Two days ago I helped my twelve year old daughter pack for two weeks of overnight camp. We followed the suggested packing list that the camp provided, and when we got near the bottom of the list I realized there was one important thing that was not there that she needed—her medication and supplements. My daughter has had cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) since she was two years old, a .She has bravely managed this debilitating disease for 10 years. She has been going to camp for four years already, and every year she has had a vomiting episode at camp—one year while she was out on a canoe trip, and one year starting early in the morning on the day she was supposed to leave. When she was younger she used to have episodes like clockwork every two months, and as she got older, her episodes became less predictable, and more responsive to events in her life such as stress, fatigue, or even excitement. She would sometimes have three episodes within one month, and other times go for as long as three months without an episode.
On average she would have one to two episodes per month.This year, for the first time, she has had only two episodes of vomiting in the last seven months. This dramatic change occurred after she started a new regimen of dietary supplements—L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10. We decided to try using these supplements after learning about research that suggests that CVS may be caused partly or completely by mitochondrial dysfunction. More information about the connection between CVS and mitochondrial dysfunction can be found here. L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 assist the mitochondria with energy production and thus, help compensate for mitochondrial dysfunction and potentially improve symptoms in CVS patients. These supplements may also help improve symptoms in other disorders linked to mitochondrial dysfunction such as migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and medication adverse reactions.Results from small clinical studies on the use of these supplements for cyclic vomiting syndrome have been very promising.
A retrospective chart review study found that using these two supplements, along with a dietary protocol of fasting avoidance (having three meals and three snacks per day), was able to decrease the occurrence of, or completely resolve, the CVS episodes in many patients. The supplements were also shown to be safe and well tolerated, with few side effects.My daughter noticed an immediate improvement in her symptoms. She had almost daily morning nausea even when not having a vomiting episode, and this disappeared almost right away. She started asking for breakfast, when previously I’d always had to try to convince her to eat at least half a piece of toast. She now will often eat either three eggs and two pieces of toast, or a big plate of dinner leftovers for breakfast. She also has a better appetite throughout the day. I don’t think I ever heard her say the words “I’m hungry” until this past year, when she was 12 years old. Previously quite underweight, in the past 7 months she has literally gained as much weight as she gained in the previous 7 years.
The first 2 months on the supplements she had no vomiting episodes. Then she ran out of her supplements while my husband and I were away, and within 2 days she was having a vomiting episode. Then over the last 5 months she has had one more episode, after a period of extreme stress. This represents a huge decrease in episode frequency for her. When we got to packing her medications and supplements for camp, I packed her supplements with careful instructions for the doctor as to the dosage, and the fact that she has to take them every day to prevent episodes, as we saw earlier this year what happens when she stops them even briefly. I then started looking around the house for her Zofran pills (a strong prescription anti-emetic), which was what we would usually use to try to stop her vomiting when she was having an episode. I have always sent them to camp with the instructions that they are to be used if she starts vomiting. I couldn’t find the Zofran anywhere—it had been so long since we had needed it.
I called the pharmacy, but they didn’t have any in stock. I found one emergency pill stashed in my purse and I packed that, but I have a feeling that this could be her first year enjoying camp with no interruptions due to illness.Postscript: This article was published originally in July of 2014. We are happy to report that after years of suffering from CVS, Philippa’s daughter remains largely episode free with relapses only when she misses her supplements or changes her routine. For more on cyclic vomiting syndrome see the articles listed below. Nature Made® Potassium Gluconate 550 mg helps support several functions of the body including heart and healthy nerve function.† Helps control the activity of the heart muscle.† Contains 90 mg of potassium Nature Made Potassium Gluconate 550 mg contains 90 mg of potassium, which helps support several functions of the body such as heart and healthy nerve function.† Potassium helps support heart function by helping to control the activity of the heart muscle.†
Helps support heart function† Nature Made Potassium Gluconate tablet is guaranteed to meet our high quality standards – it is made from carefully selected ingredients under strict manufacturing processes. United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified No Yeast or Starch Available Sizes: 100 Count When to Take:Suggested Use: Take one tablet daily, with a meal. For easier swallowing, take with water before and during ingestion. Interactions:Many medications may interfere with your potassium levels causing them to be high or low. Please check with your physician regarding your medications and potassium needs. Potassium Gluconate should be avoided when taking: Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be avoided when taking prescription drugs Potassium Gluconate should be used with caution when combined with: Current research does not indicate that this supplement should be used with caution when taking prescription drugs
Given that no two people are alike, if you are taking any medications you should be aware that potential drug-nutrient interactions may occur and are encouraged to consult a health care professional before using this product. Combining certain prescription drugs and dietary supplements can lead to undesirable effects such as: Impaired drug and/or supplement absorption Since your potassium supplement contains only 90 mg of potassium, which is 3% of the Daily Value, is it okay to take more than just one tablet per day? We would not recommend that you take a higher level than what is stated on the label, unless you have first consulted with your healthcare provider. What are some dietary sources of potassium gluconate? It is very easy to obtain your potassium needs through your diet. The best sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables. Bananas, potatoes, citrus, tomatoes, prunes and spinach are all considered high potassium foods. Why does your potassium supplement state 550 mg potassium gluconate on the front of the label and then states only 90 mg potassium in the Supplement Facts box?