What is orthomolecular medicine?

Nutrients are essential for many functions of the human body. Above all, health benefits from vitamins, trace elements and minerals. The following article shows what orthomolecular medicine has to do with it and what it is all about.


What exactly is orthomolecular medicine?

Orthomolecular medicine can also be described as the “medicine of the right molecules”. It originated in 1968. It was initiated by the two-time Nobel Prize winner and renowned biochemist Prof. Dr. Linus Pauling.

In doing so, he built a bridge between medicine and nutritional science. Orthomolecular medicine is all about understanding molecules and nutrients. Pauling’s approach was to achieve good health by changing the concentration of substances in the human body.

But it’s not just healthy people who benefit from it. Orthomolecular medicine also aims to treat diseases and reduce discomfort. This makes the approaches suitable for every health-conscious person.


What complaints does orthomolecular medicine help with?

Orthomolecular medicine can help in many cases if you want to strengthen your well-being and health and treat diseases. In the case of the following chronic and acute clinical pictures, it is highly recommended to contact an expert in orthomolecular medicine:

  • Metabolic diseases
  • Diseases of the digestive system
  • weakened immune system
  • Infections
  • Rheumatism
  • Heavy metal contamination
  • Skin diseases
  • Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to deposits)
  • General nutrient deficit
  • Increased nutrient requirements
  • Cardiovascular diseases

In any case, it is worthwhile to deal with orthomolecular medicine, as many people cannot completely cover their nutritional needs through nutrition.


Nutrients in orthomolecular medicine

Nutrients can be divided into micro- and macronutrients. Above all, it is the micronutrients that are of particular importance in the course of orthomolecular medicine. They include:

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Trace elements
  • essential fatty acids
  • Enzymes
  • Amino acids

Orthomolecular medicine targets only substances that are naturally present in the body.


Vitamins in orthomolecular medicine

Vitamins are essential for the human body. However, it cannot produce many of them itself, so you have to eat them through food or otherwise.

One vitamin that the body can produce itself is vitamin D. Nevertheless, many people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. This is because you often don’t get enough sun, which is essential for education.

The vitamins that humans absorb through food can be divided into two classes:

  • Fat-soluble vitamins, for example vitamins A, D, E and K
  • water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C

Fat-soluble vitamins should not be overdosed. This is because the body stores them. If the dosage is too high, hypervitaminosis can occur. Therefore, you should always consult a professional and never dose vitamins yourself on a whim.

Water-soluble vitamins are not stored at all or only to a small extent. Therefore, they can be used by experts in high doses for therapeutic purposes.

B vitamins also play a major role. There are the following 8 B vitamins:

  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, niacin)
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine)
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin, Vitamin H)
  • Vitamin B9 (folic acid, vitamin M)
  • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)


Nutrient deficiencies: development and effects

Since orthomolecular medicine is often about compensating for a nutrient deficiency, it makes sense to take a closer look at its development. There are various causes that can trigger nutrient deficiencies.

These include an unbalanced diet and a dysfunction of the intestine, so that the nutrients cannot be absorbed properly. This is also referred to as absorption disorders. Reasons for this are, for example, a lack of digestive juices or inflammation of the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines.

Dysbiosis, i.e. the miscolonization of the intestine with bacteria, can also be a trigger for a nutrient deficiency. Then it is important to carry out intestinal cleansing so that the food can be broken down properly again.

A common reason for nutrient deficiencies is one’s own lifestyle. It can include the following adverse aspects:

  • Caffeine increases the excretion of potassium, magnesium and other minerals.
  • Alcohol and medication can lead to a vitamin and mineral deficiency.
  • The consumption of unsaturated fatty acids can cause a vitamin E deficiency.
  • Smoking promotes a deficiency of zinc and vitamin C.
  • Mental and physical stress is accompanied by a higher need for nutrients.

The effects of a nutrient deficiency are manifold. A biochemical imbalance is created, which in each case affects the organism in a certain way.

Fatigue, lack of concentration, susceptibility to infections or illnesses can be the result. Above all, however, sooner or later a reduced sense of well-being sets in. This makes therapies in the course of orthomolecular medicine valuable.


What does orthomolecular therapy look like?

When using micronutrients, you should not think that a lot helps. A person’s nutritional requirements are very individual. Therefore, everyone needs the right amount to support bodily functions and stay healthy. Some nutrients are therefore needed more than others.

The following factors influence how high your personal needs are:

  • Age
  • Weight
  • Gender
  • Eating habits
  • Food intolerances
  • Pre-existing conditions

In addition, stress and sporting activities can have a significant impact on the need for vitamins and minerals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women must be particularly careful. Their micronutrient requirements change drastically.

But what does orthomolecular therapy look like in practice? First, a micronutrient analysis is carried out to find out whether there is an additional need for a certain nutrient.

This is followed by individual supplementation. In this way, a needs-based supply of important nutrients can be achieved. However, dietary supplements should never replace a healthy diet, but only complement it.

In the course of orthomolecular medicine, supplements are not only administered in the form of capsules and tablets. Infusions and injections are also common practice. They are administered within a timed frame.

Do you want to do orthomolecular therapy? Then contact the Pittino osteopathy practice. We are your professionals in micronutrient therapy and nutritional medicine.


Conclusion: Targeted supplementation

Orthomolecular medicine aims to provide the body with all the micronutrients it needs. Since the requirements vary greatly from person to person, a micronutrient analysis is carried out beforehand. On this basis, targeted supplementation can be used to keep the body healthy and treat diseases.