medical professionals. They have always used the approach of maximizing potential through laboratory testing and dietary and nutritional interventions. As a pharmacist Kent MacLeod’s approach also includes a thorough review of any pharmaceutical drugs patients have been prescribed which also has yielded many interesting results through the years!

 

10 Things your Doctor May Not Tell You

by Kent MacLeod, B.Sc. Phm.

The most common thing I hear from parents is “I want to try vitamins for my child with Down syndrome, but my doctor says there’s not proof”.

And we’re conditioned to believe doctors. Doctors undergo thousands of hours of medical training, but the average doctor usually only has a few hours of nutrition courses, and even less training, if any, about nutritional supplements.

With overwhelming patient caseloads, few doctors have the time to thoroughly research the topic of Down syndrome and supplementation. But I can assure you there is plenty of evidence to support the use of vitamin supplements in Down syndrome.

Your doctor is a critical part of your child’s health care team, and for medical issues, they should be your “go-to” person. But right now, I’m going to tell you the 10 things that your doctor may not tell you about nutritional issues in Down syndrome, that you need to know to ensure the best health for your child.

   

Why you should not just buy a regular multi-vitamin?

By Kent MacLeod, B.Sc. Phm.

A regular multi-vitamin might address some of the nutritional issues, but it will not compensate for the metabolic disturbances resulting from the presence of the third copy of chromosome 21 in Down syndrome. This extra chromosome demands that additional consideration be given to ensure all the nutritional co-factors are present in sufficient amount.

"If anything is well established in biochemistry, it is that nutrients interact with one another. Probably, no single agent exists that is completely sufficient; rather, nutrients act optimally in conjunction with numerous other agents.”

A regular multi-vitamin is not going to have the extra nutrients necessary for proper functioning of the SAM cycle, or adequate levels of antioxidants to help combat oxidative stress. It will not have amino acids that are necessary to make neurotransmitters and hormones. A regular multi-vitamin is designed to address nutritional deficiencies in a person whose metabolism is not genetically altered by an extra chromosome.

Often when people talk about vitamins, they also refer to the RDA or Recommended Dietary Allowance. What is the significance of this measurement? It’s basically the level of nutrients the U.S. National Academy of Sciences determines is “judged to be adequate to meet the known nutrient needs of practically all healthy persons.” When we look at nutritional supplements where deficiencies or illness exist, the RDA may not be sufficient. Nutri-Chem’s MSB vitamin, mineral and amino acid formula incorporates the latest research on nutrition and Down Syndrome. Levels may vary but we are conscientious to ensure that levels that exceed RDA are without adverse effects and are completely safe.

If you want to learn more about the science behind the supplements, read a copy of Kent MacLeod’s book “Down Syndrome and Vitamin Therapy.
   

Metabolic Testing

Individuals that are diagnosed with Down syndrome are faced with many challenges. Some of the problems associated with Down syndrome have been well documented. Problems such as: intestinal malformations and altered mental development just to name a few. Children and adults with Down syndrome are at even higher risk for thyroid problems. Nutritional supplementation may help with metabolic imbalances, mal-absorption and gastro-intestinal issues, as well as nutritional deficiencies.

Nutrichem offers sophisticated Laboratory Testing that is very crucial when evaluating someone’s health. Blood and urine testing will look at what, if any deficiencies or imbalances are present within one’s body. In addition, stool and saliva testing can be used to determine food sensitivities and gastro-intestinal issues. When coupled with a consultation, the information received by this testing will allow Nutrichem to design a customized vitamin formula that is made for the unique individual. Nutrichem can guarantee that the right doses of the right combinations of vitamins and minerals are given to each individual. By having a custom vitamin formula designed ensures that you have taken the extra step to ensure optimal results.
   

Book and Vitamin Purchase

Kent_MacLeod_book_on_DSYou can purchase a copy of MacLeod’s book through Nutri-Chem Click here . . .

 

 

 

thumb_vitaminOr, obtain a complementary copy when you place your first ever order of MSBPlus (Version 7) Click here . . .

 

   

Kent MacLeod

Kent_MacLeod

Kent MacLeod, B.Sc. Phm.

Kent MacLeod is the founder of NutriChem Compounding Pharmacy and Clinic