Supplements and fats for 14 month old

[staceyshoe]

We just got back from the nutritionist who recommended a specialized formula for my 14 month old who has multiple food allergies/sensitivities (milk, eggs, corn, tree nuts, gluten, peanuts, oats). I'm not comfortable with giving him much soy and prefer not to go the formula route.

The nutritionist's primary concerns were adequate calcium and fat. I would like to supplement these some other way--perhaps a general liquid vitamin/mineral supplement and healthy oils (coconut? flax?). It's difficult to get adequate protein in him every day, but I think we can do that through diet if I am very diligent. Any recommendations??

[Ruthla]

Is your toddler breastfeeding? If so, I'd encourage him to nurse as much as possible and not offer any kind of formula or milk substitute, but make sure to offer a wide variety of nutrient-dense solids.

If the 14mo is already weaned, then you do need to figure out some sort of "formula" for him. Have you seen the meat-based formula from WAPF? It's basically bone broth with other supplements mixed in, and would be a good choice for a toddler who can't have any milk.

[staceyshoe]

Yes, he's already weaned. BFing would be the easiest option, but I tried various elimination diets for 5 months before realizing that I just wasn't going to get to the bottom of all the allergies/intolerances without weaning him.

I will check into the WAP meat-based formula. It sounds like a good option for him. Thanks!

[kjbrown92]

I agree with you on not giving him soy. Considering the other sensitivities, it's probably a problem for him as well.

Proteins
bone broth
sausage
mini meatballs
fish (tuna, salmon, tilapia...)
buckwheat
beans

Fats
coconut oil
coconut milk
pan drippings from meat (gravy!!)
avocado
olive oil
flaxseed oil

There are tons of options. Try to get some probiotics in him (either dumping a capsule in a smoothie or making coconut milk yogurt). Water kefir or coconut milk/water kefir. Fermented foods like sauerkraut. Bone broth has lots of nutrients and calcium in it. Sea salt has good trace minerals.

Calcium: broccoli, salmon, collard greens/spinach (most "greens"), rhubarb, blackstrap molasses, cabbage, beans

My DD2 was restricted by those things (and more) when she was 13 months old (had just weaned, on her own) and she did fine. She's still restricted at 4yo but she actually went UP the growth curve!

[tanyalynn]

I'm just now dipping my toe into the world of herbal infusions (things like nettles) and green smoothies, it feels like a whole new world is opening to me.

http://gotgreensrevolution.com/green-smoothie.html
Seems like good getting-going ideas here.

There are threads in H&H that are fairly current on Herbs and specifically a thread on Nettles--it's not just herbs to do medicinal stuff, some are just basically nutritious. Nettles has a lot of calcium, and a nice array of other minerals too.