The Preemie Growth Project

A: We are currently accept children through December 31, 2012 who are

a) born prior to 40 weeks and/or at less than 2500g (5 lbs, 8 oz) or have neuromuscular issues, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, hypotonia, hyper-spasticity or dystonia, or who are not meeting appropriate developmental milestones;

b) who are less than twelve years of age at time of enrollment into the project;

c) who have a pediatrician;

d) who have been released from hospital care; and

e) whose parents will commit to a minimum two month participation and submitting biweekly status updates.

A: Yes, but we cannot ship product out of the country.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes.

A: Yes. The supplements used in this study are intended to be an “addition” to normal health care. Children without a pediatrician will not be accepted into the project.

A: We are using “liquid plant derived colloidal minerals.” The specific brand we supply is “PDCM 72+” because it was used by the original twins, and the manufacturer provided laboratory assays.

A: We are not currently supplying any other brand, but welcome your participation in the project to share your results. There are many other similar products marketed under different brand names, including products put out by GNC and The Vitamin Store, and we look forward to documenting the results you obtain.

A: Good question. Please use common sense and share your results.

A: If you commit to a minimum two month participation and biweekly status reporting, it is FREE. If you are unable or unwilling to meet those requirements, you may purchase either the brand we recommend (a 32 oz bottle of PDCM 72+ currently costs $65 plus shipping and handling which should last a 20-60 pound child for two months) or a similar one at your own expense. NOTE: We are not distributors of these or any other product, and have no financial interest in these products.

A: The Preemie Growth Project is a non-profit organization funded by private charitable donations. We believe parents of challenged children are already doing enough, and deserve as much support as we can give. You are welcome to help by donating here: Donations

A: No.

A: Yes. You will automatically be enrolled in the Google Group “Micronutrient Supplementation.” If you would like to talk to other parents before joining, please ask via the standard Google Group request process.

A: No.

A: No.

A: You can donate help financially by donating here: Donations. If you are in southeastern Michigan, you can fill out a volunteer application Volunteer. And we also very much appreciate prayer support.

A: We recommend finding a local charity that is equipped to deal with such things; unfortunately, that is not us.

A: We are recognized under law as a Michigan non-profit and qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; HOWEVER, we have not finalized our IRS required paperwork. UPDATE: Being submitted this week – As of 09/17/2012! Please assume your gift is not tax deductible.

A: As many eligible children as want to join through December 31, 2012

A: A decrease in infant mortality rates, faster than expected achievement of growth and developmental milestones, and for children suffering from neuromuscular issues, healthy muscular weight gain, an increase in muscle tone and strength, and a decrease in hyper-spasticity.

A: Yes. This study builds on already established research, and the conclusions are based on medical textbook and established veterinary research. You can view some of it here: Science

A: Luck. You can view the videos on the home page for the details.

A: No, the compounds being used are “over the counter supplements” and as such, not under the governance of the FDA. Appropriate documentation as to content via assay has been obtained from the company providing product.

A: Parents are asked to give bi-weekly reports on any observed changes in appetite, weight, tone or strength, cognitive, and energy, as well as any general parental observations they think would be relevant to other parents thinking about trying this.

A: No. This is a parent driven project to determine if this nutritional approach (based on pg 631 of the Textbook of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, among other sources) will continue to duplicate the results experienced by the initial children in the project. That is an excellent question, however, and hopefully someday a well-paid researcher will answer it.

A: Premature babies have been benefitting since late 2009; children with neuromuscular issues have been being recruited since June, 2012.

A: Yes. And someday there may even be a formal study. In the meantime, this project is 100% parent driven, and that means you get to decide.

A: No. There are many brands out there. We like PDCM 72+ but we have no financial affiliation with the company.

A: This is a very good question. I am trying to be obedient, and love my neighbor as myself. Yes, this is a lot of work, and I periodically wonder if you folks (especially the obnoxious ones who doubt me) are worth it, and since the man whose teachings I am trying to follow was executed, I can only answer that I may not be the brightest bulb in the box, but I am trying to do the right thing.

A: It is in the medical textbooks, I did not invent it, I am not a manufacturer of the product, and I am a programmer, not a doctor. If anyone wants to give my husband a bazillion dollars, however, feel free; he gets a little irritable due to the amount of time I am devoting to the project when he sees no perceived benefit to our family. The fact he supports me nonetheless is a tribute to what a great man I married. I Am Lucky.

A: Credentialed professionals can access our data by completing an application here: Professional Data Review

A: You may submit questions here: Contact Us We know you are under a great deal of stress, and will do our best to answer your questions promptly.

A: Yes, we do. You can sign up for it here: Maiing List