Feeling a bit bummed today…CB’s nutrition report came back with low iron, high UBC, low cacl % iron saturation, low IgA, slightly low zinc, high vitamin E, low WBC, and improved vitamin D3. I believe the persistently high vitamin E levels are due to CB’s high almond intake so this is understandable. His IgA level is 6 points lower than it was 2 months ago but the second test was taken in the morning while fasting so that might account for some of the difference. The zinc is the exact same value as 2 months ago and the vitamin D increased some. The vitamin D increase is easily explained by the additional time in the sun plus vitamin D supplements for the first month or so after the last test. However, the vitamin D3 level is not as high as we would like it to be. CB stopped having dairy in his diet one month before the last test. There is definitely the potential that adding dairy back in caused the decline in iron. Even though the dairy was in his diet before the last test, maybe it took more time to really impact his intestines and then his iron levels. From this we know only adding vitamin D3 supplement does not bring up the iron and zinc levels. We also know that although the probiotics are helping, they are not enough.
We feel at this point, we are going to take a step back and look through his previous nutrition reports to find when his levels where the best. It seems like October of last year, his vitamin levels were quite solid with the exception of low IgA (although it was improving) and high vitamin E (still high almond intake). For now, our plan is to get back on the following supplementation routine. CB will also remain GFCFSF plus we limit dyes, no HFCS, any preservatives with initials for names, no carageenan, and no MSG.
Morning
- Multivitamin
- Vitamin D3 supplement – 1 drop in water (400IU)
- zinc supplement (temporary) – 1 teaspoon in water/juice
- l-carnitine supplement – 500 mg (1/2 capsule in water)
- fish oil?
Evening
- probiotic (Ultimate Flora: 30 billion – 10 Probiotic Strains)
Fingers crossed, CB’s iron levels raise back up into the normal range soon.
Other news is that we met with CB’s teachers this week to determine if he should remain in the 5 year old program for the 2016-2017 school year or move into the 4-5 year old class. As a group, we determined we would keep him in the 5 year old program and re-evaluate again, if needed. They are looking for a part-time aid to help him be more successful in the class during group work.