Latest news with #DanielGanjian
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Parents Should Know About the FDA's Latest Food Additive Approval
Fact checked by Sarah ScottThe FDA is attempting to phase out petroleum-based dyes from the nation's food supply. It approved one more natural food additive, gardenia (genipin) blue, in addition to three previous one: Galdieria extract blue, calcium phosphate, and butterfly pea flower extract. These approved food additives are generally considered safe, and some are already being U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a new food additive: gardenia (genipin) blue. It can be used in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, as well as hard and soft candy. The move comes about two months after the FDA approved Galdieria extract blue, calcium phosphate, and butterfly pea flower extract, in an attempt to phase out petroleum-based dyes from the nation's food supply. 'The FDA's approval likely reflects a response to consumer demand for more natural food coloring options,' says Daniel S. Ganjian, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in California. 'These additives are derived from natural sources—algae and a flower—which differentiates them from many synthetic food dyes that are chemically manufactured.' But what do we know about the roots and safety of the new FDA-approved food additives? Experts share their thoughts on the FDA's decisions and offer guidance on how parents can select safe, nourishing foods for their children. The word 'additives' gets thrown around a lot when discussing food (and body care products, for that matter). It might be helpful to have a primer or reminder on what experts refer to as additives. 'Food additives are substances added to food to perform specific functions, such as enhancing flavor, color, texture, or preserving freshness,' Dr. Ganjian says. 'They help maintain consistency, improve appearance, and extend shelf life.' However, recent data has pointed to a potential link between synthetic food dyes and behavioral issues and developmental delays in children. "While not all experts agree on the level of harm, one thing is clear: These petroleum-based dyes don't offer any health benefit," says Don Thushara Galbadage, PhD, MPH, an associate professor at Texas Christian University and an expert on food additives and dyes. And that's a key objective of the FDA's approval of these new additives. 'This approval will hopefully make it easier for food companies to use them in their products," says Sotiria Everett, EdD, RD, CDN, CSSD, a clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook Medicine. The FDA-approved gardenia (genipin) blue, Galdieria extract blue, calcium phosphate, and butterfly pea flower extract are not petroleum-based. Some already serve purposes in commonly used items. Here's the breakdown. This is a natural blue food color additive derived from the gardenia fruit. This is already widely used in Asia for food products, such as frozen desserts, jams, baked good, and beverages. Research has found it is not carcinogenic, even in high doses. Galdieria extract blue comes from Galdieria sulphuraria, a species of red algae, explains Dr. Everett. The FDA approved its use in numerous foods, including fruit smoothies, juices, milkshakes, candy, yogurt drinks, and other processed foods. Dr. Everett shares that studies in rats didn't show adverse effects in daily doses of 4,000 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight and says the estimated exposure to Galdieria extract blue will be far less (325 to 525 milligrams per kilogram daily). The FDA and outside experts currently recognize Galdieria extract blue as generally safe. Butterfly pea flower extract is an additive used to color foods various shades of blue, purple, and green, explains Anthony Hudson, MD, FAAP, ABOM, a pediatrician with Manning Family Children's in New Orleans. 'It is produced through the water extraction of the dried flower petals of the butterfly pea plant,' Dr. Hudson says. Dr. Everett notes that you and your children may have already had foods and drinks with this food additive. It is already in certain foods and beverages, like: Sports drinks Fruit drinks Dairy drinks Candy Yogurt Ice cream 'The FDA approval will expand its use to ready-to-eat cereals, crackers, snack mixes, hard pretzels, plain potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, and multigrain chips,' Dr. Everett says. She notes that the Taiwanese government issued a warning in 2019 about using butterfly pea extract in large quantities, with side effects potentially including nausea and diarrhea. However, the Taiwanese government said it could be used in the minimum amount to achieve the desired color. Dr. Galbadage also says butterfly pea flower extract is generally considered safe as a food additive in small quantities. Calcium phosphate is a white, naturally occurring mineral compound that Dr. Ganjian says is also used as a food additive. 'It serves multiple purposes, including as an anticaking agent, a source of calcium, and to modify texture,' Dr. Ganjian says. You also may use it to clean food off your teeth—calcium phosphate is commonly used in toothpastes, explains Lacy Puttuck, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. 'It's not new, as this additive has been in baby formulas and cereals for years and is usually recognized as safe,' Dr. Galbadage adds. 'Now, it's approved for things like doughnut sugar, white candy melts, and some ready-to-eat meats.' While some changes take significant time, experts believe parents will begin to see these items on more food labels soon. But the full effects are likely at least a year away. 'The FDA has set a timeline for phasing out synthetic dyes, and companies are already responding,' Dr. Galbadage says. 'Some major brands have committed to removing artificial dyes by the end of next year. That means by 2026, your child's cereal, snacks, and even yogurts may still be colorful, but with more natural ingredients behind their color.' How can parents navigate the grocery store in the meantime, and even after the new additives become more prevalent? Trust your eyes when deciding what to put in your mouth and gut. 'Read the ingredients list of food products,' suggests Puttuck. 'Make sure you can read and understand all of the ingredients in a food. This will allow you to make more informed choices for your family.' 'Natural' doesn't always mean 'healthiest' or 'without any risk." Candy and chips with butterfly pea flower still may have more than the daily recommended values of sugar and salt, for instance. Dr. Hudson suggests consuming a diet of single-ingredient foods, like an apple, broccoli, and unprocessed proteins, including legumes, and omega-3-packed fish, such as salmon, without tons of salt. 'Children will follow their caregivers' example,' Dr. Hudson says. 'If the caregivers prepare single-ingredient foods at home and include the children in the growing or purchasing of food and the preparation of the food, they too will eat healthy options.' Repeat after us: You cannot control what your child eats at a birthday party or eats out of a goody bag on the carpool ride home. 'It is hard to completely eliminate these foods, especially in many social occasions, such as birthday parties, movie outings, and other events that families enjoy,' Dr. Everett says. She suggests focusing on practical steps and balance. Swapping foods with 'unnaturally bright colors' like chips for crunchy veggies and hummus at meals and for snacks, is one way to bump items with synthetic dyes into the 'sometimes' territory. Also, whole fruits like watermelon have natural but not added sugars, as many juices do. 'Stay informed but maintain perspective,' Dr. Ganjian agrees. 'Keep up with information from reputable sources like the FDA, but remember that the agency has processes in place to ensure the safety of approved additives. Avoid unnecessary anxiety and focus on a balanced and varied diet.' Read the original article on Parents
Forbes
18-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
The Best Toddler Bed Rails To Keep Them Snug In Bed
The transition to a toddler bed or a big kid mattress is exciting and even a little bittersweet. After all, it's a sign that your baby is growing up. To help prevent your toddler from falling out of bed once they've made the switch, the best toddler bed rails securely attach to the bed without any gaps between the rail and the mattress, and they're sturdy enough to keep your child in the bed. After researching the top options and talking to pediatricians about toddler safety, my top pick is the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard, because it's incredibly versatile and secure. It can attach to a variety of bed types, offers a drop-down rail and is available in multiple sizes. The best toddler bed rails help create a safe and secure sleep environment. 'While not every toddler needs one, [bed rails] are highly recommended for most children during this transition, especially those who are active sleepers or who are new to sleeping in an open bed,' says pediatrician Daniel Ganjian. A toddler bed rail can also help give kids the sense of security they felt in their crib by making their toddler bed seem like less of a wide-open space. We curated a list of the best toddler bed rails, including the Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails, which are ideal for traveling and the Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail, which works well for larger beds. Amazon Dimensions: 35.5 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, multiple colors, swing-down rail With multiple sizes and colors, the Totcraft Toddler Bed Rails Guard is a versatile option that can fit many bed sizes, from toddler beds to king size beds. You can choose a standard height or taller height, which is ideal for thicker mattresses or for just having some extra peace of mind. The rail also fits a variety of bed types, including those with wooden slats, a box spring or a wooden base. Multiple installation modes help ensure you get the most secure fit. You can install it with hook and loop sticky straps or screw it into a wooden frame. When it's time to get your toddler in and out of bed, the rail folds down, which also makes changing the sheets easier. The fabric is machine washable. Amazon Dimensions: 33 x 23 inches | Material: Mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: No-tool assembly, multiple colors Though not quite as versatile as our top pick, the Dream On Me Lightweight Mesh Bed Rail is ideal for twin size beds. The rail has a reinforced anchor system and a stabilizer bar to help ensure it stays snugly on your child's bed. It weighs 2 pounds and assembles without any tools, making this an ideal option for travel, too. I also like that this rail, like many others, has mesh sides to help with breathability. It's designed for mattresses that are less than 5 inches, however, so check your measurements before purchasing. That's more typically a crib mattress height than a kid bed or an adult mattress, of course. It's available in a variety of colors to match the décor of your toddler's room. Amazon Dimensions: 59 x 19.5 inches | Material: Metal, plastic, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple colors, pull-down rail Toddlers with larger beds can benefit from an extra long bed rail to help prevent them from falling out at night. The Comfybumpy Extra Long Toddler Bed Rail is 59 inches long and fits any bed size from twin to king. Sometimes, I worry that my kids will slip past shorter bed rails and still fall out of bed, so I like the security of this longer option. Many parent reviewers with restless sleepers seem to also appreciate this rail, because it helps keep their kids secure. It also has mesh sides for breathability and is available in four colors. This is a versatile option that's designed to fit beds with slat bases, box springs or wood bases, attaching via Velcro straps or screws. A pull-down rail makes it easy to get in and out of bed, which is especially important with such a long rail. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 20 inches | Material: Metal, mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Multiple sizes, swing-down rail, no-tool assembly With a reinforced anchor safety system, the Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard is designed to stay sturdy even if you're moving its gate up and down a lot. It has an all-steel frame and sturdy anchoring straps. Locks on both sides ensure it stays secure while in the upright position. It's only available in white and gray, so you'll have less versatility with this option when it comes to matching the décor of your home. However, there are multiple length options. It's designed for use with a mattress and a box spring and fits mattress sizes up to queen. The rail also has a gap guard to help prevent gaps between the rail and the bed. 'Ensure the design prevents any gaps between the rail and the mattress where a child could get trapped,' says Ganjian. Amazon Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: Plastic | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Deflate for travel, grippy bottom, tool-free assembly If you're traveling and need to pack a bed rail in your kids' luggage, it doesn't get much more portable than inflatable bed rails. The Delta Children Inflatable Bed Rails come in a two pack and include a foot pump, making them ideal for travel. They function a bit differently than regular bed rails. Instead of sticking up above the bed, they tuck under a fitted sheet to make bumpers on the sides of the bed. A grippy bottom helps them stay in place. Because they don't come up as high as traditional bed rails, they may not be the best option for really restless sleepers. However, for kids who need a gentle reminder to stay in bed while traveling, they're a great tool to have. They fit twin, full, queen and king beds. Amazon Dimensions: 52 x 7 x 5 inches | Material: CertiPUR-US foam, jacquard fabric cover | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Non-slip top and bottom, tool-free assembly Similar to our travel pick, the Hiccapop Foam Bed Bumpers For Toddlers slide under a fitted sheet and create a soft bumper to gently keep your child in bed. They're made of foam and have a machine-washable cover, making them soft and cozy. They're nice and long, too, helping ensure your toddler won't wiggle past them. The bumpers are designed for twin, full, double, queen and king beds, and you can choose to purchase one or a pack of two. Non-slip strips on the top and bottom help them stay in place. If you're planning on using these bumpers every night, make sure you regularly check them so they don't slide out of place. Amazon Dimensions: 36 x 18 inches | Material: Metal and mesh | Adjustable length: No | Special features: Drop-down rail, no-tool assembly One of the shortest rails on our list in both length and height, the Munchkin Sleep Toddler Bed Rail is ideal for smaller beds or families who want a rail that only covers part of the bed. While many of the other rails on our list fit beds up to king size, this one is ideal for twin, full and queen beds. It has a mesh panel for breathability as well as a drop-down function that makes it easy for kids to get in and out of bed. You can install this rail on platform and non-platform beds, and it has safety straps to help give it a snug fit. A metal frame also helps ensure it's sturdy. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is committed to making it easier for you to find the products that are right for your family. As parents ourselves, we spend countless hours researching and testing products, including the best mattresses for kids and the best toddler pillows. To select the best toddler bed rails, I conducted thorough research and reporting. Here are a few key factors to consider when shopping for toddler bed rails for your child. You need to choose a bed rail that is appropriately sized for your toddler's bed. 'The rail should cover a good portion of the bed to provide adequate protection. However, ensure there is enough space at either end for the child to get in and out safely,' says Ganjian. If you want a rail that covers the majority of the length of the bed, it's best to choose one with a drop-down feature so your toddler can safely get in and out of bed. 'The most crucial aspect is how securely it attaches to the bed,' says Ganjian. 'Look for rails that have a strong anchoring system, whether it's straps that go under the mattress, a sturdy frame that slides under the mattress or a pressure-fit design that holds firmly.' When you're installing the rail, make sure there are no gaps between the bed and the rail that could trap your child. Read the instruction manual closely to ensure you are using the rail correctly and safely. Once the item is installed and in use, 'periodically check the bed rail to ensure it remains securely attached and that all components are in good working order,' says Ganjian. Additionally, Elias cautions parents not to use a toddler bed rail for bunk beds. 'Pediatricians do not recommend bunk beds for toddlers, so a bed rail should not be used as a safeguard for a top bunk or a higher-than-average bed,' she says. Choose a bed rail that is designed to work with the specific type and size of bed you have. This will ensure you can install it correctly and safely. Many toddler bed rails have straps that go under the mattress to help secure it in place. These are often very sturdy. Some also offer an installation option that allows you to screw the rail into a wooden bed frame. For travel bumpers, look for grippy panels that help keep the bumper in place, and regularly check them to make sure they're not moving around. 'Some bed rails are easier to install and remove than others, which can be a factor if you plan to travel with it or move it between beds,' says Ganjian. If you want quick assembly, check for rails that offer tool-free installation. At What Age Do Kids Need Toddler Bed Rails? 'Children typically need bed rails when they transition out of a crib, which usually occurs between 18 months and 3.5 years old,' says Ganjian. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids should move out of their crib once they're 35 inches tall, the top rail of the crib reaches their nipple height or they're attempting to climb out. 'Once they are in a toddler bed or a regular bed, a bed rail is usually necessary until they are around 4 or 5 years old, or when they consistently sleep without falling out,' says Ganjian. Do I Need A Bed Rail For A Crib? When a crib is in crib mode, no, you do not need a bed rail. If your crib can transition to a toddler bed, a bed rail can be helpful to keep your child from falling out of bed. Many transitional cribs come with a bed rail or have a specific rail that's compatible with the bed for when you're ready to convert it to a toddler bed. How Do I Keep My Toddler From Falling Out Of A Toddler Bed? One of the best ways to keep your toddler from falling out of bed is to use a bed rail. A floor bed is an option, too. 'For some children, placing the mattress directly on the floor can be an alternative to a bed rail, especially for very active sleepers or those in smaller spaces,' says Ganjian.
