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 Neurotransmitters...
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...
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Approximately 99% of calcium is found in the bones and teeth with the remaining 1% in extracellular fluid like blood and soft tissues. Calcium is critical for many cellular processes, including regulating heart rhythms, nerve function, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and...
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...
Studies show that children and adolescents with ADHD have significantly lower plasma and blood concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3s.4 This has led researchers to investigate the relationship between supplemental omega-3s and the attention and behavior problems associated with ADHD in children.4 Some data suggests mild improvements with...
What is Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin known as pyridoxine. The active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6 are called pyridoxal 5 phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5 phosphate (PMP). Vitamin B6 performs a wide variety of functions throughout the body in these active coenzyme forms. It is involved...
What is folate? What is the difference between folic acid and folate? Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin found in many plant and animal foods. It may also be referred to as vitamin B9 or folic acid. However, the term “folic acid” is often used inappropriately and synonymously with folate....
This article was compiled by Kayla Martin, CNS candidate and edited by Erika Krumbeck, ND. How is vitamin C used in the body? Vitamin C is one of the most well known and widely used vitamins. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water and travels through the body...
Dr. K here. Zinc is one of my most-used supplements in my practice, both for pediatrics and adult patients. I use zinc most often for diarrhea, picky eating, eczema, general immune support, and anxiety in children. (Of course, this is all very patient-specific, and depending on the overall need/s...
Looking for a great phosphatidylcholine product? Seeking Health has the best. Check it out here! What is choline? Choline is a water-soluble nutrient that is technically neither a vitamin or a mineral. However, it is open lumped together with the B-vitamin family of nutrients due to its role in...
Depression and anxiety are extremely common conditions that affect millions of children in the United States. The CDC estimates 9.4% of children have clinically significant anxiety, and 4.4% of children have depression. This represents over 5 million anxious children and 2.5 million depressed children in the United States alone. UNICEF estimates...
PANS and PANDAS are debilitating neuroimmune disorders that affect children. For an overview of the difference between Tourette syndrome, OCD and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) see Dr. Zelfand's article: When a Tic isn’t a Nervous Habit (PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) Conventional treatments...
