Information

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome is the most common genetic disorder worldwide and affects 1 in 1000 babies born each year in the UK. Down's syndrome occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the body, three rather than two. This additional chromosome allows the range of developmental & physical characteristics that we associate with Down's syndrome. The term 'syndrome' means a group of characteristics, signs & features that often occur together.

Down's syndrome is named after English Doctor John Langdon Down who was the first doctor to recognize the syndrome in 1866. French Doctor Jerome Lejeune later discovered that Down's syndrome was caused by an an additional chromosome 21 in 1959.

We do not yet know what causes Down's syndrome but we do know that it affects people of all races, countries, religions, & economic backgrounds.

There are 3 types of Down's syndrome:

Trisomy 21 - occurs when all cells have an extra chromosome 21. Approximately 94% of people with Down's syndrome have Trisomy 21.

Translocation - is when the extra chromosome 21 material is attached to another chromosome and accounts for around 4% of people with Down's syndrome.

Mosaic - when only some of the cells have an extra chromosome 21. Around 2% of people with Down's syndrome have this type.

Genetic Disorders information provided by the University of Utah

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Articles

Article - TNI in Down Syndrome
Description: An article on nutritonal therapy in Downs syndrome by Dr. Lawrence Leichtman, clinical geneticist and pediatrician. Dr. Leichtman specializes in autism, Down syndrome, metabolic and genetic disorders.

Article - Targeted Nutritional Intervention for Children with Down's Syndrome
Description: Research on the use of Nutrivene-D in Downs Syndrome by Dr. Matthias Gelb published in Padiatrische Praxis, a German pediatric publication.

This study compared 38 patients (ages 6 months to 15 years of age) who used Nutrivene with 38 patients (ages 5 months to 17.2 years of age) who were not taking the Nutrivene supplement.

The article by Dr. Gelb reported that the children being supplemented with TNI had a reduced number of infections, increased growth, and a normalization of various laboratory parameters (i.e. Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, etc.). Parents and therapists noted improvements in development, cooperation and behaviour.

Article - Observations of Nutrition and Weight Development in Children with Down's Syndrome
Description: Research by Dr. Matthius Gelb on nutrition and weight development in children with Down's Syndrome.

Article - Singapore Medical Journal 2008; 49(7) : 561
Description: Serum cholinesterases in Down syndrome children before and after nutritional supplementation.

Article - Why Vitamin, Mineral and Nutritional Supplementation is Helpful for Patients With Down Syndrome
Description: This article provides peer-reviewed, published opinions of physicians and scientists relating to nutritional supplementation in Down syndrome.

Article - Alternative Medicine Magazine Article
Description: Article from Alternative Medicine Magazine, that discusses Nutrivene and the nutritional aspects of Down's Syndrome.