Essential Supplements For Children
Yay! You’re Back!
Tuesday’s post on why multi-vitamins are not the insurance policy we think they are was kind of a downer. Today, though, is a good day! I’m going to share my two three favorite supplements – those I consider to be essential. Duh duh duh DUH! Here they are!
Cod Liver Oil
“Why is thunder so BOOMey?”
“Why do dogs lick?”
“Why can little kids clog clog up the toilet so easily?”
The Book of Questions is just that: Our book. Of Questions. Specifically, questions that Katie asks me at the most inconvenient moments. Have you ever tried to do the macarena while unraveling the mysteries of the universe? I don’t recommend it. In fact, I have developed a three-part system to avoid doing any such thing.
- Get a book.
- Write it down.
- Consult Google.
Sometimes I joke that I took too much fish oil when I was pregnant with Katie – but actually, I’m thrilled by her capacity. What parent isn’t? Omega 3′s play a HUGE role in brain development and function, which is why they are the #1 supplement I recommend for children. Unfortunately, with just a few exceptions fish oil supplements are “purified” using a chemical extraction process at very high temperatures. Most of the omegas and naturally occurring antioxidants are destroyed or stripped out, so manufacturers add back specific essential fatty acids/vitamins/antioxidants. What you end up with is something that looks like a whole food product but in reality is more like Humpty Dumpty – no matter how hard they try they just can’t the molecular structure back together right.
There ARE fish oils that have been purified using natural processes, but I think fermented cod liver oil (CLO) is superior because it is processed naturally with all it’s antioxidants intact AND it contains vitamins A&D. These two fat-soluble vitamins work synergestically with one another to create robust little people. You need them in certain ratios to maximize their benefits. This is why I recommend CLO over Vitamin D3 + Fish Oil. In that scenario you’re still missing a piece of the synergistic puzzle. And don’t believe the experts, carrots do not contain vitamin A!
But wait! Doesn’t Nina Plank say in her book Real Food for Mother & Baby that fermented cod liver oil is low in omega 3′s – or at least not a sufficient source – and that it was good to take fish oil as well? Yes, she does.
Do not depend on cod liver oil for omega-3 fats. Cod liver oil contains large amounts of vitamins A and D, but only few omega-3 fats. Fish oil, by contrast, contains large amounts of omega-3 fats, but scant vitamins.”
~ Real Food For Mother & Baby, p.124
I respectfully disagree. Here’s why: Fish oil manufacturers do boast higher omega-3 and DHA/EPA contents than cod liver oil, but that’s because it’s all they have to talk about! Almost every fish oil that I know of is an industrial product – something you need a lab to create. Though they are able to increase omega 3/DHA/EPA concentrations, they do so using refining processes that destroy valuable micronutrients, fat soluble vitamins, enzymes, quinones and a bunch of other things we haven’t discovered yet. In my opinion it’s the equivalent of pasteurizing breastmilk, extracting a few “power nutrients” such as lauric acid and DHA, and then selling it as a superior product. What about all the stuff that didn’t get included?
Fermented cod liver oil, in contrast, is something fisherman used to make by storing cod livers in a barrel with seawater for a few months. It is not heated and has been revered since Viking times for its rich nutritional benefits. And according to Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, it IS a good source of omega-3′s!
“Cod liver oil is a good source of DHA and EPA and one of the oldest ways of supplementing these essential fats”
~Gut & Psychology Syndrome, p. 269
The only exception I know of is salmon oil from Vital Choice.
Where To Buy Cod Liver Oil
Almost all brands of cod liver oil on the market go through a process that removes naturally occurring vitamins A&D. Green Pastures makes the only traditionally fermented cod liver oil, which is recommended because it preserves the naturally occurring vitamins and also contains co-factors that may increase the body’s ability to absorb the A&D.
You can find listings for several Green Pastures retailers on my resources page. For a list of If this brand is not an option, the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends cod liver oil that has the correct ratio’s of synthetic vitamin A&D here.
How To Get Your Child To ACTUALLY TAKE Cod Liver Oil
Katie shoots CLO straight without flinching. But the first time I gave it to Micah? He, uh, foamed at the mouth. Seriously. Fortunately, there ARE ways to get your kids to take CLO without a fuss! For younger babies Dave Wetzel, owner of the only company that makes traditionally fermented cod liver oil, gives this tip:
“Our family includes 6 children from the age of 2 to 18 . . . The two year old boy (Basil) is the picky one. He is too young to discipline so we either hide the FCLO and Butter Oil in food or when we change his diaper we lube his buns with fclo/bo. I have seen references from the 1800′s that doctors found applying to the skin was just as effective as taking through the digestive tract. My observations would concur with the doctors studies from this period.”
Note: Cod liver oil will stain clothing and burn eyes, so keep it out of baby’s reach! I have found that the best method is to apply it just before bedtime because it is the only time we use disposable diapers. Otherwise I have to strip oils from our cloth diapers way too often. Plus, the fishy smell is gone by morning!
For toddlers/preschoolers, I’ve found that mixing the CLO with butter oil and a little honey helps a lot – this is how Micah takes his. Note: Some flavors like Cinnamon Tingle come sweetened with stevia so no honey is needed, but we can’t have stevia on GAPS. Questions about toxicity and dosage amounts? Check out Cod Liver Oil Basics from the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Probiotics
Other than cod liver oil, the only other supplement I consider essential are probiotics. Good bacteria actually manufactures vital nutrients (such as vitamin K2 and B vitamins) in our intestines . . . something we cannot do on our own. They also increase our capacity for mineral absorption and help with metabolism and the breakdown of toxins.
“A good probiotic on average increases absorption rate of nutrients from foods by 50% or more. On top of that probiotic bacteria are supposed to be the main source of vitamins B, K, biotin and many other substances within the body “
Dr. Campbell-McBride ~ Gut & Psychology Syndrome, pages 296-297 (emphasis mine)
Probiotics are found in fermented foods, so if your child will eat LOADS of traditionally prepared sauerkraut feel free to skip this. I will say, thought, that even though we consume fermented foods every day I still supplement. Stress, toxins, illness, coffee, medications and a bazillion other thing assault our good bacteria everyday. They are our first line of defense and need to be supported and repopulated continually.
How To Choose A Good Probiotic
“Many brands of probiotics on the market do not have bacterial species listed on the label or do not have claimed bacterial strength….
First of all it always makes sense to work with a qualified practitioner with experience using probiotics, but if you are trying to chose a probiotic yourself, then there are some general guidelines to follow:
- A good probiotic should have as many different species of beneficial bacteria as possible. A human gut contains hundreds of known species of different bacteria. We should try to get as close to that as we can. Different species of probiotic bacteria have different strengths and weaknesses. If we have a mixture of them then we have a better chance of deriving maximum benefit.
- A mixture of strains from different groups of probiotic bacteria is more beneficial than just one group. For example, many probiotics on the market contain just Lactobacilli. A combination of representatives from the three main groups: Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and soil bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) usually works best.
- A good probiotic should have a concentrated amount of bacteria: at least 8 billion of bacterial cells per gram. You need to provide probiotic bacteria in large enough doses to see an improvement.
- The manufacturer of the probiotic should test every batch for strength and bacterial composition and should be prepared to publish the results of testing.
Once you have found a good probiotic, you need to know how to use it. A good therapeutic strength probiotic will always produce a so-called “die-off reaction”. What is it? As you introduce probiotic bacteria into a digestive system, they start destroying pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi. When these pathogens die they release toxins. These are toxins which make your patient autistic or schizophrenic or hyperactive. So, whatever characteristic symptoms the patient has may temporarily get worse. Your patient may also feel more tired than usual, generally “off-color” or develop a skin rash. It is a temporary reaction and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks in different individuals. To make this reaction as mild as possible, build the dose of your probiotic slowly.
Start with a very small amount. Observe the patient for any “die-off” symptoms. If there are none then increase the dose. When you see a reaction, let your patient settle on this dose until the “die-off” symptoms disappear. Then increase the dose again. Keep increasing the dose in this manner until a therapeutic level is reached. The period of building up the dose can take from a few weeks to a few months in different patients.
The therapeutic dose level of probiotics is individual. Here are some general guidelines:
- An adult should have around 15-20 billion bacterial cells per day.
- An infant up to 12 months of age can have 1-2 billion bacterial cells per day.
- A toddler from 1-2 years old can have 2-4 billion bacterial cells per day.
- A child from 2-4 years old can have 4-8 billion bacterial cells per day.
- A child from 4-10 years can have 8-12 billion bacterial cells per day.
- From the age of 12-16 we can increase the dose to 12-15 billion per day.”
Gut & Psychology Syndrome, p 170-171
Note: Because of their immature digestive systems infants/young babies cannot metabolize the D(-) isomer of lactic acid produced by many lactobacilli. Make sure to choose a formula that only contains L(+)-lactic acid producing lactobacili.
Where To Buy Probiotics
Check my resources page for retailers that sell probiotics and baby probiotics I recommend.
Update: Vitamin K2
Based on this article from The Healthy Home Economist, I have also begun supplementing with Vitamin K2.
So There You Have It . . .
The two three supplements that I consider most important for my children (and actually, for myself too!). Though actually if I was on a desert island I’d eat fish instead of take fish oil.:)
Eek! Out of time again and I haven’t covered how to bypass multi-vitamins and get MORE from your produce or how to choose supplements. Looks like this two-parter just became a series!
Next in this series: How Do I Choose The Right Supplements For My Family?
Questions about baby nutrition? Check out my new ebook, Nourished Baby!
Photo credit: Molossoidea
Whenever I notice lumps now I do my whole regimen: Phytolacca...
Mike Harinen via FB
Vitamin K2 and magnesium.
Lisa Vogth-Eriksen via FB
Fermented cod liver oil and butter oil
Tiffani Beckman via FB
fermented CLO/BO and systemic enzymes (Vitalzym brand). I assume on a desert Island there are coconuts, so I didn’t say coconut oil.
Mama and Baby Love
GREAT post! I agree with you one hundred percent!
Heather
Thank you!
sara
Do breastfed babies need to take probiotics?
Joanna Moore
all those billions of cells have me spinning– can i just give my 2 and 4 year old half a capsule each of the probiotic my husband and i take?
also, on the CLO, we are about to order from green pasture. which flavors are allowed on gaps? i was thinking about getting the orange liquid (non-emulsified) and figured we could just mix it into our morning fruit smoothies– how do you think that would turn out?
Rachel J.
Orange doesn’t taste sweetened to me, just slightly orangy. You can try it in a smoothie, might work best if you add an egg yolk to emulsify the oil. My boys and I just shoot ours into the back of the mouth with the syringe, swallow, shudder, and eat some grass-fed butter, raw honey, or a few chocolate chips to take care of the taste and the burn.
Heather
I recommend the arctic ice over the oslo orange. As for dosage, I can’t really say. Dr. Campbell-McBride’s recommendations are the only ones I know of.
Bradley Shull via FB
Shakeology
Gina Avilla via FB
are all clo supps fermented? this is new to me…
Melissa Holloway via FB
I have been thinking about starting on butter oil/cod liver oil, do you know if the green pastures caps are huge? I have a really hard time swallowing pills, but i guess there is always the liquid version but I am as bad as a kid about that…ew
Melissa Holloway via FB
actually nevermind, I saw that there is a combination cinnamon flavored gel, I will take your tip about mixing it with honey and spread it on some toast in the morning
Lisa
THANK YOU!!
Heather
You’re welcome, Lisa
Lisa Mickey via FB
THANK YOU!!
Linda Gray Huddleston via FB
Well if I were on an island I prob wouldnt need vit D so
Kristine Winniford via FB
CLO and Vit. D3! Actually, a desert island is probably going to have plenty of natural D3 and fish… after reading your post I’d definitely say probiotics. I’ve been on and off with giving the kids probiotics, even though I know my son would benefit greatly. This was really informative, especially the part that talks about how many millions of bacteria is recomended. We eat yogurt and some fermented foods, but after reading this I feel you’re right that we could all benefit from more probiotics. I think this will be my next step in improving the health of our family. Perhaps the probiotics will help enough with my sons sensitive gut that we can avoid doing a full GAPS diet. Thanks again! I really enjoy your blog, its like there is someone out there who knows exactly the kind of info I’m looking for. We made marshmallows last night (never been a marshmallow fan, but these are good!) and today we are going to make Christmas ornaments similar to the ones you posted recently (what a great idea for leftover balls of yarn!).
Linda Gray Huddleston via FB
and there would prob be shrimp so no need for Astaxanthin no people so no need for anti virals prob just my Garden of life natual Raw One vits.
and the Raw one B complex.
Russell Hemati via FB
Male and female bovine. Not particular as to type since it will just be me.
Jada Sarfate via FB
FClO and magnesium
Kirsten
Fantastic post! Can’t wait to read more, too! My hubby and I were laughing last night about the idea of fermented clo…I mean, it just SOUNDS nasty!
are capsules a total no-no (for adults, I mean)? 
Ann Marie @ CHEESESLAVE
These are the two supplements I give my Katie as well.
I’ve also been giving her magnesium oil baths lately.
Ann Marie @ CHEESESLAVE´s last [type] ..Sprouted Flour Christmas Cookies
Stacy
What is magnesium oil? I know of epsom salts for magnesium baths, but unfamiliar with the oil. Thanks!
Roxanna Farnsworth via FB
we are taking FCLO, BO, probiotics and yep we needed to add the magnesium trace oil… not quite two, but I’m good with that
Ilana
Hi Heather,
Thanks for another great post. While I do agree that fermented cod liver oil is probably full of all sort of wonderful, important nutrients, fact is it smells exactly like the garbage truck I was parked behind in the midst of summer heat here in Montreal. It is vile, disgusting and I’m pretty sure it’s not fit for human consumption. I have half a VERY expensive bottle sitting in my fridge and it’s going to stay there FOREVER.
So, on that positive note, if I do still want to consume CLO but can’t stomach that grossness, what brand do you recommend?
Thanks!
Ilana
Heather
Green Pastures sells fermented CLO in capsules. I’d try that
Gabriel Alcocer via FB
The jury is still out on fish oils for me. Our bodies utilize them but there may be no need to supplement with them. I’m with Russ, give me two opposite sex ruminants. Also, there is evidence that probiotics do not reach the lower intestinal tract. It has been reported that they effect our flora by altering the gene expression of lower GI flora, but not by physically adding to them. Good thoughts, as if you were on said deserted island I guess if that’s all you had…I’d hope for oysters, shellfish, bird, coconut, and plenty of sun.
Jaime Adams via FB
food and clean water – ok not supplements but that would be what I’d want
Kari R. SaintLouis via FB
…if I’m on a tropical island I should be set with fresh fish, sun, fruits, coconut s! That was a trick question
Kaitlin
Hey Heather!
Do you think that starting a regimen of probiotics complete with die-off symptoms is beneficial even if you do not alter your diet at all? It was my understanding (I thought!) that the introduction of the strong probiotic was most effective when paired with the intro stage of GAPS. ??? Would it still be a good idea to start taking one that strong without starting GAPS? I’ve tried a lot of different “probioics” and acidophilus pills before and found that none of them worked as well as good old fashioned yogurt if I was having stomach trouble.
Heather
Hi Kaitlin! Yes, I believe probiotics are beneficial for everyone – unless there is someone out there with a very strange medical condition that contraindicates it. But other than that, yes I totally recommend them.
Portia Drantch via FB
I recently had a friend ask me what the best supplement was for pregnancy. I’m curious to see what you have to say because I like your way of thinking,
.
Kari R. SaintLouis via FB
Now I want to move!;-)
A. B.
I thought that FCLO was actually pretty low (or at least not a sufficient source)in omega 3′s and that it was good to take fish oil as well.
A. B.
Actually, I read that in ‘Real Food for Mother and Baby” by Nina Planck.
Heather
Thank you for bringing that up! I will cover it in my follow up post
Mommypotamus via FB
Melissa Holloway – There is a liquid, too. That is what we use and mix with honey/butter oil. OR you can just buy the CLO/Butter oil mix!
Mommypotamus via FB
Kristine Winniford – Yay, I’m glad you liked Jenni’s marshmallows. I tell everyone I can about them
And I’d love to see pics of your ornaments if you’d be willing to post them on my wall!
Mommypotamus via FB
Roxanna Farnsworth – We take more than two! These are just the two I consider essential. Other supplements should be tailored to individual needs IMO
Mommypotamus via FB
Ha, Kari R. SaintLouis! I didn’t mean it to be, but I guess it was!
Mommypotamus via FB
Portia Drantch – Thank you! I’d say it’s the same as for children. The pregnant/nursing mother’s diet listed on westonaprice.org is what I followed to get the rest of my nutrients (except some women cannot do dairy and I don’t do grains – other than that I followed it pretty closely)
Mommypotamus via FB
Portia Drantch – Of course, that’s the short version
Jodi Strassheim via FB
Cyruta + for viruses and Wormwood in case of malaria and what-ev-ah else I might contract
Adriana Tusnea via FB
Acetyl L Carnitine and probiotics
Kristine Winniford via FB
Mommypotamus, I don’t think the ornaments turned out well. Maybe not enough glue? I think we’ll try again with more glue.
Mommypotamus via FB
Kristine Winniford – Ours had to dry overnight. Maybe they will look better in the morning!
Carrie
I really want to try Biokult as all your real foodies are recommending it. Do you how many capsules of Biokult should I take? On the bottle it says 2 capsules (=4 billion CFU) per day, but the GAPS book says GAPS adult patients (I have eczema) should take up to 15-20 billion CFU every day. That’s about 7-10 capsules a day and a lot of money!
At the moment I take Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra (as recommended by Nourishing Traditions). Each capsule consists of 5 billion CFU, so I only need to take 3 everyday in order to reach Dr. Campbell’s recommendation, and it would be relatively cheaper.
Did I calculated it right? Would appreciate your advice.
Heather
HI Carrie! I have an order of Biokult in the mail (it was backordered and hasn’t arrived yet) but none in the house so I can’t check for you. Will try to remember once it arrives!
Portia Drantch via FB
Thank you!!!!
Amy Harrison
Phew, this post rocked my world. I’m a natural product advisor, amongst other nutrition-related things, and I have such a soft spot for “natural”-labelled things. I suppose getting caught up in criticizing conventional supplements blinded me somewhat to the bigger picture.
Thanks for the well researched and interesting post.
Amy Harrison´s last [type] ..Try it Tuesday: Daiya Cheese!
Heather
Thank you, Amy!
What The Vitamin Industry Does Not Want You To Know « The Mommypotamus
[...] What are these supplements I speak of? Eek! I am totally out of time. Seriously, I didn’t plan to make this a two-parter! But oh, in the next couple days you will get the goods, pinky swear and everything! (Updated: You can read part 2 here) [...]
Cheryl
Love your blog!!! My son is allergic to fish. What would you recommend as an alternative to cod liver oil? I have given him flax oil before and am currently giving him vit d3. I just hate that he can’t have any fish! Thanks!
Heather
Hi Cheryl! It might be worth asking your trusted health advisor about dried liver supplements since they could provide the true vitamin A needed to work synergistically with D. Of course, that’s a guess ;/
Jenni Schuessler
Hi Heather,
My two older kiddos have been only taking FCLO and probiotics for the past year. We use Green Pastures FCLO unflavored and Custom Probiotics 11 strain blend. We did temporarily suspend our use of FCLO over the past spring and summer due to finances, but we recently became group buyers for Green Pastures and have an order on its way! I am excited to have it in my home again! I took 1 tsp almost every day of my pregnancy with Micah and I felt great!
I have a suggestion and a question.
Suggestion: My two older kiddos (3 and5) always took FCLO with their fresh juice in the morning. Since we get the unflavored it is extra “tasty” if you know what i mean, but they both took it like champs just prior to their fresh juice. I think it helped. I did the same.
Question: I went with Custom Probiotics 11 strain because I felt it was a good blend. They do make a D-Lacate Free blend (with only 4 strands) that they recommend for kiddos on the spectrum. My older son (5) was diagnosed at 3. Many argue that the diagnosis no longer is applicable (praise the Lord) but we continue to put educational and therapy supports in his life because we know our journey is life long. Of course diet is paramont to those supports actually being worthwhile. Both of our two older kiddos do seem to have underdeveloped guts. Do you think I should switch to the D-Lactate Free blend from Custom Probiotics or can you recommend another manufacturer? I would like to start Micah soon anyway (almost 6 mos) and will need this for him. I do think that perhaps the Custom Probiotics 11 strain may be contributing to my kids ongoing constipation problems…any thought on that? Their colons are always FOS (one of our fav docs says that medical jargon for full of stuff).
Sorry this is so long.
I just really respect and appreciate your blog and your opinion
Thank you
Jenni
Heather
HI Jenni! To be perfectly honest I think you know more about specific probiotic blends than I do! I use Biokult because it is recommended for the GAPS diet so I have not researched much further. Regarding constipation, it is my understanding that probiotics tend to help with this issue rather than cause it . . . is there a reason you think they’re the problem?
Jenni Schuessler
I was the suspecting the D- lactate since I consider my kiddos to have underdeveloped digestive systems. For example both of them are lacking amylase at age 5 and 3 even though this should have developed by now. I don’t know. I get so spun around trying to figure what the real problem(s)…that’s just it…there’s most likely multiple issues. I do know that some probiotics (including Biocult) have been reported to actually increase constipation. Dr. Natasha has wrote that constipation is a typical sign of die-off…but I wonder…are my kids in a perpetual state of die-off?
How To Choose Supplements That Are Right For Your Family « The Mommypotamus
[...] then I had no idea what fermented cod liver oil was, or that many of the “whole food” supplements I was taking were really synthetic. [...]
Rebekkah Smith
My kids drink lots of water kefir! Lots and lots. We go through about 2 gallons a week and they even eat the grains sometimes. Since we started this about 4 months ago, my oldest has only gotten 2 little colds, compared to the dozen or so illnesses he had between August and Christmas last year. It’s been fantastic! I know what kefir has a lot of different strains of bacteria. Do you really think that they still need a supplement? (I haven’t ventured in to many other ferments. I did just make whey for the first time, and we do sourdough. But, they aren’t getting probiotics anywhere else.)
Heather
Everyone is different so I can’t really say, but the ideal would be that we’d all eat variety of fermented foods in substantial amounts rather than supplement. I personally tend to go through cycles where I ferment a lot and where I don’t do anything, so supplementing works for my family
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[...] discussion of D3 supplements is complete without talking about my favorite supplement, fermented cod liver oil. It contains Vitamin D3 instead of D3 sulfate, but both Dr. Seneff and I still recommend it. I [...]
Why Vitamin D Supplements Can’t Replace Sunshine « The Mommypotamus
[...] discussion of D3 supplements is complete without talking about my favorite supplement, fermented cod liver oil. It contains Vitamin D3 instead of D3 sulfate, but both Dr. Seneff and I still recommend it. I [...]
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[...] know that if I were stranded on a desert island fermented cod liver oil would be one of the two supplements I’d bring. Okay, that’s just silly. I’d be talking to a volleyball named Wilson [...]
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[...] If you can’t get out in the sun, make sure to take extra fermented cod liver oil. (Where to buy fermented cod liver oil and why it’s one the top supplement I would take if I were stranded on a desert island) [...]
Hand Sanitizer Recalled For Containing Burkholderia Cepacia Bacteria « The Mommypotamus
[...] burkholderia cepacia be the next MRSA, C. Diff or NCM-1? I hope not, but I’m going to take my cod liver oil and go roll in some dirt just in [...]
Annie
HI! I just came across your blog
Though I have heard of CLO, and walk past it every week at my local natural foods store, I can’t say I am well informed about it. I am very interested in using it but one concern I have is mercury contamination. Isn’t it highly contaminated, being it is from cod? I currently take a krill oil supplement along with D3, but I’m considering the CLO if it isn’t badly contaminated.
Heather
Hi Annie! I personally prefer to use only fermented cod liver oil rather than the stuff you can buy at the store because refined oils do not have the naturally occurring vitamins and phytonutrients that many consider so valuable. More on that at http://www.mommypotamus.com/giveaway-fermented-cod-liver-oil/
Regarding mercury, I personally find the Green Pastures purity statement very reassuring (http://www.greenpasture.org/public/Products/PurityStatement/index.cfm), but if you are concerned you might want to look into the benefits of incorporating selenium into your diet. Apparently it binds with mercury and prevents absorption. http://chriskresser.com/is-eating-fish-safe-a-lot-safer-than-not-eating-fish
Annie
Awesome! I will definately have to look into that.
Neveen
Ugh, I wish I can use the probiotic on your reference page. My 4 1/2-month-old has food intolerance and can’t do milk. It says that the probiotics are derived from milk. Do you know if the milk protein is still present in them or not. Or do you have a hypoallergenic brand you recommend. I’m currently giving her a probiotic I buy from our local breastfeeding center. It is an infant formula that has 10+billion bacterial cells. She can only tolerate a small dosage of it, otherwise things don’t go well. Also wondering if you know if probiotics are present in my milk. Because of her food intolerance, I took out all dairy, among a lot of other stuff, out of my diet. I started taking a supplement with 5+billion and making water kefir. I also try to eat sauerkraut when I can remember, but I can’t always remember to eat fermented foods. And I can’t eat most fermented foods because of said allergy. So I was wondering if I up my probiotics supplement, buy a stronger brand, if it would benefit the little lady as well. Or should I keep things the way they are so I don’t release toxins into my milk?
Brittany
I was wondering on the ages that it is ok to take FCLO. My son is 5 months.. is he too young?
De ce sa nu le dam copiilor multivitamine | Gânduri pentru Ana
[...] tot de aceeasi autoare, un articol despre ce suplimente le putem da micutilor. Noi din lista avem doar cod liver oil de la green pasture. Tot uit sa il dau copiilor, dar acum [...]
Meg
Can you take the FCLO when pregnant (too much vitamin A?)
Heather
Meg, I the Weston A. Price Foundation recommends about 2 teaspoons of fermented cod liver oil per day for pregnant and nursing mothers.http://www.westonaprice.org/cod-liver-oil/cod-liver-oil-basics Hope that helps!
Ema
Hi Mommypotamus! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with others! I’ve come to value your perspective from reading your blog, so I wanted to ask you why you don’t include a magnesium supplement as a necessity. I’ve been reading that most Americans are very deficient in this. Does FCLO contain lots of magnesium? Or is there a reason it’s not as essential as these others on your list? I’d love to hear your opinion, since I’m trying to decide which supplements my family should be on. This was very helpful, thanks again!
Nebraska
I would also like to know about the magnesium.
For a 4 yr old, myself and my husband.
Is it necessary to give kids extra magnesium supplement as well? Or would it be enough to give them baths with some epsom salts and magnesium butter foot massage?
Andrea
Could you just skip the K2 supplement and do high vitamin butter oil with the cod liver oil?
Heather
I’d say it depends on how much K2 someone is getting via diet overall and how much butter oil they take, but it is certainly possible.
Elizabeth
I’m currently taking Green Pasture’s FCLO/HVBO blend daily and nursing my 8 week old. This might be a stupid question, but here goes
Once she hits the 3 month mark, do I need to start giving her her own dose or is what she’s getting through breastmilk sufficient?? Same question goes for probiotics. Can you offer any guidance?
Heather
Not a stupid question at all! The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends starting with 1/2 teaspoon FCLO around four months. Since Vitamins A & D can be absorbed through skin I rubbed it on my babies bottom rather than give it to them orally until they were over a year old. When to introduce probiotics seems to have more to do with the type of birth the baby had (whether mom had good gut flora that she passed on through the birth canal), whether or not formula was introduced, etc. rather than age. I know some people that introduce probiotics at 1 week old and some that don’t until 6-10 months. Hope that helps!
Valerie Kite
How much of the FCLO/butter oil blend are we supposed to give to 1 year olds, 3 year olds and 5 year olds? Also, I see that you give your children K2. Do you use Jarrow’s MK-7? if so, for children, do you remove the casing? How do you administer it?
Heather
Hi Valerie, you may find this article helpful regarding dosages: http://www.holisticsquid.com/how-much-cod-liver-oil-do-i-need/
I give my kids the Jarrow MK-7 and let them chew it up
Natural Remedies For Ear Infections « The Mommypotamus
[...] Dr. Gerber makes a distinction between betacarotene and true Vitamin A, which is only found in animal products such as fermented cod liver oil. [...]
Kylie
Hi!
I love your blog! Thank you for the wonderful information. I recently bought fermented cod liver oil capsules from Green Pastures from a health food store in our area. After I bought them, I left them in the warm trunk of our car for 3 hours. I know you are supposed to store them in a cool place or refrigerate. Do you think they are still good? I’m worried it gave the opportunity for something harmful to grow (I don’t know a ton about the oil, except the basics from Sally Fallon…) Thank you so much for your time!
Heather
Hi Kylie! I’m so sorry, but I don’t really know. You might give Green Pastures a call to see what they say.
Kylie
I tried today, but they didn’t pick up, will try again Monday! Thanks!
How I Reversed My Daughter’s Tooth Decay « The Mommypotamus
[...] cod liver oil. From what I’d heard it wasn’t an adequate source of omega-3′s. I’ve since changed my mind, but back then my fridge was stocked with several fish oils that supposedly had different benefits. [...]
Nebraska
As the Fermented Cod Liver Oil / Butter Oil also contains vit K – why did you add additional vit K supplement?
Is there not enough in the Green Pasture oil?
I am just about to start giving it to my 4 yr old son, but was wondering if I need to incl other supplements.
We will substitute store bought probiotics by milk kefir.
Many thanks for any advice.