ALD boys lack an enzyme necessary for the break-down of saturated fat.
This means that they have to maintain a very strict diet which is low in
saturated fat. Their diet is supplemented with Lorenzo's Oil and essential
fatty acids. Every morning the boys take about 2 tablespoons of Lorenzo's Oil,
and every evening after dinner they take 1 tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil mixed
with 1 teaspoon of Safflower Oil.
Fortunately, Robert and Evan have come to accept having to take their oil,
as well as vitamins and other supplements. There was a time when they were
young that Joey and I had to hold them down on the floor and pour the oil down
their throats. Both boys have been taking the oil daily since they were two.
As far as diet goes, they eat the most nutritionally dense foods I can find to
feed them. This includes lots of organic fruits and vegetables, vitamin packed
nutrition bars, fatty fish, and low-fat game meats such as venison. They eat
soy cheese because it melts and has no saturated fat. They also drink soy milk
rather then dairy and lots of yogurt.
Since no medical professional could tell me why certain boys become symptomatic and
others ALD boys don't, I've tried to feed my boys a diet low in chemicals and additives.
I avoid pesticides and shop at organic health food stores. I use alot of herbs and
spices known to have anti-inflammatory properties such as garlic, curry powder, ginger,
and spicy peppers. The boys have a very healthy but atypical diet and are totally
at home with Thai, Indian, and other exotic cuisine.
The boys rarely eat processed foods or junk food. They can't eat any hard
cheeses or peanut butter. They never eat beef or any food with hydrogenated
oils or stick margarine such as cookies, cakes, and crackers. Any
food high in saturated fat is not allowed.