Ross Walter Nutritionist and Naturopath health articles and blog

Scientific protocols in vaccine research and pregnant women - why pregnant women should not get the covid-19 vaccine

8/2/2021

Medical treatments and recommendations are supposed to be based on evidence, hence the term "evidence-based medicine", which forms the foundation of modern medicine as well as in natural medicine.

Government health departments, doctors, and other public health officials supposedly/allegedly/usually base their decisions and health recommendations based on scientific evidence, and hopefully on good quality evidence, which in turn should be based on good scientific protocols and standards.

One of those scientific protocols is to not use pregnant women as test subjects in any scientific or medical study. This is for the obvious potential risk to the unborn baby as well as to the mother. This condition of research came about after World War II as a result of the investigation into the Nazi war crimes and performing dangerous and unethical experiments on people at the time. The resulting Nuremberg Code, of ethical research conditions, included the research subject must be given full informed consent of the experiment, of their willingness to be given voluntarily, all physical and mental suffering should be avoided, the risks should not exceed the importance of the problem being investigated, and other conditions (Lupton & Williams, 2004). The more recent Helsinki Code updates the requirements.

The Nuremberg Code included pregnant women as being protected, or prevented from being used in medical research. Hence there is NO evidence for safety or efficacy of any medications, treatments or vaccines from the manufacturers in pregnant women. Medications and vaccines are approved for public distribution and use without any evidence on pregnant women. This is why when any GP, doctor, public health officer, or politician who says that, for example, flu vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines are safe or effective in pregnant women, they are LYING to you.

Despite this scientific protocol, many studies looking at medications for COVID are actually including pregnant women in about 23-25% of medical trials (Taylor et al., 2020). The authors of this published article are actually recommending, despite decades of scientific protocols, to include pregnant women in more clinical trials. This is a disgrace.

And with vaccine manufacturers being protected by many world governments from any legal liability from lawsuits for any damage or health issues or deaths they cause, the risks of a (very poorly tested) COVID vaccine is far too great a risk for a pregnant woman, or anyone really for that matter.

Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) are recommending that, based on a lack of evidence for the above reasons, pregnant women should NOT get one of the COVID-19 vaccines (Sydney Morning Herald, 2021a). But sadly, individual countries are not heeding this advice.

So why do the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in the US say "getting vaccinated is a personal choice for people who are pregnant"?! (CDC, 2021). When they really should be saying "due to a lack of evidence of safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, we recommend that women who think they may be pregnant or who are pregnant should not receive this vaccine".

Why are the CDC not informing the population of the risks (ie, NO informed consent), and working for the people, to reduce risks of vaccine damage in pregnant women and their babies?

The CDC is also recommending that women who are trying to get pregnant or who may be pregnant, to NOT test for pregnancy before getting the COVID-19 vaccine!

In the UK, they are being a little more open and saying that the COVID vaccines have not yet been tested in pregnancy, and those who are pregnant should not have this vaccine (Public Health England, 2021). They also say if you get pregnant after the first vaccine, to delay the second vaccine until after the pregnancy. Similar with breastfeeding, as there is again no evidence, they recommend to delay the vaccine until after breastfeeding.

In the European Union, there is less advice than from the above other countries. They simply say that animal studies show no effects in pregnancy. But that doesn't mean anything unless you are a mouse, rat or hamster. They say that the decision to get the COVID vaccine should be a personal one made in conjunction with a healthcare professional. No details of risks or the lack of any studies in pregnancy, or informed consent.

In Australia, the situation is quite dire. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is calling for pregnant and breastfeeding women to be included in clinical trials, with a view to making the vaccine available to them (Sydney Morning Herald, 2021a)!

The Australian government are also planning to spend $24 million of taxpayer money on a marketing campaign, targeting women in their 30s, as well as migrants and indigenous people, and pregnant women too, to get the COVID vaccine (Sydney Morning Herald, 2021b).

There have already been some reports of spontaneous premature birth immediately after a COVID vaccine, spontaneous miscarriages, and foetal deaths recorded in the US database of vaccine adverse events. This is why pregnant women are not supposed to be tested in clinical trials, and why they should NOT be given these new vaccines.

These "health" organisations and government health departments who are not giving you full informed consent of the risks of the COVID vaccines, or are recommending these vaccines to pregnant women are giving dangerous advice which is unscientific, immoral, unconscionable, and illegal. The individuals and organisations giving this advice will be held accountable in time. Pregnant women are vulnerable physically, mentally and emotionally, and obviously want the best for their health and their baby. They MUST be given the correct advice from authorities who are supposed to protect them, but sadly we cannot trust these authorities anymore, and they must seek expert advice from elsewhere instead. Pregnant women must NOT be used as guinea pigs in a worldwide Nazi-like medical experiment that we are currently experiencing.

Stay healthy!

References:

Centres for Disease Control (CDC). (2021). Vaccination Considerations for People who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Retrieved 17th January 2021 from https://www.cdc.gov/.../recommendations/pregnancy.html....

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2021). COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna. Retieved 17th January 2021 from https://www.ema.europa.eu/.../covid-19-vaccine-moderna

Lupton, M.G.F., & Williams, D.J. (2004). The ethics of research on pregnant women: is maternal consent sufficient? BJOG: an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 111, 1307 –1312. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00342.x

Public Health England. (2021). COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding. Retrieved 17th January 2021 from https://www.gov.uk/.../covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for....

Sydney Morning Herald. (2021a). Australian government experts mull over COVID vaccine in pregnancy. Retrieved 17th January 2021 from https://www.smh.com.au/.../australian-government-experts...

Sydney Morning Herald. (2021b). COVID-19 vaccine advertising campaign to target 'specific fears'. Retrieved 17th January 2021 from https://www.smh.com.au/.../covid-19-vaccine-advertising...

Taylor, M.M, Kobeissi, L., Kim, C., Amin, A., Thorson, A.E., Bellare, N.B., Brizuela, V., Bonet, M., Kara, E., Thwin, S.S., Kuganantham, H., Ali, M., Oladapo, O.T., & Broutet, N. (2020). Inclusion of pregnant women in COVID-19 treatment trials: a review and global call to action. The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30484-8

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Zinc deficiency linked to autism

11/11/2018

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Autism is a a very prevalent and complex disorder of which the incidences are growing at a very disturbing rate - in just 9 years the official incidences of diagnosed autism has TRIPLED to one in 36 children, and one in 14 children with developmental delays. This huge increase cannot be explained just because of genetics. The more likely causative factors are environmental - how we interact with our environment, such as from nutrient deficiencies, chemical and toxin and radiation exposure, stress, and lifestyle factors.

In a 2015 study, it found that a high percentage of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders were deficient in zinc, a mineral that is needed for many metabolic and neurological processes, including the development and health of the nervous system and production of hormones and neurotransmitters for good mental health. Hence a deficiency of zinc can cause hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances and dysfunction seen in autism. The study also reported that the zinc deficiency was often accompanied by a copper overload or copper toxicity, which can result in impaired social behaviour, and impaired language and communication issues, common in autism disorders.

Zinc is also needed for good immune system function, for good functioning of the senses, for good digestive system function, and many more uses. Digestive issues are very common in those with autism disorders. And with gut issues being linked to brain conditions, this can explain part of the common digestive issues seen in autism, or in zinc deficiency. Such conditions include chronic constipation or diarrhoea, indigestion, reflux, heartburn, pains, bloating and gas, as well as digestive issues like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, leaky gut and irritable bowel disease.

The same study found that incidences of autism can increase from pregnant women who are deficient in zinc, and women who are pregnant and breastfeeding need a higher intake of zinc-rich food or supplements, or this can result in deficiencies in the mother and baby to cause neurological and digestive conditions in both.

Zinc isn't the only answer to explaining or treating autism disorders, but it is one of many factors which can greatly help in a holistic treatment plan for sufferers. Zinc deficiency is also an issue in many other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and others. Zinc deficiency is an issue I see a lot in my clinical practice, mainly from a poor intake of zinc-rich foods, and the increasing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets which are generally low in zinc. Stress also depletes zinc, so a high-stress environment can lead to a deficiency even if your intake is good.

Your zinc and copper levels can be tested, as can other nutritional minerals and toxic metals, which are also common in autism disorders. If you have other mental health symptoms or digestive symptoms (mentioned above), I can help with nutritional advice and supplementation if needed, to help reduce your symptoms and improve your health! The right form of zinc is crucial, as some are much better than others.

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Why should you avoid folic acid in pregnancy or conception

20/8/2018

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Are you, or someone you know trying to get pregnant, or thinking of having children soon? Or have you been trying to get pregnant for a while and it's not being successful? Or have you had one or more miscarriages?

There are many possible factors which cause difficulties with getting pregnant or holding onto a pregnancy such as stress, nutrient deficiencies, toxins and chemical exposure, genetics, smoking and alcohol, inflammation and more.

These are two of the most common, but little known, causes of infertility:
1) Hormone imbalance in men and women, and
2) Genetic mutations in men and women.

These are the biggest causes of infertility I see in my clinic, but both are fairly easy to treat to get a successful result! Sadly, the medical approaches to infertility are very expensive, and they don't address the root causes of infertility. One very common and recommended medical "treatment" actually causes more heartache, distress, infertility and miscarriages. This is the advice that the woman trying to conceive should take a pregnancy multivitamin supplement which contains "folic acid".

Folic acid is not found in nature. It's not real. It's an artificially synthesized form of folate, or a fake and dangerous form of vitamin B9, which is found in plant foods. Folate comes from the word "foliage", hence leaves or leafy green vegetables, but also found in any plant-based food.

"Folic acid" is added to cheap retail brand supplements and pregnancy products, as well as to breads, and other refined grain products, cereals, processed foods, and packaged foods. It doesn't have the same effect in your body as the real folate!

But what is worse is that up to 40% of people may have a particular genetic mutation called MTHFR, which I have written about before here:
http://www.rosswalter.com.au/articles/folic-acid-vs-folate-are-they-the-same

When men and women with the MTHFR genetic mutation take supplements with folic acid in them, or eat lots of processed foods high in folic acid, they can develop toxicity from UMFA (un-metabolized folic acid) syndrome. Taking folic acid in supplements or foods when you have the MTHFR mutation causes ongoing infertility, and very sadly, recurrent miscarriages. But women trying to conceive and pregnant women are told to take supplements with folic acid! As per usual with many government or medical directives, this simply makes things worse.

A recent study (Servy et al., Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2018) tested couples who had infertility issues for at least 4 years, where one or both partners had the MTHFR genetic mutation. Most had previously tried folic acid supplements, but they had a lot of poor results, including multiple miscarriages. The study instead supplemented the couples with a natural form of folate instead, for only 4 months.

No adverse effects were seen from this form of folate. But the results were amazing! 39% of the females conceived naturally, with most needed some additional treatment to achieve pregnancy, but only 6% didn't succeed. That's a 94% success rate after avoiding folic acid, but taking a natural folate supplement instead!

The study concluded that the natural folate supplement should be used for when one or both partners have the MTHFR mutation, and that the artificial folic acid must be avoided to prevent folic acid toxicity, immune dysfunction, and other adverse health effects such as cancer.

I highly recommend getting tested for MTHFR with a simple blood or saliva test, and taking a pregnancy supplement which does NOT have folic acid in it, but a natural form of folate instead. I can help with both the test and the natural folate supplement, along with investigating other possible causes of infertility.

If you are trying to conceive, or know someone who is, please share this article to them so they are informed and can have a successful outcome!

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Folic acid vs. folate - are they the same?

1/2/2018

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If you look at the ingredients list of many packaged food labels, such as breakfast cereals, wheat flour, all breads and bakery goods (except those produced and labelled as "organic"), yeast spreads (vegemite etc), fruit juice and other foods, and even multivitamin supplements, they contain "folic acid". This article will explain a little about what this misunderstood ingredient is and how it can affect your health.

"Folic acid" is an artificially synthesised form of folate or vitamin B9. Folate, however, is the natural form of this vitamin, found in "foliage" sources, ie plant foods, especially in green leafy vegetables, broccoli and similar vegetables, many fruits, legumes and lentils, avocado, nuts and seeds, ground vegetables like beets and carrots, and many other sources.

Folate is needed for DNA synthesis and cell growth, production of red blood cells, for good mental health, energy production and many other activities. A deficiency in folate can cause many health effects, including anaemia, mental health issues (depression), dental diseases, skin conditions, and more. One of the main deficiency conditions of concern is an increased risk of birth defects in a baby's brain and spine, such as spina bifida.
Sadly, the Australian Food Standards organisation (FSANZ) makes it mandatory that folic acid is added to all wheat cereals, flour and bakery goods, except "100% organic" products and breads made from other grains such as rye, rice and corn! At least FSANZ and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (corporate watchdog) admits that products containing folic acid cannot claim that the product is "natural", as folic acid is NOT a natural substance!

In an attempt to prevent spina bifida birth defects, FSANZ decided to add folic acid to common staple food products - breads and cereals - and thus try to increase the daily intake of artificial "folate" in pregnant women. Why not just do an advertising campaign to get people to eat more vegies instead?!
Folic acid is not the same as folate - it is metabolised differently in the body, and thus has different effects, and like all artificial medications (which is what it is), it also causes a lot of unintended side effects.

Folic acid is readily absorbed into the body, often more so than for natural folate. However the natural folate is much more bioavailable (ie usable), but folic acid can actually block the effects of the natural folate, and over time this can lead to deficiency conditions mentioned above.

People who may have the MTHFR gene mutation (see my other recent article on this topic), will have huge issues with any foods containing folic acid. The MTHFR enzyme is needed to activate folate and folic acid, but people with this genetic mutation cannot effectively metabolise folic acid, and so levels of this artificial vitamin will rise to toxicity and cause major health conditions such as increased inflammation, oxidative damage, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Very sadly, I see a lot of female clients with infertility issues or recurrent miscarriages while on folic acid supplements for fertility and pregnancy. Folic acid in a female with the MTHFR gene mutation will CAUSE the recurrent miscarriages. This heartbreaking situation can simply be prevented by 1) getting a MTHFR test, and 2) avoiding folic acid supplements and foods, and 3) eating more folate-rich vegetables instead.

The decision of the authorities to force an artificial vitamin (effectively a "drug") onto most people in attempt to prevent a simple nutrient deficiency seems insane - it doesn't fix the cause of the problem, and actually creates MORE health problems! Recent research suggests that folic acid in cereals and bread or bakery products should not only be avoided by people with the MTHFR mutation, but EVERYONE, because of the negative effects it can have. Simply eat more plant based foods instead to get your daily requirement of natural folate!

If you have noticed that you feel worse after eating cereals, bread products, or supplements with folic acid, or if you are female and have had multiple miscarriages, you may have the MTHFR gene mutation. A simple blood test can be ordered to check for this, as well as advice for improving your diet to getting enough natural folate for a healthy pregnancy!

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Scientific protocols in vaccine research and pregnant women - why pregnant women should not get the covid-19 vaccine

Zinc deficiency linked to autism

Why should you avoid folic acid in pregnancy or conception

Folic acid vs. folate - are they the same?

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