Friday, November 7, 2008

New Recommendations for Children

Manufacturers of cough and cold products are now warning parents not to give them to children under 4 years old. More than 7000 children go to emergency rooms because of adverse effects from these drugs. The FDA is considering banning the products for those under 12 years old. On another front, the government is now recommending that children take up to 1000 units of Vitamin D3 in a supplement daily. Vitamin D has multiple benefits, but one is to improve immunity against viruses. I suggest to parents that they give their children vitamin D regularly and double the dose, with some extra vitamin C as well, if a cold develops. Warm clear liquids laced with some honey should help a cough, or black elderberry syrup might even be a little more effective.

Associated Press, October 8, 2009

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