PM IQShield - Frequently Asked Questions

PM IQShield is scientifically formulated from the latest research to include the most beneficial natural ingredients to help children to see better, think clearer, and feel stronger. The ingredients within IQShield support healthy vision, learning, the immune system, and maintaining general well-being.

It is critical that children get adequate nutrition to positively influence their development. However, children can often have a varied diet, which may not contain all of the most essential nutrients that they need. Getting kids to eat healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables is difficult, especially with busy parents who do not have the time to prepare tasty food, or the patience to sit with the child through a lengthy meal.

PM IQShield is therefore introduced to help parents to address this need. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, in yummy chewable fish-shaped capsules that have sweet milky aromas and burst fruity flavours into the mouth.

Optimal nutrition is essential for healthy growth and development. During the earlier period in life, babies normally receive their nutrients from breastfeeding. It is widely recognized that breastfeeding is the best nutrition during this early stage of life, and health authorities throughout the world in general recommend that babies are breastfed exclusively for at least the first six months, and ideally until they are one year old.

It contains all the essential nutrients a baby requires, including vitamins, minerals, lactose, fats, protein..etc.

In particular, the nutrient-rich sticky yellow breast milk produced towards the end of pregnancy and first few days after delivery is called colostrum. It contains a rich source of nutrients, growth and immune factors essential for those early years of development.

Breast milk also contains omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. It has been recommended that women seek DHA (at least 200mg per day) and EPA during pregnancy and lactation because DHA and EPA are critical in the infant for cognitive, visual and motor development [1], and the levels of DHA and EPA in mother’s milk are dependant upon mother’s intake of DHA and EPA. Take DHA for eg, brain accumulation of DHA starts in utero (during pregnancy), with the majority in the second half of gestation. DHA accumulation in brain continues after birth, reaching a total brain DHA deposition of about 4g between two and four years of age. In the retina, DHA comprises as much as 50% of total fatty acids of rod and cone outer segments.

Exceptionally rapid growth and development of the fetus occurs during pregnancy and for the young child during the first several years. In particular, brain growth accelerates during the second half of pregnancy and remains high during the first year of life with continued growth for the next several years, and this growth if supported will lead to developmental milestones in cognitive, visual, and motor development. So it is critical that both fetus and infants have the right food in the adequate amount.

From birth, children double in size to the age of four. After this time until the age at when puberty is complete, children almost double in size again. Healthy growth requires a high energy intake along with the most important essential vitamins, minerals and growth factors. Vitamins by definition are natural substances that are required for normal growth and metabolic processes. PM IQShield contains the most essential vitamins B1, B2, B12, for optimal childhood health and growth. Specifically for children, the nervous system including learning and psychological well-being requires a set of nutrients for healthy brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and the essential B-vitamins B1, B2 and B12 are all indicated for the development of a healthy nervous system. As discussed earlier, the neural tissue of the body such as the eyes and brain are highly concentrated with omega-3, such as DHA and EPA, which is important for optimal neurotransmission and visual processing. Colostrum provides essential growth factors and immune protection for the rapidly developing child. Essentially PM IQShield provides the supplements that mother’s milk provides.

Infants are more susceptible to infections than adults as their immune system is still developing. The T and B-cell responses to specific infections are much slower and ineffective as the adaptive immune system does not yet have the memory of past infections. Once naïve T and B-cells come in contact with a particular pathogen, they form memory cells that have a greater ability to respond quickly and efficiently to infections. Furthermore, children are more frequently exposed to infections by contacting other children at playgrounds, daycare centers and schools. Chronic childhood infections can severely disrupt and delay development, particularly learning when ear infections are frequent.

Immunoglobulins (or antibodies) produced by B-cells are passed onto the infant by the mother in utero and via breastfeeding. However, this does not confer 100% immunity and levels of immunoglobulin decrease after this time. Therefore, it is important to supplement the child’s immune system with immune boosting nutrients such as colostrum, which contains immunoglobulins and other substances that stimulate the immune system.

PM IQShield is specifically designed to address the health needs of today’s children. It is well known that, despite your best efforts, the diet of kids can be messy and unrewarding. Knowing what’s best for your child’s nutrition can be difficult and getting them to eat what you want can be even harder. PM IQShield has the necessary nutrients that your child needs for their cognitive, visual and immune health, in tasty fish-shaped chewable capsules that kids can enjoy.

Recent reports suggest that kids aren’t getting enough out of their diet for adequate nutrition, causing global public health concern. Two fundamental nutrient deficiencies that have been identified, which impact considerably on learning and psychological health are omega-3 fatty acids and iodine deficiency. Globally, it is believed that 31.5% of children do not get enough iodine [2]. The Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (SPANS) study conducted in Australia showed that children do not get enough fish and vegetables in their diet. Between 60-75% of school children eat fish less than once a week [3]. It is recommended that children eat at least 2-3 meals a week of fish. Significant physical and psychological health problems can result from nutrient deficiency, and substantially effect long term development.

During development of early childhood years, it is essential that kids receive enough vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Exposure to infections is greatest amongst children. Without the necessary protection from essential nutrients, kids get sick. Sometimes this can mean long periods away from school. Colostrum contains the essential nutrients such as immunoglobulins and lactoferrin for the immune protection your child needs. Zinc is also important for immune and cellular health in children. Due to rapid development in early childhood, metabolism also requires extra support from specific vitamins B1, B2 and B12, to maintain internal energy demand. These B-vitamins are particularly important for cognitive and visual development.

The most sensitive period for brain development in early childhood is the first 7 year of life. Binocular vision and the central auditory system is the first to begin developing after birth, followed by habitual ways of responding, language, emotional control, symbol recognition, peer social skills and relative quantifying. Any or all of these processes may be delayed or inhibited by negative environmental factors such as infections and poor nutrition. During this time of our life, getting the right nutrients is essential.

Visual fatigue is a significant problem for children, which affects up to 50% of kids. Learning difficulties may also arise along with visual fatigue and affect long term learning. It is discovered that a large proportion of children with learning difficulties have problems with their vision. Visual fatigue is inevitable especially in an environment where visual learning is dominant, which puts strain on the eyes. The increased use of computers creates a higher level of stress and strain on the eyes, which has not been experienced in any other generation. Loss of concentration is a common occurrence amongst kids with visual fatigue, which can lead to a delay in learning.

PM IQShield contains colostrum, fish oils, iodine, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Colostrum - The nutrient-rich sticky yellow breast milk produced toward the end of pregnancy and the first few days after delivery is called colostrum, which is ideal for children. Colostrum consists of whey proteins, growth factors, immune factors, amino acids, lactoferrin and other beneficial proteins and enzymes. It is a major source of secretory IgA (immunoglobulin A), a naturally occurring antibody. Colostrum may assist the immune system and benefit gastrointestinal health. Unfortunately, the benefits of colostrum cease after breastfeeding therefore IQShield is important to maintain optimal nutrition for your developing child with colostrum.

Fish oil (omega-3 DHA and EPA)- Omega-3 fats DHA and EPA are present in high concentrations in the brain for healthy neurotransmission and cognition. Supplementation with DHA and EPA may increase the amount of glucose getting to the brain [4], which may explain the enhanced brain functioning. In children, DHA and EPA have been shown to improve physical and mental development. DHA and EPA may improve attention, concentration, learning, cognition and memory, lower the risk of anxiety, stress and impulsive behaviour, and benefit the immune system. In the early years, DHA is in high demand during development of the brain, neural systems, and the eyes. Fish oil has been shown to improve simple cognitive functions in children such as reading and spelling, and behaviour [5]. New research also shows that omega-3 may also be significantly beneficial to the immune system [6].

Zinc - Zinc is highly concentrated in the brain and nerves, and may help improve spatial learning, memory, attention, and visual reaction time. Zinc may assist the immune system, benefit cell health, cell membrane integrity, and reduce cell damage induced by oxidative stress.

Iodine - Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production necessary for metabolism. Iodine insufficiency may lead to juvenile hypothyroidism, impaired mental function, and retarded physical development. There is a relative increase in the number of children who do not get enough iodine in the diet, which may be harmful to their health. Iodine is important for brain development, particularly in pregnant and breast feeding women where iodine deficiency during pregnancy may cause irreversible harm to the baby.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine nitrate)- Thiamine is involved in nervous system and muscle functioning; enzyme processes; carbohydrate metabolism. It is important for enzymes involved in the central pathway for energy production, required during rapid development in children. Severe chronic thiamin deficiency can result in problems for the nervous system, muscles, heart, and gastrointestinal system. Thiamin has also been shown to be beneficial for eye health.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)- Riboflavin is involved in metabolic processes, and is necessary for normal cell function, growth, and energy production. Essential for the production of red blood cells, riboflavin also is central to utilization of energy from carbohydrates. Riboflavin has been shown to be important in the development of cognition and vision.

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)- Maintaining a healthy intake of vitamin B12 is associated with improved energy levels. Vitamin B12 facilitates the conversion of methylmalonyl coenzyme A to succinyl coenzyme A, an essential step in the extraction of energy from proteins and fats. Deficient levels of Vitamin B12 are linked with increased levels of the amino acid homocysteine and a decreased ability to produce methionine and tetrahydrofolate, both of which are essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production and the maintenance of cardiovascular health. A deficiency of vitamin B12 may lead to neurologic symptoms, disorientation and confusion.

Omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated fats that are found in significant quantities in seafood, particularly in oily fish, and to a lesser extent, in several plants and plant oils (eg. canola, linseed, soy and walnut). The evidence is now quite strong that omega-3 fats are beneficial in at least three areas of human health: heart disease, inflammatory disease, and development and maintenance of vision and brain function.

A dietary deficiency in omega-3 affects retinal function, which results in poor vision. In the eye, omega-3 fatty acids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the integrity of the blood vessels that supply the retina and the photoreceptors of the retina itself. Studies have shown that omega-3 fish oils can protect the eyes from harmful environmental factors such as light, inflammation, ischemia, oxygen free-radicals and increasing age.

For the brain, omega-3 fatty acids are required by neurons for structural integrity and optimal transmission. Clinical studies have shown that omega-3 is essential for cognitive function, including memory, learning and concentration. Beneficial effects on anxiety and stress indicate that omega-3 is important for mental wellbeing. Omega-3 has also been shown to be particularly beneficial in children, as their nervous system is still developing and requires additional support.

It is difficult to ensure that your child has the adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids through diet, you will need to feed them a lot of omega 3 fatty acids rich food everyday. In addition, there is a risk of contamination if you try to feed your child a lot of fish.

On the one hand, health authorities advise people to eat more fish, on the other hand, they ask people to limit fish consumption due to its level of mercury and other contaminants. It is difficult to check the level of contamination in the fish bought from the market. PM IQShield, as a pharmaceutical grade product, complies with a set of strict quality standards set by the Australian health authority, including limits on contamination. Parents are therefore guaranteed of the quality of the omega 3 fatty acids that are given to their children.

PM IQShield exists in conveniently and carefully prepared chewable capsules, specially formulated to contain a combination of important naturally occurring substances for optimal children’s health.

PM IQShield combines the most beneficial natural ingredients for maintaining eye, neural, and immune health, proven by up-to-date scientific research. The combination of colostrum and omega-3 is unique to PM IQShield, and in combination with other essential nutrients PM IQShield may provide your child with the support they need to see better, think clearer and feel stronger. The ingredients of PM IQShield are carefully selected from the latest clinical research to be present at doses that best support your child’s health. It is advised that children take IQShield at the recommended dosage for maximal effect.

The raw materials in PM IQShield are sourced from the best available in the world. PM IQShield is regulated as therapeutic (medicinal) goods in Australia and complies with all the rigid regulations by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), one of the strictest health authorities in the world. It undergoes the Good Manufacturing Process (GMP), from start to finish of production, before released to the market. Post market surveillance requirements ensure that the product is looked after and controlled after it leaves the manufacturing facility.

Children 3-12 years: 1 capsule daily. Children 12+ and adults: 1-2 capsules daily, or as directed by your Healthcare Professional

There are no known interactions of the ingredients of PM IQShield with other products.

Depending on your needs and desires, you may also like to consider taking some of our other products in combination with PM IQShield. These include: • PM Branin • Ojimega3 – Fish Oil 1000mg • NA Neurocard • PM Kids Intelligent • PM EyeTonic

It contains bovine colostrum powder contain lactose and cow's milk proteins, and is not suitable for use in children under the age of 12 months except on professional health advice.

If you miss a dose of PM IQShield, the levels of colostrum, fish oils and vitamins may drop below optimal levels for maintaining health. During this time you may be unprotected by the benefits of PM IQShield in maintaining your child’s health.

If taken in excess, you may be exposing yourself to harmful levels of the product that were not intended depending on how many you take.

Always check with a health professional if you wish to vary the recommended dose on the label.