Children's Vitamins Contain Aspartame, GMOs, & Other Hazardous Chemicals

 

The #1 Children's Vitamin Brand in the US contains ingredients that most parents would never intentionally expose their children to, so why aren't more opting for healthier alternatives?

Kid's vitamins are supposed to be healthy, right? Well then, what's going on with Flintstones Vitamins, which proudly claims to be “Pediatricians' #1 Choice”? Produced by the global pharmaceutical corporation Bayer, this wildly success brand features a shocking list of unhealthy ingredients, including:

• Aspartame
• Cupric Oxide
• Coal Tar Artificial Coloring Agents (FD&C Blue #2, Red #40, Yellow #6)
• Zinc Oxide
• Sorbitol
• Ferrous Fumarate
• Hydrogenated Oil (Soybean)
• GMO Corn Starch

On Bayer Health Science's Flintstones product page designed for healthcare professionals they lead into the product description with the following tidbit of information:

82% of kids aren't eating all of their veggies. Without enough vegetables, kids may not be getting all of the nutrients they need.

References: 1. Lorson BA, Melgar-Quinonez HR, Taylor CA. Correlates of fruit and vegetable intakes in US children. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109 (3):474-478.

The implication? That Flintstones vitamins somehow fill this nutritional void. But let's look a little closer at some of these presumably healthy ingredients.

ASPARTAME
Aspartame is a synthetic combination of the amino acids aspartic acid and l-phenylalanine, and is known to convert into highly toxic methanol and formaldehyde in the body. Aspartame has been linked to over 40 adverse health effects in the biomedical literature, and has been shown to exhibit both neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity [1] What business does a chemical like this have doing in a children's vitamin, especially when non-toxic, non-synthetic non-nutritive sweeteners exist?

CUPRIC OXIDE
Next, let's look closer at Cupric Oxide, 2mg of which is included in each serving of Flintstone’s Complete chewable vitamins as a presumably 'nutritional' source of 'copper,' supplying “100% of the Daily Value (Ages 4+), according to Flintstones Vitamins Web site's Nutritional Info.[2]

But what is Cupric Oxide? A nutrient or a chemical?

According to the European Union's Dangerous Substance Directive, one of the main EU laws concerning chemical safety, Cupric Oxide is listed as a Hazardous substance, classified as both “Harmful (XN)” and “Dangerous for the environment” (N). Consider that it has industrial applications as a pigment in ceramics, and as a chemical in the production of rayon fabric and dry cell batteries. In may be technically correct to call it a mineral, but should it be listed as a nutrient in a children's vitamin? We think not.

Top US Brand of Children's Vitamins Contain Aspartame, GMOs, & Other Hazardous Chemicals

COAL TAR ARTIFICIAL COLORING AGENTS
A well-known side effect of using synthetic dyes is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. For direct access to study abstracts on this topic view our Food Coloring research page. There is also indication that the neurotoxicity of artificial food coloring agents increase when combined with aspartame, [3] making the combination of ingredients in Flintstones even more concerning.

ZINC OXIDE
Each serving of Flintstone’s Complete Chewable vitamins contain 12 mg of zinc oxide, which the manufacturer claims delivers 75% of the Daily Value to children 2 & 3 years of age. Widely used as a sun protection factor (SPF) in sunscreens, The EU's Dangerous Substance Directive classifies it as an environmental Hazard, “Dangerous for the environment (N).” How it can be dangerous to the environment, but not for humans ingesting it, escapes me. One thing is for sure, if one is to ingest supplemental zinc, or market it for use by children, it makes much more sense using a form that is organically bound (i.e. 'chelated') to an amino acid like glycine, as it will be more bioavailable and less toxic.

SORBITOL
Sorbitol is a synthetic sugar substitute which is classified as a sugar alcohol. It can be argued that it has no place in the human diet, much less in a child's. The ingestion of higher amounts have been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances from abdominal pain to more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. [4]

FERROUS FUMARATE
The one clear warning on the Flintstone’s Web site concerns this chemical. While it is impossible to die from consuming iron from food, e.g. spinach, ferrous fumarate is an industrial mineral and not found in nature as food. In fact, ferrous fumarate is so toxic that accidental overdose of products containing this form is “a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.”

The manufacturer further warns: Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL
Finding hydrogenated oil in anything marketed to children is absolutely unacceptable. These semi-synthetic fatty acids incorporate into our tissues and have been linked to over a dozen adverse health effects, from coronary artery disease to cancer, violent behavior to fatty liver disease.[5]

GMO CORN STARCH
While it can be argued that the amount of GMO corn starch in this product is negligible, even irrelevant, we disagree. It is important to hold accountable brands that refuse to label their products honestly, especially when they contain ingredients that have been produced through genetic modification. The 'vitamin C' listed as ascorbic acid in Flintstone’s is likely also produced from GMO corn. Let's remember that Bayer's Ag-biotech division, Bayer CropScience, poured $381,600 of cash into defeating the proposition 37 GMO labeling bill in California. Parents have a right to protect their children against the well-known dangers of genetically modified foods and the agrichemicals that contaminate them, don't they? GMO corn starch is GMO, plain and simple. We'd appreciate it if Bayer would label their “vitamins” accordingly.

In summary, Bayer's Flintstone's vitamin brand is far from a natural product, and the consumer should be aware of the unintended, adverse health effects that may occur as a result of using it.

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Source:

http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/top-us-brand-childrens-vitamins-contains-aspartame-gmos-other-hazardous-chemicals

Canned Foods

1. Most canned foods have a plastic coating inside the can to keep the food fresh inside. The inner plastic lining is Bisphenol or BPA, and it is a harmful poisonous coating that has shown to kill rats in laboratories even at concentrations 1000 times lower than what an average American consumes per meal. The FDA tells us that the small amounts should not "worry" us too much - but when has the FDA ever been on our side? BPA is a toxic chemical that causes hormone imbalances and a wide variety of other health issues like hypertension, obesity, aggression, cancer and heart disease. The Environmental Working Group conducted a study and found that more than 50% of cans with brand names have toxic BPA in them.

2. Canned foods have around 80% less nutrients than fully ripe fruits and vegetables, and have about 15 times the amount of sodium you are required to eat for the day. This, of course, leads to nutrient deficiencies and heart and blood problems.

3. Aluminum cans leak (just like aluminum pots and pans). Most people are unaware that when food is packaged in a can, it is then heated up again to supposedly retrain freshness. Heating up these aluminum cans actually leaks aluminum free radicals into the food. Over time, too much aluminum in the body can cause memory problems like Alzheimer's. More than 5000 million pounds of aluminum is used every year for making aluminum cans - they are more light weight, and are a cheaper material to use for big corporations. Most canned foods like soups, vegetables, chicken or beef broth as well as tomato sauces are made out of aluminum because it is cheaper for the company. Even though these cans are lined (with BPA lining), this lining does not completely protect the food from leached aluminum particles during the can heating process.

4. There are so many preservatives in canned food, and all are referred to as something different. Every few months a new name is established for the same ingredient to come up with names that are more friendly-sounding. To counteract the effect of preservatives rotting the canned food, manufacturers add in copious amounts of salt (sodium).

5. The quality of food inside canned goods is really not that great. Companies will do anything to save a dollar, and this means packing in the lowest quality foods at all costs.

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Got info from Healthier Steps on Facebook

CAFFEINE - A Stimulating Drug

CAFFEINE is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, many soft drinks and some prescription and non-prescription drugs. Tea, coffee, chocolate, and caffeine-containing sodas stimulate the system by increasing the heart rate. The intellect is aroused and fatigue is temporarily forgotten. However, this short-lived stimulation proves only to work as nervous energy depletion of the body's vital force. After the stimulation subsides, fatigues, listlessness, and mental dullness follow.

HERE IS A PARTIAL LIST OF THE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE:

** It has a mutagenic effect - could lead to birth defects.

** It increases incidence of bladder and stomach cancer, especially with the drinking of five or more cups of caffeine beverages per day.

** It stimulates stomach secretions, leading to ulcers.

** It is habit forming.

** It increases mental speed for one to three hours in such things as math and typing, then mental speed drops below normal. Motor coordination is decreased.

** It produces insomnia, headaches, and agitation.

** It raises blood pressure.

** It increases the heart rate and basal metabolism rate.

** It aggravates hypoglycemia and diabetes. Two or more cups of coffee elevate the blood sugar level.

** It increases blood coagulation - can lead to thrombosis (blood clots).

** It steps up production of urine.

** It increases the heart attack risk by upsetting the fatty acid glucose balance in the blood and raising cholesterol. The heart attack risk becomes greater with higher caffeinated beverage consumption.

** IT EFFECTS EVERY SYSTEM IN THE BODY.

Decaffeinated coffee is not the answer to the chemical problems associated with coffee. Coffee contains caffeols which give the coffee flavor, but are irritating to the stomach and digestive tract.

Coffee Information

“The stimulating diet and drink of this day are not conducive to the best state of health. Tea, coffee, and tobacco are all stimulating, and contain poisons...” {CD 420.2}

HOW IT AFFECTS THE BODY

“Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the aftereffect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened. All these nerve irritants are wearing away the life forces, and the restlessness caused by shattered nerves, the impatience, the mental feebleness...In some cases it is as difficult to break up the tea-and-coffee habit as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor. The money expended for tea and coffee is worse than wasted. They do the user only harm, and that continually. Those who use tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol, may sometimes live to an old age, but this fact is no argument in favor of the use of these stimulants. What these persons might have accomplished, but failed to do because of their intemperate habits, the great day of God alone will reveal.”  {CD 421.6}

ILL EFFECTS OF DRINKING COFFEE

IT ENCOURAGES THE APPETITE FOR TOBACCO:

“By the use of tea and coffee an appetite is formed for tobacco, and this encourages the appetite for liquors.” {3T 563.3}  

PERSONS CONTINUING USE OF COFFEE WILL FEEL NEED OF DRUGS (Medicinal)

“Those who persist in the use of tea, coffee...will feel the need of drugs, but many might recover without one grain of medicine if they would obey the laws of health...” {CH 261.2} 

DRINKING COFFEE AND TEA DANGERS:

“Through the intemperance begun at home, the digestive organs first become weakened, and soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea and coffee produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons the nervous system is excited; and in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to be invigorated, the imagination more vivid. Because these stimulants produce such agreeable results, many conclude that they really need them; but there is always a reaction...The suddenness of the relief obtained from tea and coffee is an evidence that what seems to be strength is only nervous excitement, {CG 403.2} 

• Brain Injured (CD 402)
• Digestive Organs Damaged (CH 463)
• Dizziness (Te 81)
• Dyspepsia (CH 111-112)
• Heart Action Increased (MH 326)
• Heart Palpitations (MH 326)
• Irritability (Te 81)

“In relation to TEA, COFFEE, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not. The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants...” {MH 335.3}

HOW TO GAIN THE VICTORY OF QUITTING TEA, COFFEE, TOBACCO, AND ALCOHOL

“The tendency of tea, coffee, and similar drinks is in the same direction as that of alcoholic liquor and tobacco, and in some cases the habit is as difficult to break as it is for the drunkard to give up intoxicants. Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally and perform her work nobly and well.” MH 335.3}

NATURAL REMEDIES TO HELP REMOVE THE CAFFEINE FROM THE BODY

#1: STEAM BATH:

Sit in a tub that is filling up. Use thermometer and when the temperature reaches 102 degrees, sit in this for 20 minutes. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after and keep a cold rag on the head at all times. You may need a bowl of ice water on the side to dip the head rag in when it gets hot. Rinse off in cool water. Do not friction dry your body.  Pat dry, then lay down for about 30 minutes if possible. 

Diabetics and those with heart disease are blocked or hardened arteries should not do the Steam Bath.

OR

A COLD SHEET WRAP (this is good for those who can't do the steam bath). Dip a queen size sheet in a bucket of cool water, then wrap the body completely in this sheet while in the nude. Then wrap with a blanket and lay down for 30 minutes. This will draw toxins out of the body.

#2: WARM BATH:

Sit in a warm bath for 30-40 minutes, staying hydrated while in the tub, and keeping a cool rag on the forehead and back of the neck.
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Got from another source.

Bronchitis

The lungs consist of four types of tissue: connective tissue, blood vessels, air sacs, and tubes called bronchi. When these become inflamed or diseased, the condition is called bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is always associated with a cough, and often with wheezing and fever. However, chronic bronchitis usually produces a chronic cough with no fever (although there may be a slight evening temperature elevation, with or without night sweats).

Most upper respiratory tract infections, including colds, have a phase of acute bronchitis beginning a day or two after the onset of cough, followed by wheezing and coughing when a deep breath is taken.

WARM TREATMENTS

Most people do not appreciate the degree of warmth their extremities require to be entirely healthy. Any reduction in the body's ability to circulate blood perfectly into the skin of the extremities increases one's susceptibility to viral diseases. Even a short, barefooted walk across the floor may prolong a cough another day.

Treatment is quite simple. First, keep the extremities warm. The skin contains white blood cells that remove substances from the blood while imparting protective proteins that act as antibodies to enhance the immune mechanism. A hot footbath increases the circulation of these cells, making them more active in fighting infections. It can also quiet the coughing, redistribute the circulation to the extremities, and produce relaxation.

A hot half bath (with water up to the navel) will produce similar results. Children with a cough should be treated with a hot half bath lasting for three minutes, adding one minute for each additional year beyond the age of three. Water temperatures should range from 104 -110º, even up to 112º - a temperature that normal adults can easily tolerate for 15-20 minutes.

A heating compress to the chest each night is also very helpful. Place a thin, wet cotton piece of fabric (squeezed from cold water) against the skin, and cover it well on all sides with a piece of plastic cut from a bread bag or similar material. Secure the compress in place with a long strip of bed sheet, a snug-fitting sweatshirt, or a vest. The compress should be worn all night.

COUGH TREATMENTS

Coughs should be treated by drinking water freely. I tell my patients that every time they cough they should drink a small glass of water. Drink another glass if they cough in the next five minutes, and so forth. This eventually loosens the secretions enough to be expectorated freely, and lubricates the bronchial surfaces, reducing the tickling.

Catnip tea can also quiet a cough, but one should avoid cough syrups containing codeine, since they suppress the cough reflex, leading to the retention of secretions in the lungs. Because of their negative effects on the body's defense and immune mechanisms, one should avoid using heavy, rich, and hard-to-digest food items, including margarine, mayonnaise, fried foods, cooking oil, meat, milk, eggs, and cheese. Two meals daily are preferable, or else three small meals.

Multiple layers of clothing should be used on the extremities and over the chest, but not so heavy or thick as to promote sweating, since this tends to cause chilling.

A vaporizer or humidifier can also be helpful in keeping the secretions thin and avoid the drying and irritation of sensitive mucous membranes.

And, finally, exposure to sunlight and moderate outdoor exercise are most useful for both acute and chronic bronchitis.

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From: Agatha Thrash, M.D.