Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

As we know . . . October is SIDS Awareness month. And unfortunately we need to talk about this tragic issue.

Sudden death syndrome is a loosely defined umbrella term for a series of cardiac syndromes that cause sudden cardiac arrest and possibly death. SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs of struggle and often these babies are found in the same position as when they were placed in the bed. And about 2,300 babies in the United States die of SIDS each year, with an infant between 1 and 4 months old to be more likely to be affected. It's also more common in boys than girls and most deaths occur during the fall, winter and early spring months.

So what is this mystery disease that could take one so young without warning?

Well . . . I did a little research and this is what I found . . .

I first researched a series of reasons the heart would stop beating, and discovered that one of the reasons is a missing enzyme called "mitochondrial trifunctional protein".

I did a little more research and found this information in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Jamal A. Ibdah, M.D., Ph. D assistant professor of internal medicine (gastroenterology) at Wake Forest states . . .

"This missing enzyme called "mitochondrial trifunctional protein" is a key step in providing energy for skeletal muscle, the heart and for metabolism in the liver."

"He stated that his study demonstrated this enzyme is essential for fetal development and survival of the newborn." "Deficiency of "mitochondrial trifunctional protein" cause fetal growth retardation, neonatal hypoglycemia and sudden death."

Okay . . . so then I read in the U.S National Library of Medicine that "mitochondrial trifunctional protein" deficiency is a condition that prevents the body from converting fats to energy, particularly during periods without food (fasting). That's when we sleep!!!

So it has been confirmed that there is an association between impairment in breaking down fat and sudden death. That means that human being after birth require these enzymes to survive.

When this enzyme is missing in an infants body, fatty acid products accumulate, producing a toxic effect that can affect the body with heart arrhythmias as well as respiratory arrest.

You see . . . "Mitochondrial trifunctional protein" is required to metabolize a group of fats called long-chain fatty acids. Long-chain fatty acids are found in foods such as milk and certain oils. These fatty acid are stored in the body's fat tissues. And fatty acids are a major source of energy for the heart and muscles. And when fasting (sleeping), fatty acids are also an important energy source for the liver and other tissues.

So if science knows about this key element . . . the enzyme "mitochondrial trifunctional protein" and that a deficiency can cause an accumulation of fatty acid that has a toxic effect to infants causing sudden death when fasting (sleeping) . . . why aren't there more studies and research being done to stop the loss of our babies? Why aren't all babies born TESTED to stop this senseless loss of lives???? That I don't have an answer for. But I will continue to research and make waves to conventional medicine to find a way to stop this senseless loss our loved ones.

In closing my heart and prayers go out to every mother and her family that has lost a child to this mystery disease.

As always, feel free to contact me here