Vitmain without Gelatin

We have recently discovered L is allergic to Gelatin. This explains his hives after he got his chicken pox vaccine, his coughing while eating certain cereals (Lucky Charms, Frosted Mini Wheats (All Varaties), and his more recent stomach upset and general hives when taking a daily vitamin. Almost all daily vitamins contain gelatin, as well as some fruit snacks, soft drinks, and canned meats. Make-up also contains gelatin, luckily as a boy this should not be an issue. Gelatin is made from animals. So we have had some luck in finding Gelatin-free vitamins. Vegans don't want Gelatin in there diet, and either does L. This is a blessing. I don't think L needs a daily vitamin, but B does need one. L wants to be included in the morning vitamin fun and thanks to Lil Critters he can be. I found the vitamins at Target. Random place, but I am grateful to find them there and not make a special trip to the health food store.

GELATIN

It took me a long time to figure this out. But, L is allergic to gelatin. I began to suspect this after little things added up. First, he had a terrible reaction to his Chicken Pox Vaccine. Second, every time he ate Frosted Mini Wheats he would cough and cough. Then, it happened again with Lucky Charms. Finally everyday he and B take a daily vitamin. L began to complain about his tummy hurting and refused to eat much of the time. After label reading, I cut out gelatin and life is much better. L has not had official (expensive) allergy testing. But when you know you know. He can be tested in his next annual allergy doctor visit. L has been very involved in this discovery and feels more confident eating when he knows the ingredients of his food and plays in active part with me in making sure his food is safe.

I would have a harder time with this discovery, except when I told the doctor I though there must have been egg in his chicken pox vaccine because he had hives for two weeks following. She said "it may have been gelatin." sort of thinking out loud. I am so glad she did. I have since read that there is more likely to be a reaction to gelatin than eggs when vaccinations are given.

SOY

Somehow B's allergy to SOY was overlooked and not tested in his first round of testing at 13 months old. Now at 2 we know he is allergic to soy. He was not experiencing hives when he drank soy and I was missing it. He instead sounded like a made case of bronchitis all the time. I worried about him so much. It was a huge answer to prayer when we discovered his SOY allergy. Since eliminating soy he is much better, happier, and more energetic. L continues to drink and eat soy as a main part of his diet. It gets a little more complicated as what they are allergic to changes and goes in different directions. But, with extra planning and label reading we are doing just fine.