FAQ Use

Frequently asked Questions:

Use of Our Supplements

Q: How will I know when to switch to the next higher formula?

A: Any child who has been doing well on one of our vitamin formulas for 2-3
months may benefit from moving up to the next formula. At this point, you may
want to order a couple of trial size bottles of the next higher vitamin formula. For
example, if you're using SSIIPAK, you would try SSII. Trying the new formula
half-and-half with the old one for a week or so may give you an idea of whether
the child's body is ready for the next higher formula, and how well they might
tolerate it. When you do start a new formula, remember to do the "Formula
Transitions" switching process described on the back of the dosage chart you
receive with every order. We very commonly see that as children's bodies start
being more able to use the nutrients, they do great on formulas that they were not
ready for initially. We find that it's useful to keep an open mind about what
children may be able to tolerate as they progress.

Q: Which children should try Spectrum Support III?

A: We feel that any child who is doing well after 2-3 months at full dosage of
Spectrum Support II should try Spectrum Support III, to see if it would be helpful.
The increased levels of B vitamin and detoxification support in Spectrum Support
III are very beneficial for many of the kids who try it. The children's bodies seem
to become more able to use the higher levels of bioavailable nutrients in Spectrum
Support III over time.

Q: My child is doing great on the regular minerals. How do I know whether I
should switch to the Mega Minerals?

A: The Mega Minerals are specifically intended for children who show signs of
mineral deficiencies and for those who are engaged in detoxification programs
which may strip minerals from the body. Some symptoms that can possibly
indicate mineral deficiencies are chewing of clothes and other items, and white
spots on the fingernails, but the best way to know for sure is to have your doctor
run a red blood cell mineral levels test. Many of our children on the spectrum can
benefit from extra minerals, so if you don't know whether your child has mineral
deficiencies, you may consider trying the mega minerals one month instead of the
regular ones, to see how your child does with them. Please be aware that due to
the higher amounts of mineral material in the formula, Mega Minerals are a little
less appealing in texture and flavor than the Spectrum Support Minerals. If your
child is picky, you may want to try a Trial Size bottle first.

Q: My child has been on the supplements for at least two months, and has been
doing great, but now s/he seems to be getting a little bit over-active or agitated.
What's going on?

A: This is usually a good sign, and it's something we see pretty often, anytime
from a few months to several years after a child has started our supplements. It
very likely indicates that your child's body no longer needs as much of some of
the nutrients, particularly the B vitamins. It may indicate that the child's body is
functioning better, and more able to use the nutrients, or that the child is no
longer deficient in them. When this happens, please give us a call, and we'll be
happy to help you figure out which lower-intensity formula might be
appropriate.

Q: I noticed that HerbaThione has the same herbs as the Spectrum Support
supplements. Why would I want to use Herbathione in addition to the vitamins
and minerals?

A: The amounts of herbs in the Spectrum Support formulas are a trace amount,
just enough to give a very subtle level of support. Herbathione is a therapeutic-
level tincture of these same herbs. Herbathione may be helpful if your child can
use increased detoxification or immune support, beyond what is provided in the
Spectrum Support Formulas. We find that HerbaThione is a great help for many
parents and siblings, too, particularly in the winter months, when greater
immune support and the warming qualities of the herbs are especially helpful.

Q: My doctor wants me to give more vitamin B6 (or other nutrients) than is in
your supplements. Is this ok to do?

A: The unique supermixed liquid form of our supplements delivers much more
bioavailable material per milligram than other supplements, such as pills or
capsules and other kinds of liquids. Please make your doctor aware that
according to our observations with our own kids and others, our B6 and other
nutrients seem to be approximately three times as bioavailable, milligram for
milligram, as in other forms. Your doctor may want to adjust dosing plans
accordingly. Our philosophy is that megadoses can be very hard on the body,
and we believe that our moderate doses of vitamin B6 are safe and effective, and
sufficient to provide the significant benefits of this valuable nutrient. Please feel
free to call us to discuss these kinds of issues, so we can support you in helping
your child.

Q: Is it ok to give Cod Liver Oil or Vitamin A along with your supplements?

A: Our vitamin formulas contain carotenoids, such as beta carotene. In a healthy
body, carotenoids are converted, as needed, into vitamin A. Various kinds of
imbalances in the body, including heavy metal toxicity, can interfere with this
process. Therefore, we suggest that children on the spectrum who take our
supplements should probably also take some other form of pre-formed vitamin A,
such as cod liver oil. We are pleased to offer Nordic Naturals' excellent cod liver
oil in low-phenol peach flavor, which is a terrific choice for this purpose.

Q: My child is doing great on the Ultra-Sensitive Formula. Should I try switching
to one of the other formulas?

A: The Ultra-Sensitive Formula was created with the intention of making a multi-
vitamin formula for children who don't tolerate other supplements. In order to
achieve this, we removed or reduced the dosage of many ingredients. Our
customers choose Ultra-Sensitive Formula for many reasons. It is our feeling that
many of the children taking Ultra-Sensitive Formula would benefit from taking
one of our more full-featured Spectrum Support products. We would recommend
that all children doing well on the Ultra-Sensitive Formula for at least 3 months
try a sample of Spectrum Support I or Spectrum Support II with PAK, to see if
they do even better. Please call us if we can support you in any way.

Q: Can I give the Spectrum Support supplements two times a day instead of
three?

A: Every time a dose of our liquid nutrients is taken, the body has one more
chance to absorb what it is able to use. Many of our children have a very hard
time absorbing nutrients, so for this reason, giving three doses a day works better
than giving two. Smaller doses are also easier on the body than larger ones. We
believe that most children would do better taking three smaller doses a day than
two larger doses. With all of this said, two doses a day of our supplements can
still be beneficial, and some children do tolerate the supplements given in two
larger doses just fine.

Please consider getting in a third dose by giving one with a snack right after
school, or sending the supplements to your child's school with a doctor's note, to
be taken at lunch time. If all else fails, you may try giving two larger doses a day,
and see how this works for your individual child.

Q: How much food does my child need to eat at the same time as taking your
vitamins and minerals?

A: The vitamin supplements in particular are intended to be taken when the body
is in "digestion" mode, rather than at rest. It actually doesn't take much food to
accomplish this. A snack or 4-5 bites of food, preferably containing some protein,
is enough for a small child, a little more for a large one. The three doses do not
have to be evenly spaced, so giving a second dose with a snack after school, and a
third one with dinner is ok. The mineral supplements are actually a little better
absorbed on an empty stomach. They may be given with or without food,
together with the vitamins, or by themselves.

Q: Can I give the last dose with a bedtime snack?

A: Minerals at bedtime may be very calming and a good idea. Vitamins,
particularly the B vitamins, are somewhat excitatory and should be spaced at
least a few hours before bedtime to avoid sleep disturbance. If sleep disturbance
is seen, move vitamin doses to earlier in the day.