Worthington Pediatrics
When treating little ones, it's the little things that count.
Serving Gainesville Families since 1990.
Supplements
Do supplements have a place in our daily lives and those of our childre? We believe they can. In some cases, when used in combination with a healthy and well-balanced diet and lifestyle, supplements may provide a variety of enhancing health benefits. Please note that this is for informational purposes only, as the following information is not intended as medical advice. You should always consult your child's provider before starting a supplement regimen.
 Vitamin DVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a neurohormone. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the skin from cholesterol. The natural synthesis process requires sunlight, hence Vitamin D’s nickname, the “sunshine vitamin.” The biologically active version of Vitamin D circulates as a hormone in the bloodstream. Click to learn more. |  Fish Oil (Omega-3)Omega-3 Fish Oil contains both DHA and EPA. These brain-boosting fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and good for your brain, eyes, skin, heart, joints, and more. Adequate intake of Omega-3 helps counteract our intake of harmful Omega-6 oils. Omega-3 is found naturally in fish (salmon and tuna), walnuts, olive oil, and avocados. For most of us, it is often a good idea to supplement our dietary intake by taking a high-quality Omega-3 supplement each day. |  Curcumin (Turmeric)Curcumin is the main active ingredient in the Asain spice Tumeric. It has major anti-inflammatory properties, as it interacts and down-regulates molecular targets of inflammation. Curcumin increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), the brain's growth hormone that is mainly responsible for driving new neuronal growth. Several studies also suggest that curcumin improves endothelial dysfunction and may have antioxidant and anticancer properties. |
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 ProbioticsProbiotics are live microorganisms that beneficially affect the host by improving intestinal microbiota flora. Research has shown that probiotics are beneficial in improving immune function and in the treatment of diarrhea, gut dysbiosis, allergies, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, ADHD and autism. In general, we recommend a probiotic supplement to most patients for health-maintenance. This is particularly important while taking antibiotics. Click to learn more. |  TaurineTaurine is an aminosulfonic acid derived from cysteine, an amino acid. Broadly distributed in the body, and functioning as a cytoprotectant, Taurine is an essential substance in the body. Taurine promotes glucose control, acts as an antioxidant, protects the retina, regulates the excitability of neurons, detoxifies the liver, and more. It is also vital for the proper function of many substances including potassium, magnesium and sodium. Taurine is found naturally in meat and seafood. |  MelatoninMelatonin is a hormone naturally found in the body that helps regulate our sleep/wake cycles. Melatonin also interacts with the immune system and has anti-inflammatory components. As an antioxidant, melatonin acts on free radicals.Tart cherries naturally contain melatonin. In some cases, melatonin supplementation may be indicated. |
 Vitamin BThere are 8 B Vitamins that are collectively referred to as "B-Complex." B Vitamins are essential for cell health, metabolism, energy production and regulation. Vitamin B-12 has been studied for its ability to protect against oxidative stress. Be sure to read about 5-MTHF, which contains the active form of vitamin B-9 (Folic Acid), the necessary form for individuals with an MTHFR mutation. |  SeleniumSelenium is an important mineral that has been studied for its antioxidant powers. A requirement for glutathione peroxidase enzymes, selenium is an integral part of our body's detoxification ability. Selenium-containing enzymes are also used to recycle "used" Vitamin C back to its active form for further antioxidant protection. Evidence also suggests that selenium is useful in supporting thyroid function. Seafood, mushrooms, and animal protein are natural sources of this important mineral. |  5-MTHF5-MTHF is the metabolically active form of folic acid (or folate). For individuals with a MTHFR mutation, methylation of folic acid is functioning at suboptimal levels. In this case, folic acid may become "backlogged" or build-up because the body is unable to methylate it into its usable form. Supplementing with the biologically active form of folic acid, 5-MTHF, circumvents this step and assures you are able to have and maintain an adequate supply of essential folic acid. Click for more. |
 CoQ10 (Ubiquinone)CoQ10 is found throughout the body, with largest concentrations in the heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. CoQ10 plays an essential role in the production of ATP (the body's energy building blocks) and cellular oxygen utilization. It has been studied for its role in heart health, immunity, and for its antioxidant properties. CoQ10 is found in dietary sources such as fish, meat, and certain oils. The typical adult takes in just 10 mg/day of CoQ10, so supplementation may be indicated. |  Vitamin CVitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is found naturally in fruits and vegetables and especially in citrus fruit. Although most of us think of Vitamin C for its immune-boosting benefits, it is also a powerful antioxidant, critical in the treatment of eye-disease, used for constipation, improving iron absorption, lowering blood pressure, helpful in diabetes treatment, and even possibly effective for reducing our risk of certain cancers. |  Vitamin E"Vitamin E" encompasses eight different nutrients--four different tocopherols and four different tocotrienols, each of which are considered antioxidants. Vitamin E, which is fat soluble, has been found to prevent free-radical damage by protecting our cell membranes. Leafy greens are excellent sources of Vitamin E, as are healthy fats such as nuts, fish, and seeds; however, most Americans do not get adequate Vitamin E from their diets, and supplementation may be beneficial. |
 GlutathioneGlutathione is our body's principle and most powerful antioxidant. It is involved in many complex bodily processes including tissue generation and repair, our immune system, building essential chemicals and proteins, and recycling antioxidants. Glutathione is critically important in preventing disease and staying healthy. Our body naturally makes glutathione, but our stores can be depleted from environmental factors including: stress, toxins, poor diet, infections, use of Tylenol, and others. |  Magnesium (citrate and malate)Magnesium (Mg), a mineral, is found abundantly in the body and critical for over 300 chemical reactions that maintain our health and fuel our metabolism. Mg is essential to our bones, which store half of our body's Mg. It is vital for energy production. Mg is also used to treat constipation (mainly Mg Citrate), control inflammation, maintain nervous system balance, promote heart health, regulate glucose balance, as an anti-acid, and more. |  BacopaPlant-derived Bacopa is utilized to improve attention, allergies and anxiety. Research suggests that it may improve brain functioning, and Bacopa is currently studied for use in memory disorders, and other conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and more. |
 ZincZinc, like Magnesium, is used as a cofactor by enzymes that are critical to maintaining our metabolism and health. Mild Zinc deficiencies can have implications for our visual system, immunity, skin health, reproduction, senses of taste and smell, and behavior. |  Carnitine (*L-Carnitine)This important compound is synthesized from the amino acids methionine and lysine. Carnitine is a requirement for fatty acids to be transported into the mitochondria, so they can be used to generate energy. *The biologically active isomer of carnitine is L-Carnitine. Carnitine also acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from their damage. Meat and dairy are the main dietary sources, but supplementation may also be indicated. |  InositolInositol, which is Vitamin B-8, is utilized for its calming effects on anxiety, to treat insomnia, ADHD, high cholesterol, mental health concerns, for skin disorders including psoriasis, PCOS, and others. Foods that naturally contain myo-Inositol include fruit, beans, grains and nuts. Myo-Inositol must be converted into its biologically active form. Supplementation is sometimes indicated. |