The December 2020 issue of The American Academy of Pediatrics publication “Grand Rounds” was filled with many useful articles in which to inform parents.

 

Page 63 had an article by S. Mbaryi et.al, showing the meningococcal A vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of meningococcal disease in teens and young adults.

 

At a time when one hears questions about the Covid 19 vaccine we must remember the role that vaccines have had in controlling polio, small pox, chicken pox, whooping cough, diphtheria and mumps. Of course we should always be cautious with any medical intervention.

 

This article adds another triumph for vaccines over serious illnesses. Covid 19 vaccine will be added to this list. It did not come about so quickly because the developers recklessly cut corners. It came about because of unselfish global cooperation between researchers. This had never happened before. One wonders what could be accomplished toward the control of cancer if it occurred again.

---

 

E. Forno, et.al. reported in JAMA , August 2020 an article showing vitamin D supplementation does not prevent asthma exacerbations. Adequate vitamin D intake is important for other body systems in all children.

 

Page 66 showed the work of W. Samady, et.al. There is a great variation of food introduction to infants. At this point the personal preference of the pediatrician supersedes the variable guidelines published. It is a time that early controlled introduction of foods may prevent food allergies later in life. The final chapter has not been written on this. In short, follow your pediatrician’s advice and realize the recommendations may change at any time. When careful study over a long enough period is accomplished things will be clearer. As they say, “There are many ways to skin a cat”. We may find that there are many safe ways to introduce solids to infants.

---

 

Finally, g.H. Dean, et.al.presented a study that showed folic acid fortification for the pregnant female helps prevent malformation of the development of the fetal nervous system.

 

They point out in 1998 cereal grain was fortified with folic acid. It was stressed that folic acid fortification for the mother must occur during the pregnancy, as early as possible in gestation.

 

Fortifying the mothers with adequate folic acid is a simple and cheap way to prevent the devastating malformations. They point out that some of these malformations occur because of genetic issues and not folic acid deficiency. The recommended dose of folic acid while pregnant is 600 mcg/day. Furthermore, taking more than 1000 mcg/day equals NO added benefit. Remember, one should take the folic acid as close to conception as possible.

 

These articles are just what an informed parent needs. If you have questions discuss them with your pediatrician or, in the case of folic acid, with your obstetrician.