When this organization was created in 2009, it was originally all about “helping premature babies quickly achieve growth and developmental milestones” which is why it was named the “Preemie Growth Project”. Back then, the idea that uncorrected micronutrient deficiency in infants and children was actually responsible for multiple other health issues, including cerebral palsy misdiagnosis, failure to thrive, hypotonia, developmental delays and even sensory processing disorder (among other issues) was completely unthinkable.
Welcome to 2015. At the risk of sounding like an infomercial for liquid trace mineral vendors, the bottom line is this:
Micronutrient (trace mineral) deficiency results in growth retardation in human beings as well as animals, which includes:
- poor growth and appetite
- impaired immune responses
- weak muscles
- developmental delays
- “general ill-thrift”
It presents in different ways during the life cycle:
- At birth, as low birth weight or premature babies
- In infancy, as failure-to-thrive and developmental delays
- In childhood, the weak muscles (especially core) are (mis)diagnosed as cerebral palsy
- Deficiencies also present as other neuromuscular issues, including sensory processing issues
Please note this will not correct chromosomal abnormality issues or repair birth defects. This only helps 83% of the children who do it, and statistically, that means 9 out of 10 premature children, and 8 out of 10 non-premature children.
The simple protocol is the same for all issues:
- A good quality multivitamin.
- A bolus dosing of a good quality liquid trace mineral compound. (you can view a list here: Trace Mineral Brands)
- A good quality probiotic.
- A nice omega 3 essential fat.
Use common sense, read “A Few Words of Caution” and remember the importance of good communication with your health care providers.
Good luck!