Category Archives: Children’s Health

Choline Supplementation and Foetal Development: Cognitive Function, Congential Defects and Developmental Disorders

The essential nutrient choline participates in several vital biological functions including neurogenesis, synapse formation, placental development and lipid transport. However, in this article, I wish to focus on the role of choline during foetal development. The epigenome refers to epigenetic marks, DNA methylation, that modify the activity of the genome without altering its DNA sequence. Epigentic...
Read more

L-Carnitine Supplementation Improves the Behavioural Symptoms in Autistic Children

Some autistic children and adolescents exhibit evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction, an energy production problem, which can lead to poor growth, loss of coordination, muscle weakness, vision or hearing difficulties, developmental delays and Gastrointestinal Symptoms (Severe Constipation).   Mitochondrial dysfunction is commonly associated with carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a naturally endogenous compound known as a mitochondria ‘booster’...
Read more

ADHD and Nutritional Interventions: Part II

In part I of ADHD and Nutritional Interventions I examined the possible interactions, and benefits, of diet therapy for ADHD. In Part II, I will explore the potential benefits and risks associated with several herbs (St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, Valerian and Kava, Pycogenol) and Nutritional Supplements (L-Carnitine, Melatonin, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc) often prescribed...
Read more

Updates on Complementary Treatment Approaches in Autism

Many families look to access complementary therapies in managing Autism Spectrum Disorder, with the hope of finding a solution that does not rely on pharmaceutical agents. Although, this approach may not afford every child or adolescent a significant reduction in behaviour, response and/or symptoms, the fact that there is a growing body of research supporting...
Read more

Autism Spectrum and Gluten

I am currently enrolled in my PhD at The University of Newcastle. My area of focus is Autism Spectrum and Nutrition. I have just commenced writing a piece and thought I would share this information with you: Introduction Research examining the role nutrition plays in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has largely focused on individual dietary nutrients and/or...
Read more