Antioxidant ascorbic acid in baby food

17 Truths About What's Hiding In Baby Food (And 5 Times Moms Don't Need To Worry)

We love our babies and want to feed them the best food possible. Babies have yet to develop their immune systems. Their bodies are also smaller and more fragile, so ingredients that might not harm us as adults can be life-threatening to an infant. This is why it is so important to be aware of what is in the baby food that we feed our children.

Before buying any brand of baby food, it is a good idea to read the list of ingredients on each item. This is one of the ways that moms can learn about what is in the baby food that they buy, and then make informed decisions about which brands to choose. But the research goes beyond just what the brand says is inside the baby food.

There could be other things lurking in the baby food that we find on the grocery store shelves. Research the companies to find out where they stand on safety regulations, how they test for the safety of their food and what their values are when it comes the to quality of ingredients. Does the company have any law suits against it for its baby food or other items that it sells? Are there items recalled from the store on a regular basis? If so, then maybe that is not a good brand to buy baby food from.

We researched to find the 17 truths of what is lurking in our baby food. But we also found five instances when moms don't need to worry about it.

22/22 Sweet Tooth

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Most of us are aware that sugar eats away at our tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Store-bought baby food is often loaded with sugar. Do we want to set up our little ones with early onset tooth decay? Of course not!

The different types of sugar that can be found in baby food include glucose, lactose, sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, dextrose and rice syrup.

There are many other types of sugars, but any ingredient that ends in -ose or has syrup as part of the name is likely to be a kind of sugar.

Sugar in and of itself is not a bad thing; the body needs some sugar in order to function. The problem arises when we are getting too much sugar. Babies who are given lots of sugar tend to have a sweet tooth later in life. And baby foods with lots of sugar and nothing else don't provide the nutrition that the babies need to grow.

21/22 Don't Be So Salty

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If too much sugar is a reason to worry, then so is too much sodium (also known as salt). That's right. Some baby food is loaded with sodium. Babies don't need to have much sodium in their diets.

According to Cleveland Clinic, too much sodium contributes to heart problems. Overloading the baby's system with sodium could cause issues for him or her early in life.

Too much salt may also have a dehydrating effect. You know how you get super thirsty after gorging on some salt-laden french fries? Babies experience the same effects.

When looking for baby food, check the salt content. Most food will always have some amount of sodium in it, and our bodies do need a little bit in order to function properly. But an overabundance of salt is dangerous in the long term and even in the short term. According to the Poison Control Center, it is possible to have sodium poisoning from too much salt.

20/22 Preserved For What

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Does baby food need preservatives? We think not. Too many preservatives are one of the reasons that convenience foods, that we adults often indulge in, are so bad for our health. What could preservatives do to our little ones? The most common preservative used in baby food is Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. It is an antioxidant that keeps foods from spoiling very fast.

As adults, we can handle more amounts of Vitamin C, and it can be good for our immune systems, too. But too much of a good thing is often a bad thing for infants. According to the National Institutes of Health, infants between birth to 12 months old only need 40 to 50 milligrams of Vitamin C a day that they mostly get from their mother's milk or from formula. Kids only need 15 mg of Vitamin C a day once they reach a year old.

19/22 So Much Junk... Not Enough Nutritional Value

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Baby snacks, those snacks that we see in grocery stores labeled specifically for baby, are actually not good for the baby at all. Why?

Well, according to The Stir, baby snacks have more ingredients than actual nutritional value. It is actually better and healthier to give babies dried fruits (with no added sugars) as a snack than giving them baby puff snacks.

Snacks should also be used in moderation. It's generally a good rule of thumb to only give babies unprocessed foods as much as possible, including during snack time. Think in terms of nutritional value because the baby's first few years need to be focused on getting enough of the vitamins, minerals and proteins that they need in order to grow up healthy and strong.

18/22 A Chemical Concoction - Arsenic? No, Thank You

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According to a study done by the Clean Label Project, so-called certified organic products had twice the level of arsenic compared to conventional baby food. The study also found that 80 percent of baby formulas contain arsenic. What is arsenic? It is a naturally occurring semi-metal that is most often found in ground water. High levels of arsenic can cause fatal consequences, though.

It is never listed as an ingredient on baby food because baby food manufacturers are not putting it into the food on purpose, but some of their processes for making baby food result in accidental high levels of arsenic in their products. There are ways that companies can mitigate this, of course, but it can be expensive for them to change how they do things; so, some companies take the risk. But should we?

17/22 Unleaded Or Leaded Fuel Is The Question

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The Clean Label Project also found that 36 percent of baby food products contain detectable levels of lead. Lead poisoning has been in the news quite often lately, as high amounts of lead in a city's water supply can lead to long-term health effects and other social issues that should be addressed. High levels of lead can cause fatal consequences. Other problems include interference with the child's growth, their ability to learn and even their behavior.

Lead ends up in processed baby foods as a result of the soil content in which the vegetables or fruits were grown, the water that may have been used in processing and other factors.

According to Parents magazine, it might not even be possible to avoid lead even if we grow our own vegetables to make baby food.

Testing your soil and your water supply are the only way to know for sure that lead isn't in the food that you grow yourself.

16/22 More Than Dark Roast Coffee

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Would we give our babies a cup of dark roast coffee? Of course we wouldn't. But the five worst performing baby food products were found to have nearly double a chemical called acrylamide than what is found in dark roast coffee. Yikes! Acrylamide has been linked to brain damage and cancer. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, acrylamide can cause neurotoxicity in people who are exposed to it.

The Food and Chemical Toxicology journal describes acrylamide as "a monomer that can form in heated starchy food as a result of Maillard reaction" (Mojska, Gielecińska and Stoś). So, it sounds as if the process of making baby food can create acrylamide.

15/22 Oh No, Soy

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Another carcinogenic metal that has been found lurking in baby food is cadmium.

Soy-based baby formula had seven times more cadmium than other formulas, according to the study done by the Clean Label Project.

OSHA warns about the health effects of cadmium exposure. The metal can be found naturally in small amounts inside of rocks and soil, and many batteries also use the metal because it does not corrode easily.

According to a LiveSciencereport, cadmium has even been used as a coloring for the red and yellow on McDonald's cups! Even small level exposure to the metal can cause kidney problems and bone softening. Cigarette smoke also contains high levels of cadmium, a reminder that we should not smoke around our children.

14/22 That's So Corny

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If corn syrup isn't good for adults, then it is certainly not good for babies! So why do some baby formulas contain corn syrup and corn syrup solids in the ingredients? It's cheaper and makes the formula taste better, but corn syrup can cause an addiction to sugar. Dr. William Sears told Parenting magazine, "Artificial sweeteners in infant formulas can only increase the intensity of the sweet tooth that babies are already born with."

There are many debates on whether corn syrup is a worse form of sugar than regular sugar or cane sugar. But we can certainly agree that too much sugar, especially forms of processed sugar, could be a bad thing for a developing baby.

13/22 The Mysterious Flavor

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If we look at the ingredients list on baby food, we might see a nondescript item just called "flavor." The Environmental Working Group (EWG) scores foods based on their ingredients, preservatives and processing. Those that have the mysterious ingredient called "flavor" often get dinged in their score because no one knows what that means.

It could be anything! According to the EWG's Food Scores, "added 'flavors' are secret and often complex mixtures of chemicals that modify and manipulate the taste and smell of food." Basically, it's generally a good idea to find baby food that lists all of the ingredients in understandable language. Mysterious ingredients are a risk that we shouldn't take.

12/22 What It's Lacking - Vitamins

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It's not just what is hiding in baby food that we should be concerned about but also what is lacking in the food. Babies need nutrients in order to grow and thrive.

According to a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, many baby foods do not meet the nutritional needs of babies. Babies are in a fast-growing stage and need to get all of their vitamins and nutrients in order to develop properly.

Baby foods that only provide them with sugar, salt and fillers are not going to be doing the important job of giving their bodies vital nutrition. Some processes for making baby food also contribute to a loss of nutritional value. Consult with a pediatrician to find out what would be a healthy meal plan for your baby and how you can incorporate fresh-made foods into their diets as they grow.

11/22 Those Pesky Pesticides

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According to a study done by the EWG, sixteen pesticides were found in eight of the top baby food brands in a laboratory study. The pesticides include iprodione (rovral), thiabendazole, botran and permethrin. Most of these pesticides can cause cancer, illness and other health effects that we would not want our children to experience.

As adults, we also consume more pesticides than is healthy if we purchase our fruits and vegetables from the supermarket. "It is more obvious than ever that the society needs the implementation of a new agricultural concept regarding food production, which is safer for man and the environment," says a research report in the Frontiers in Public Health journal ("Chemical Pesticides and Human Health: The Urgent Need for a New Concept in Agriculture").

10/22 Chalk It Up

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Some baby foods include an ingredient called calcium carbonate. What is this? Well, calcium carbonate is essentially chalk (naturally occurring as limestone and chalk in the earth) that is used for industrial building purposes. It can also neutralize acid and can be found in antacids for adults, according to Medline Plus.

The reason that it is put into baby food is that it is a cheap way to provide calcium. Too much calcium carbonate can cause constipation in babies.

No thanks. Not only is constipation painful, it can be fatal if left untreated, especially in little infants. When looking for a baby formula, research the ingredients and consult with your pediatrician about your concerns. Breast milk is the healthiest option, but that is not always possible for many valid reasons.

9/22 Oh-Em-Gee, It's MSG

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Another concerning ingredient found in baby formula and baby food is MSG. MSG stands for Monosodium glutamate, which is the sodium (salt) form of glutamic acid. And glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid. “Its ingestion can cause inflammation of the small intestine, referred to as leaky gut, which will result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain,” Michael Galitzer, MD, an integrative medicine specialist in Los Angeles, told Reader's Digest.

None of that sounds good at all. Baby will be uncomfortable and in pain, which is not what we want. Look for baby food products that are MSG-free according to the label. It's also a good idea to research to see if the product truly is MSG-free like it says it is.

8/22 Not As Pretty As It Looks

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Artificial colors are used to make food look more attractive for consumption. Some baby foods include artificial colors. According to Today's Parent, the source for those artificial colors is incredibly unappetizing: petroleum by-products or coal tar. Artificial ingredients can be harmful to a baby's system.

At the very least, a long list of artificial ingredients means that the baby formula or baby food product will not provide the necessary nutrition that our babies need in order to grow properly. Look for foods that do not use artificial coloring and other artificial ingredients.

That neon pink baby dessert might look so pretty on the shelf, but it's not a good idea to feed that product to your baby.

7/22 Soap In The Belly

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Some baby formulas contain an ingredient called palm oil. It doesn't sound like it would be very bad, but research from the University of Iowa discovered that palm oil (also called palm olein) affects the baby's absorption of calcium because "of the formation of insoluble calcium soaps of unabsorbed palmitic acid."

Basically, it can create a soap-like substance in the baby's belly that prevents the absorption of calcium. It is also likely to be very uncomfortable for the baby. Another researcher found that palm oil can cause adverse effects, like organotoxicity of the heart. Some doctors recommend avoiding palm oil altogether. The risks are too great to regularly ingest it.

6/22 DHA And ARA Aren't The Cool Kids

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Researchers from the Cornucopia Institute discovered that the ingredients listed as DHA and ARA in baby formula may not be so good for baby's health. DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, and ARA refers to arachidonic acid. The Cornucopia Institute research says that the synthetic versions of DHA and ARA come from algae and fungus.

The research suggests that these are dangerous and unnecessary to add to baby formulas and have no place in them.

According to Consumer Reports, the majority of the baby formula brands in the United States contain DHA and ARA, a synthetic version of the same essential fatty acids found naturally in human breast milk. But the synthetic versions are not identical to the natural version. The FDA has still approved the use of these synthetic fatty acids in baby foods, but it might not be something that moms want for their babies after reviewing the research.

And here are 5 things moms don't need to be so concerned with...

5/22 No Need To Bar The Jar

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Just because the baby food is bought from the store does not automatically mean that it is not safe for the baby. Baby food products are required by law to follow certain safety guidelines. The FDA is not required to approve baby formulas before they are marketed to customers, although all formulas are required to meet certain nutrition guidelines. Baby formula manufacturers also have to provide a list of their ingredients to the FDA. Any formula that does not let the FDA review its ingredients and processes may be subject to compliance actions and be taken out of the market.

But it is possible for parents to prepare their own baby food, according to Federal Food Safety. Parents who make their own baby food should follow strict safety protocols so that the food that they prepare is safe for their children to consume. Homemade baby food has the added benefit of containing many of the vital nutrients that are lost in store-bought processed baby foods.

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The good news is that parents have resources, and doctors say that the choice to use store bought baby food or homemade is up to them. "The quality of processed baby food is no longer an issue,” Dr. Mona Rifka told Cleveland Clinic's Health Essentials blog.

“There are high-quality, natural baby foods on store shelves now, and most well-known brands have good safety records. But if parents want to make homemade food, it’s fine as long as they do it safely.”

A combination of store-bought baby food and homemade baby food could provide your child with a varied diet that gives them their essential nutrients and promotes their healthy development. And the occasional store-bought baby food while out and about is a great convenience for busy moms and a special treat for the baby.

3/22 An Honest Day's Research

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As much as we would love to ensure that *everything* our babies come into contact with is safe, that is next to impossible. The most we can do is research baby foods and talk with our pediatricians. Then we make the best choice possible regarding our circumstances. Take an honest day's research to look into the various baby food options.

Once you have done your due diligence, you can be fairly sure that you don't need to worry. Some of the ingredients may be unavoidable at times, or there could be financial constraints that make it difficult to buy organic-certified baby food or make your own at home. You're still a good mom because you do care about what goes into your baby's food and you have done your best to ensure that their food is wholesome, healthy and safe.

Vitamin C for Babies: Safety, Efficacy, and Dosage

Becoming a parent can be one of the most joyous and challenging experiences of your life.

One of the first lessons every new parent learns is how to make sure your baby is well fed and adequately nourished throughout each stage of their life.

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that’s essential for optimal health across the life cycle.

Many new parents wonder if their infants are getting enough vitamin C and whether a supplement is ever necessary.

This article reviews everything you need to know about vitamin C for babies, including what it is, how much is needed, and how to make sure your baby is getting enough every day.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that plays a critical role in a variety of your baby’s most vital physical functions.

It’s essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, enhancing iron absorption, and producing collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body (1).

Vitamin C is unique to many other nutrients because it also functions as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage (2).

Free radicals are highly volatile, cell-damaging chemicals that are a byproduct of normal human metabolism. Antioxidants like vitamin C can bind to free radicals, making them unable to harm surrounding tissues (2).

Vitamin C is considered an essential nutrient, which means your baby’s body can’t produce it by itself. Therefore, it must be obtained from the foods they consume each day.

This nutrient can be found in breastmilk, infant formula, and many types of fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin C requirements for infants

Though essential throughout every stage of life, infants need less vitamin C than adults.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that babies receive the following amount of vitamin C each day (3):

0–6 months of age: 40 milligrams (mg)
6–12 months: 50 mg

Women who are breastfeeding have increased vitamin C requirements because they’re supplying the baby with vitamin C through their breastmilk.

If you’re breastfeeding, aim to consume 120 mg of vitamin C per day. This is about 60% more than the amount required for women who aren’t breastfeeding (3).

Infant formulas also contain vitamin C. Thus, if your baby is formula fed, they’ll be able to meet their vitamin C needs.

summary
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that supports immunity and collagen production. It also functions as an antioxidant. Babies require 40–50 mg of vitamin C per day, depending on their age.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), infant formula, breastmilk, and food should be the only sources of vitamin C your baby consumes (3).

Supplementing with vitamin C is unnecessary for most healthy babies and could increase their risk of developing symptoms associated with vitamin C toxicity.

Possible side effects associated with overconsumption of vitamin C include kidney stones, nausea, and diarrhea (3).

The U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) only advises that vitamins and mineral supplements be given to infants 6 months of age or older (4).

Supplementing at 6 months is recommended for infants who aren’t breastfeeding and consume less than 16 ounces (500 mL) of formula per day (4).

If taking a supplement is deemed necessary, the dosage should be determined by your baby’s healthcare provider (4).

When supplementing may be appropriate

If you suspect that your baby isn’t getting enough vitamin C, taking a supplement may be necessary.

Vitamin C deficiencies are rare in developed countries, but babies with neurodevelopmental disorders, digestive dysfunction, or cancer may be at an increased risk of developing them (5).

Severe vitamin C deficiency is the root cause of a serious medical condition known as scurvy.

Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising, fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability. If scurvy is left untreated, it can be fatal (1, 5).

You should never attempt to diagnose your baby with a vitamin deficiency on your own.

Be sure to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your baby’s diet. They can determine the safest, most appropriate dosage.

summary
Vitamin C supplements are generally not recommended for babies. In rare instances, supplements may be required, but dosage should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends beginning to introduce solid foods when your baby is about 6 months old (6).

This is the perfect time to start offering foods that are rich in vitamin C to help your baby continue meeting their nutrient needs as they grow.

At 6 months of age, most babies can meet their daily vitamin C requirements from a combination of food and formula or breastmilk (3).

Here are some examples of baby-friendly foods that are high in vitamin C (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12):

Red bell pepper, 1/4 cup (23 grams): 58% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
Strawberries, 1/4 cup (41 grams): 48% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
Kiwi, 1/4 cup (44 grams): 82% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
Tangerines, 1/4 cup (49 grams): 26% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
Cooked broccoli, 1/4 cup (24 grams): 31% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies
Papaya, 1/4 cup (57 grams): 70% of the daily vitamin C recommendation for babies

Remember that every baby is different and not all of them will be particularly open to trying new foods right away. Be patient with them as they explore all the new flavors and textures that solid foods provide.

In the meantime, you can rest assured that your baby will get plenty of vitamin C from their formula or breastmilk.

summary
At 6 months, you can begin introducing foods rich in vitamin C to your baby’s diet. Strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and tangerines are all excellent baby-friendly options.

One of the most important parts of caring for a new baby is ensuring they’re provided with adequate nutrition.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in immunity, collagen production, and protection from free radical damage.

Breastmilk, infant formula, and whole foods, such as bell pepper, strawberries, and papaya, are the best sources of vitamin C for your baby.

Vitamin C supplements aren’t appropriate for infants unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough vitamin C, talk to your medical provider before adding any supplements to their routine.

The use of antioxidant vitamins in pediatric practice | #08/10

Children's health is one of the most important problems of pediatrics. As Oscar Wilde said, “The best way to make children good is to make them happy, and happy means healthy.” Ensuring a complete and balanced diet will help keep children healthy. A high level of metabolism, which ensures the growth and development of the child's body, requires sufficient and regular intake of macro- and micronutrients [1].

The child's body is sensitive to a lack of vitamins. Vitamins prevent the development of acute infectious diseases, ensure normal digestion, hematopoiesis [2]. Vitamin deficiency negatively affects the growth of the child, metabolism, neuropsychic development, leads to impaired immunity, a decrease in the adaptive abilities of the body to the effects of adverse external factors. All this contributes to the development of various diseases already in childhood, which tend to become chronic in adult life [3]. Population studies conducted by the Institute of Nutrition of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences indicate insufficient intake of vitamins (A, C, E, group B), microelements (iron, zinc, iodine, selenium) by a significant part of the population of the Russian Federation. Schoolchildren receive only 50% of the required amount of vitamin C, 31% - B1, 36% - B2, 36% - B6, 21% - E, 17% - vitamin A and 29% - beta-carotene [5, 6]. Most vitamins are not synthesized (or synthesized in insufficient quantities) in the human body and enter it with food, and therefore are essential nutritional factors [7–10]. It is impossible to provide a growing children's body with vitamins only through nutrition.

Deficiency of vitamins that have antioxidant properties, which ensure the resistance of the human body to infections, contributes to a decrease in immunity [8, 11]. In the pathogenesis of a large number of diseases, the stability of biological membranes is important. The main process leading to their destruction is free radical lipid peroxidation (LPO). Uncontrolled lipid peroxidation is of particular danger for children, whose antioxidant defense mechanisms are imperfect. Weakening of antioxidant protection and uncontrolled enhancement of lipid peroxidation processes is one of the important links in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, diseases of the lungs, kidneys, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc. Ascorbic acid, vitamins E and A (beta-carotene) are of the greatest importance among antioxidant vitamins.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is one of the most important antioxidants. Ascorbic acid binds and inactivates reactive oxygen species (O2*, *OH), organic peroxides, protects low density lipoproteins and other lipids from oxidative damage by capturing free radicals before they reach the cell membrane. Vitamin C is able to restore the oxidized form of vitamin E, plays a leading role in the antioxidant protection of the brain.

Sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, melon, cauliflower and white cabbage, green vegetables, black currants. The need for vitamin C increases with diarrhea, a decrease in the secretory function of the stomach, and thyrotoxicosis. It is known that during long-term storage of fruits and vegetables, during cooking, vitamin C is significantly destroyed, which can lead to a violation of the supply of it to the child's body.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is the most important antioxidant, has a membrane-stabilizing function. Tocopherol is included mainly in that part of the lipid layer, where phospholipids with a high content of double bonds are concentrated. Protecting membranes, tocopherol helps to preserve the activity of membrane-bound enzymes. Hypovitaminosis of vitamin E is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of free radicals in the liver, heart, muscles and other organs. With a deficiency of tocopherol, there may be an accelerated development of atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, impaired humoral immunity, the development of cardiomyopathy, the appearance of foci of necrosis in the liver, and a violation of the structure of neurons. Vitamin E, along with other antioxidant vitamins, plays the role of a natural immunoregulator: it stimulates the production of antibodies by suppressing the function of T-suppressors, normalizes the state of cellular and humoral immunity, and increases the phagocytic activity of neutrophils.

Vitamin A and its provitamins (beta-carotene and other carotenoids). In the human body, vitamin A is found in three forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) depending on the degree of oxidation of the carbon atom. It enters the body in the form of plant food carotenoids (Table) or in the form of free retinol and its esters.

Once in the intestine, free retinol is absorbed in the mucous membrane. In the blood, retinol is transported by a retinol-binding protein. Further, the transporting protein interacts with the cytoplasmic membrane of the cells, after which free retinol penetrates into the cell, and the "fellow traveler protein" returns to the extracellular space. Inside the cell, all three forms of vitamin A bind to proteins. Retinoic acid in combination with a specific cytosolic protein stimulates the processes of cell growth and proliferation. The antioxidant function of vitamin A is expressed in the protection of any biological membranes from damage by reactive oxygen species.

The best known carotenoid is beta-carotene. Its source can be fish oil, liver, caviar, milk, butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheese, egg yolk, as well as vegetable products: greens, vegetables, gourds, fruits. Beta-carotene has an immunostimulatory effect due to in vitro antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity against lymphocytes and inhibition of the functional activity of platelets.

Among the numerous drugs that have an antioxidant effect, we widely use Vetoron for children - a domestic drug containing a water-soluble 2% solution of beta-carotene with the addition of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol in a ratio of 1:0. 3:0.25. The drug is approved and approved for use by the Ministry of Health of Russia (No. 108-24 of 24.01.94 g) as a drug with a therapeutic and prophylactic purpose. The advantages of the water-soluble form of beta-carotene over the oil form are increased bioavailability, as well as a high concentration of beta-carotene (tens of times higher than in oil forms). The effect of Vetoron on the body of children has been repeatedly studied by domestic scientists and has found application in various areas of pediatric practice.

In an open clinical study conducted at our department to study the tolerability and safety of Vetoron in 134 children aged 1 to 7 years in organized groups, it was found that there were no toxic or any other adverse effects of the drug. Vetoron was used as a fortified supplement in third courses (compotes, jelly, fruit juices). Fortification of drinks was carried out immediately before their use [1].

The effectiveness of Vetoron in the treatment of frequently ill children has been studied [12]. It was shown that taking the drug was accompanied by normalization of lipid peroxidation, an increase in the antioxidant activity of blood serum by 36% compared with its initial level, a decrease in the level of malonic aldehyde as a secondary product of lipid peroxidation in the blood and saliva compared with the initial level by 28% and 24%, respectively. Studies conducted by V. A. Doskin (2004) [13] showed that a 2-month course of treatment with Vetoron in 94% of cases led to a significant decrease in immune dysfunction in frequently ill children. The authors confirmed the effect of Vetoron components on the state of the immune system. Against the background of its use in children who often suffer from acute respiratory viral diseases, there was an improvement in well-being and functional state, appetite and sleep normalized, in the majority, nonspecific immune defense indicators changed in a favorable direction, which correlated with a decrease in the frequency and duration of acute respiratory viral infections.

A comparative study on the effect of Immunal and Vetoron on the state of the immune system, conducted by N. T. Verkovich (2000), showed the highest efficiency in normalizing immunological parameters when taking Vetoron (by 5–10%) than Immunal. The study of the dynamics of the immunoregulatory index showed that the most balanced changes, bringing various immunological parameters closer to the norm, are noted against the background of the use of Vetoron. The production of interleukin-1, which is responsible for inflammation, decreases three times. The authors noted the highest clinical efficacy of treatment with Vetoron and a decrease in the frequency of relapses of respiratory diseases.

Many studies have convincingly shown that it is beta-carotene, which is part of Vetoron, that stimulates the production of interferon by immunocompetent cells [14, 15]. The data of V. A. Plaksin confirmed the immunomodulatory effect of beta-carotene, which leads to a decrease in the level of T-lymphocytes and IgA with an increase in the functional activity of phagocytes [16].

The antioxidant properties of Vetoron were studied in children suffering from allergic diseases: atopic dermatitis of varying severity, bronchial asthma [17]. The author showed that in children who received Vetoron for two months, there was an improvement in well-being, appetite, sleep, increased motor activity compared with patients who did not receive the drug. Taking the drug was accompanied by the disappearance of dry skin and "seizures" in the corner of the mouth in most children. Clinical studies have shown that beta-carotene has an immunomodulatory and antioxidant effect (activation of the cellular link of immunity and IgG, antibody production). When using beta-carotene, the level of T-lymphocytes in the blood increases in patients with their insufficient content, the content of immunoglobulins of classes A, M; phagocytic index, LPO indicators are normalized; the severity of symptoms of endogenous intoxication decreases. The data obtained allow us to consider that Vetoron increases the effectiveness of the treatment of the underlying disease, improving the condition and well-being of patients, as well as the condition of the skin. Along with this, the vitamin complex reduces the frequency of acute respiratory viral infections and has a positive effect on the emotional status of children.

Our studies have shown that the course of pyelonephritis in children is accompanied by a significant activation of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the content of antioxidants in the blood serum [18]. The effectiveness of complex therapy for pyelonephritis largely depends on the degree of protection of cell membranes, which is the rationale for the inclusion of antioxidant drugs in complex therapy. We have shown that the use of Vetoron as part of the complex therapy of patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) of metabolic origin in the phase of subsiding the disease, at the rate of 1 drop per year of life (maximum 9drops per day) for two weeks, improves general well-being, increases appetite, reduces symptoms of intoxication, positive dynamics of the urinary syndrome (stopping of leukocyturia and erythrocyturia) and a decrease in daily urinary excretion of protein, membrane-bound and lysosomal enzymes. A decrease in the excretion of enzymes in the urine indicates the restoration of the tubular epithelium in patients with TIN of metabolic origin, which justifies the use of Vetoron in the complex therapy of patients with TIN [19].

Thus, clinical studies on the effectiveness of Vetoron, conducted in leading medical institutions of the Russian Federation, showed its safety and high efficiency, including in young children. In pediatric practice, we use the following drugs as antioxidants:

vitamin E (tocopherol), 10% solution, at the rate of 1 drop per year of life;
vitamin A (retinol), 3.44% solution, at the rate of 1 drop per year of life;
water-soluble beta-carotene (Vetoron for children) at the rate of 1 drop per year of life (maximum 15 drops).

The duration of the course of treatment with antioxidants is 2-4 weeks.

Thus, the effectiveness of complex therapy for a number of diseases largely depends on the protection of the structure and function of cell membranes, which is why, in almost any pathology, the inclusion of antioxidant drugs in therapy during the period of subsiding of the pathological process is justified.

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I. N. Zakharova Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor
V. I. Svintsitskaya Candidate of Medical Sciences

GOU DPO RMAPO Roszdrav , Moscow

Contact information about the authors for correspondence: [email protected]

Content of beta-carotene (in mg/100 g) in vegetables and fruits

Baby applesauce: the safest for the little ones

/ All materials

Safety? Better. Sterility

When stale apples that have already begun to spoil are used in the manufacture of mashed potatoes, mycotoxins remain in the finished mash even after heat treatment.

According to the results of the examination, patulin was found only in puree "Grandmother's Basket" and Hipp , but its amount (50-60% of the maximum allowable level) is so insignificant that it cannot harm the child.

The experts also tested all applesauce for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF).

If you compare canned mashed potatoes of industrial production and prepared by yourself, which one is safer and of higher quality?

Artem Samoilov, head of the testing laboratory VNIIKOP:

The sourest, sweetest and most fortified

The makers of Grandma's Basket and Heinz seem to have chosen the sweetest varieties.

Puree Gerber turned out to be sour in taste - the most expensive among the tested samples. At the same time, its acidity, determined in the laboratory, as well as the acidity of all other purees, complies with the standards. This means that the manufacturers used only ripe apples - when making puree from unripe fruits, the acidity would be high.

The manufacturer of mashed potatoes Heinz did not regret “ascorbic acid”: its quantity is maximum compared to other samples.

The vitamin C content in a jar of this applesauce is 2.5 times the daily requirement of a child under the age of one year. However, there is nothing wrong with this: such a content of the vitamin meets the requirements of the standards, and the consumption of ascorbic acid in such quantities does not pose a danger to the health of the child.

According to the results of the examination of Roskontrol, all tested apple purees turned out to be safe and of high quality. You can safely choose the one that you like best for the price, and the child for the taste.

At what age should applesauce be introduced into a child's diet? On jars they write “from 3.5 months”, “from 4 months”, how is it really right?

Andrey Mosov, head of the expert department of NP Roskontrol, doctor: