Fortification methods of coenzyme Q10 in yogurt and its health functionality-a review.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant, fat-soluble component present in the mitochondrial cells. It provides beneficial results in the treatment of male infertility. In the current scenario, the sedative lifestyle, diet and stress in human lead to excessive free radicals (ROS), leading to health aliments. The review is conducted to compare the effect of different fortification methods of CoQ10 in the Yogurt. The study showed that nanoparticles form of CoQ10 in yogurt showed higher bioaccesiblity rates in humans, and the microencapsulation of CoQ10 showed a low amount of Ubiquinone released during its shelf life. The functional Yogurt produced by the Monascus-fermented soybean powder (MFSP) co-fermentation has been shown to have high free radicals scavenging activity. Thus, the review observes that each fortified sample is useful in its way as CoQ10 supplements. Further studies must be done for accurate conclusions on its effect on male infertility, and other fortification media can be explored.

Food Selection and Preferences of Omani Autistic Children.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core deficits in social interactions, verbal/nonverbal communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors. Children with ASD are known to have several feeding problems that are believed to affect their nutritional and health status. AIM: The present study was designed to assess the food preferences in Omani children diagnosed with ASD compared with controls. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in which 375 children (males and females) aged between 4 and 13 years were recruited. The sample consisted of 163 children with ASD and a control group of 212 typically developing (TD) children. For each participant, demographic, anthropometric, and medical information and information regarding dietary intakes were gathered using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess their food preferences. RESULTS: The sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers were similar in the two groups, while their perceptions based on several nutritional parameters were different. Children's age and body mass index (BMI) were similar in both groups, while the number of male children was higher in ASD group (P < 0.001). Problematic behaviors including food refusal and selectivity were significantly higher in ASD children than in TD children. Despite that, the children with ASD were found to consume mostly traditional Omani dishes. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that provides information on the eating habits and nutritional intake of Omani children diagnosed with ASD. The overall findings are promising and may contribute to further understanding of food preferences in children with ASD in Oman. Such information is highly valuable for the prevention and management of nutritional deficiencies among Omani children with autism by improving their diet quality.

Antioxidant therapies in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder among children and adults. Impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity are hallmark of ADHD. While ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, they are related in several ways as they have some overlapping symptoms. The pathogenesis of ADHD has so far remained enigmatic, however, there is some evidence suggesting critical association among ADHD and the level of oxidative stress which trigger cell membrane damage, changes in inner structure and function of proteins, as well as structural damage to DNA which eventually culminate into development of ADHD. Although stimulants as well as some classes of non-stimulants are used to ameliorate symptom of ADHD, various adverse effects have been associated with such compounds. To date, treatment of ADHD is done with a combination of medications, behavior modifications, psycho-education, family therapy and life-style changes. The American Academy of Pediatrics officially promote stimulant medications and/or behavior therapy as 'first line of therapy'. In addition to the presently therapeutic armamentarium, evidences are emerging on relevancy of natural products. There has been an interest on the therapeutic role of antioxidants in the treatment of ADHD. The present review aims to highlight the beneficiary role played by different antioxidants in mitigating the symptoms of ADHD.