I was actually wrapping up a completely different blog as my father calls to say that the Fort Worth Independent School District in North Texas has decided to close all schools that serve over 80,000 children. The closure will begin today April 30th and will continue until at least May 8th. The closing is in direct response to one confirmed case of the swine flu with ten potential cases waiting confirmation. Having a child with special needs who has difficulty in expressing themselves is cause for concern under normal circumstances but when you only have behaviors to go by to determine how they feel it can be a bit scary. There are many reasons that contribute to why some individuals will contract communicable disease and others do not. Our current state of health, life style habits and behaviors, genetics along with the choices of foods we eat and how our immune system responds to infections all contribute to how our body responds to illness. For some individuals with ongoing chronic illness, or conditions that are known to have or induce nutritional deficiencies, supplementing your diet with additional antioxidants can support the body’s response to viral and bacterial infections. At this time there is no predicting factor that says who will or will not contract specific viruses like the swine flu, which means we must think and live proactively. You can take a moment to learn what nutrients are commonly used in protocols that address viral infections in response to or as a preventative measure. Here are a few nutritional support products to consider that can be purchased on line or at a local health food store or grocer near you.

Vitamin A – This is a fat soluble vitamin that supports vision, immune function, growth, cell differentiation, wound healing, and is required in the detoxification process of PCB’s. This vitamin has been used in dealing with viral infections like, measles. Individuals with liver disease or who are trying to become pregnant should consult with their physician before use. Mycellized vitamin A is a liquid that allows 1-2 drops being given at a time. Depending on the state of the individual’s immune system some medical professionals will suggest 50,000 – 100,000 IU’s of mycellized vitamin A for a brief period of 1-3 days in response to a viral infection.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is one of the body’s key antioxidants. It has been shown to protect lipids and DNA from oxidative stress and processes. Supplementation of vitamin C can be helpful for individuals under stress or who lack the appropriate levels of C from dietary sources. Vitamin C comes in capsules or powders and is found in 250 mg – 1000 mg dosing. If you have a history of lose bowel movements, consider buffered vitamin C and start with ¼ the target dose, gradually increasing to bowel tolerance.

Zinc – Zinc is used in over 200 enzyme processes in the body. It plays a key role in maintaining a healthy immune system and interacts with DNA as well as regulating the activities of genes. Zinc deficiency can result in a decrease of T-cells and natural killer cells whose functions are to fight infection. Zinc deficiency is commonly found in malabsorption conditions. Zinc is included in many multivitamin and mineral formulas but can be supplemented in additional increments and easily found in 15 mg – 25 mg capsules or liquid.

Lysine – As an essential amino acid lysine must be provided to the body through the foods we eat or nutrients we take. Lysine has been shown to inhibit the replication of the herpes virus in combination with vitamin C. Lysine has noted antiviral properties and is typically received in the levels needed through our diet. Supplementation of lysine may be required for individuals who have low protein intake and eating disorders. Lysine can easily be found in 500 mg – 1000 mg capsules.

The saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is one of my favorites! Obviously we can not prevent every cold or virus but just as we do scheduled maintenance on our cars like changing the oil, we can certainly provide our body with the nutritional resources it needs so that it is not left to run on fumes alone. So, when your considering supplementation support for children remember to consider adjusting the dose and introducing them at approximately ¼ the suggested dose for adults. Give vitamins with meals, amino acids like lysine between meals and be sure to practice healthy habits like washing your hands frequently and not drinking after others. Hopefully you too will find comfort in knowing that there are proactive steps you can take to support your health and the ones you love!