Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular treatment, as conceptualized by double-Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, aims to restore the optimum environment of the body by correcting imbalances (excesses or deficiencies) based on an individual’s biochemistry, using substances natural to the body  such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements and fatty acids. The term “orthomolecular” (therapeutic nutrition) was first used by Linus Pauling in a paper he wrote in the journal Science in 1968.

The key idea in orthomolecular treatment is that genetic factors affect not only the physical characteristics of individuals, but also to their biochemical milieu. Body chemical pathways of the body have significant genetic variability (as impacted by all ‘environmental’ factors) so that degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, schizophrenia or depression are associated with specific biochemical abnormalities (toxicities, nutrient deficiencies and excesses) which are causal or contributing factors of all illness and disease.