STUDY OF NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION
WITH CHILDREN AND THE INFLUENCE
ON BEHAVIOR AND EMOTIONS.

Zoere Wilcoxen, CCN and Gynni Thies, CCN of Well-Being Associates undertook a 2 month limited intervention study, specifically addressing behavior and neurological function in 6 children that had been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and/or Effects, ADD/ADHD and/or Attachment Disorder. Subjects were referred by Beth Powell, LMSW-ACP, Executive Director of the Attachment Center of Central Texas. The children were chosen based on the above profile and the fact that they were medication free. The purpose of the trial was to ascertain the effect that could be achieved in even a limited time with specific minimal nutritional supplementation.Each parent was given Well-Being Associates’ standard Client Questionnaire which was completed and evaluated during the initial visit. A weekly symptom check-off survey was provided for each child to help track symptom changes throughout the study.

The parents agreed to oversee the supplementation, observe the child during the 2 month study, fill out the weekly symptom survey and return for an interview midway through the study and at completion for a final evaluation.

The products used for the study were as follows and provided free of charge by three nutritional supplement companies:

1. A comprehensive nutritional powder with amino acids and accessory nutrients specific to cell to cell communication, brain function and neurotransmitter production.
2. A complex of essential fatty acids including Omega 3, 6, 9, and GLA.
3. A Chewable digestive enzyme
   
   The only lifestyle change was the addition of the 3 supplements listed above and there were no dietary restrictions.

Shown here, as an example, is the history, study progression and outcome of one subject.

SUBJECT #3: Male, Age 9

HISTORY

> MOTHER’S PREGNANCY AND BIRTH HISTORY:

• Foster care at birth
• Adopted at approximately 6 weeks
• Birth mother used alcohol and drugs during pregnancy

> FAMILY DYNAMICS:

• First adopted child in a family of 8 adopted children.
• This subject is the only child that is not part of a sibling group.
• The remaining children consist of 4 older boys in one sibling group and 3 girls in the second group.
• Father's occupation takes him away from the home. frequently
• All of the children are home-schooled.
• One of the older boys is being treated for Leukemia

> HEALTH HISTORY:

• Shows signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and/or Effect
• Chronic ear infections 1st year
• Had difficulty digesting formula; placed on goat’s milk
• Severe case of Chicken Pox at age 4
• ADD/ADHD
• Constant desire to eat
• Binged on citrus
• Craved chocolate and carbohydrates

> EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL HISTORY:

• Learning Disability (possibly Dyslexic)
• Excessive hyperactivity
• Emotional outbursts
• Difficulty sleeping
• Bad dreams
• Stuttering when younger; no longer a problem

PRESENTING SYMPTOMS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE STUDY

> FREQUENT SYMPTOMS:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Wakes up during the night
• Nightmares
• Confusion/Disorientation
• Belching/passing gas
• Excessive appetite
• Hyperactivity
• Inattentiveness or poor concentration
• Mood swings
• Anxiety/nervousness
• Fear
• Anger
• Irritability

> OCCASIONAL SYMPTOMS:

• Runny/Stuffy nose, Sneezing
• Sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice
• Flushing
• Cold hands or feet
• Coughing
• Constipation
• Wetting or Soiling of clothes

ONE MONTH EVALUATION

> FREQUENT SYMPTOMS:

• None

> OCCASIONAL SYMPTOMS:

• Runny/Stuffy nose
• Bloated feeling
• Belching/passing gas
• Hyperactivity
• Mood swings
• Anger
• Irritability

> NOTES:

• Mother noted that after 3 days the subject was sleeping better and was calmer and less hyperactive.
• At the end of the first month he was emotionally better overall.
• He was more manageable
• His sleep problems normalized
• He no longer had bad dreams.
• He would become “hyper” only if over stimulated.
• No longer bingeing on citrus.

> CLINICAL NOTES:

Subject was noticeably quieter, calmer and responded better to verbal instructions.

FINAL EVALUATION

> FREQUENT SYMPTOMS:

• None

> OCCASIONAL SYMPTOMS:

• Watery/itchy eyes
• Runny/Stuffy nose
• Coughing/Sneezing (Subject has a cold)
• Difficulty breathing
• Picking at his nose (had been frequent 2 weeks earlier)
• Hyperactivity/Restlessness
• Inattentiveness or poor concentration
• Anger/Irritability
• Eats constantly (had been frequent 2 weeks earlier)
• Passing gas

> MOTHER’S NOTES:

• No longer craving specific foods
• Eating less
• Continues to improve emotionally
• Remains more manageable
• Stays on task better
• Improved sleep continues with no bad dreams
• Continued hyperactivity with over stimulation

> CLINICIANS NOTES:

• The subject was very excited upon arrival for final interview as he realized that he was able to read the label on a video. The mother stated that this was a real break though, in that his reading was at a 1st Grade Level.
• The subject was more forthcoming and communicative in general during interview. Mother intends to continue with a maintenance program of the products used in the study.

> STUDY SUMMARY:

• We consider this limited study to be successful:
• Improvement was shown in every subject.
• It improved the quality of life for child and family.
• It showed that minimal supplement intervention could make a difference in overall health and behavior.
• This study shows that there is a definite need for nutritional intervention as an alternative for medicating.

CONCLUDING STATEMENT

This study is based on biochemical and nutritional parameters and does not take into consideration the value of psychological evaluation and therapy.

In observing these children and reviewing the health histories we feel that significant additional improvement would be obtained by continuing the study program with the following additions:

• Food Allergy Testing with appropriate dietary changes, or as an option to strictly follow our Elimination Diet for at least 3 months before reintroducing, on a limited basis, the avoided foods. (NOTE: The following foods are the most common food allergens: Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts and corn.) If provocation of symptoms occurs, the offending foods should be permanently eliminated from the diet.
  
• Due to heavy antibiotic medication in all of the subjects, both Intestinal Permeability and Dysbiosis symptoms are exhibited. They would all benefit from an intestinal detoxification program, especially Candida Albicans and the replenishing of healthy intestinal flora with a good Probiotic product.
  
• Medical Science now recognizes the direct connection between the “gut” and the brain with numerous studies supporting the dramatic improvement in children in every area of behavior, emotions, learning and physical health by addressing and correcting the intestinal and nutritional needs.

NOTE:

The products mentioned here are only three of many new formulations that are now available based on the newest research findings. Most of the products that we find effective are only available through Health Professionals and not sold over the counter.

For further information, evaluation and/or products please contact us at:

Well-Being Associates
Website: www.well-being.net
E-mail: well-being@well-being.net

Please note:

The Attachment Center of Central Texas has moved to the Houston, Texas area and has a new name. It is Child in Family Services.
Website: www.childinfamily.us
E-mail: info@childinfamily.us

 

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