Quercetin supplementation for children: safety, research and efficacy
What is Quercetin? Quercetin is a plant pigment found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid known as a flavonol, important for its antioxidant properties.1 Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals that may otherwise cause inflammation and contribute to a wide range of chronic diseases. Quercetin is best […]
Clinical uses of L-tyrosine in naturopathic medicine
What is Tyrosine and what is it used for? L-Tyrosine, commonly referred to as just tyrosine, is a conditionally essential amino acid that the body makes from another amino acid, phenylalanine. Tyrosine is essential for the production of a family of neurotransmitters called catecholamines that includes epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.1 Additionally, tyrosine is a precursor […]
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and supplementation in children
What is thiamine? Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a water soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods and added to others. All of the B vitamins are essential for energy production because they help convert carbohydrates to glucose, the body’s primary fuel source. Thiamine is important for nutrient metabolism, a healthy liver, skin, hair, eye […]
The evidence for CoQ10 supplementation in children
What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and what does it do? Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble compound synthesized in the body. It is commonly referred to as ubiquinone because it is found in almost every cell in all living organisms, making it ubiquitous in nature. CoQ10 is found in the mitochondrial membrane where it […]
Copper deficiency, toxicity and supplementation in children
Copper is a mineral found in all body tissues and most secretions. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis.1 Additionally, copper is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, an important part of the body’s antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. Copper is necessary for the synthesis of connective […]
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin
What is 5-HTP? 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical the body makes from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. After tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP it is converted again, but this time to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from the brain to various parts of the body and plays a role in […]
The fine line between Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders
As a pediatric naturopathic doctor I have over ten years of experience using therapeutic elimination diets in children. I have seen many cases of dramatic reversal of chronic disease or behavior concerns. That said, in the last few years I have found myself increasingly hesitant to recommend restrictive diets, especially as elimination diets have exploded […]
What is glutathione? What are glutathione supplements used for?
What is Glutathione? Glutathione, often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” is a naturally occurring molecule found in the cells. Glutathione is a tripeptide, meaning it is made of three amino acids (cysteine, glutamine, and glycine). It is produced in the liver and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Glutathione is involved in […]
Petasites (Butterbur) in Pediatric Migraine Management
Migraines in pediatric populations present a significant challenge, both for families and healthcare providers. As the search for effective, safe, and well-tolerated preventive treatments continues, Petasites hybridus—commonly known as butterbur—has emerged as a compelling option. In this article, I’ll dive into the clinical application of butterbur for pediatric migraine management, exploring its traditional uses, phytochemistry, safety […]
Safety and use of L-Theanine in Children
What is L-theanine? Theanine, an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, particularly Camellia sinensis, and some mushrooms, has garnered considerable attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. Structurally similar to glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in brain function, theanine is known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert various neurophysiological […]
