Orthomolecular medicine
Orthomolecular medicine is based on individual biochemistry and utilises substances naturally occurring in the human body to correct existing chemical imbalances. Pioneered by Linus Pauling and used in psychiatry by Dr Carl Pfeiffer and Dr Abram Hoffer, it offers a natural alternative to re-establish a biochemical equilibrium.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic chemicals that function as metabolic regulators in the body. Most vitamins cannot be manufactured in the body and are obtained through dietary sources and / or supplementation. Thirteen different vitamins are essential: Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine / P5P), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine), Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin D (cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), Vitamin K.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic nutrients essential for normal metabolic functioning. Macrominerals are required in large dosages bigger than 100mg: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur. Microminerals are also known as trace elements and are dietary minerals needed by the human body in very small quantities: boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, tin, vanadium and zinc.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids play a vital role in many metabolic processes and deficiency and imbalances have been linked to inflammatory-related diseases. Alpha-linolenic acid can ease the symptoms of several psychiatric disorders. Linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) are the two essential fatty acids which are not manufactured by the body.
Amino Acids
Protein is broken down into polypeptides by hydrochloric acid in the stomach and enzymes in the small intestine break down polypeptides into amino acids. Amino acids are absorbed through the intestinal wall and used in various physiological processes. Amino acid deficiency and imbalance have wide reaching effects, including neurological dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms. Proteins in the human body are constructed out of 20 different kinds of amino acids. Non-essential amino acids can be produced by the body from other molecules. Essential amino acids cannot be manufactured and must be obtained through dietary sources or supplementation. The 9 essential amino acids are: Leucine, Lysine, Isoleudne, Threonine, Tryptophan, Methionine, Valine, Phenylalanine and Histidine.
Enzymes and other nutrients
- Co-Q10
- Choline
- Lipoic Acid
- L-carnitine
- Digestive Enzymes
- Probiotics
Botanical Medicine
Botanical Medicine are not traditionally included in orthomolecular medicine, but the definition of orthomolecular medicine can easily be extended to include herbal remedies. Herbs are used for their antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, detoxification, hormonal support and diuretic effects.
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