Orthomolecular Nutrition: What Does It Consist Of?
To understand clearly and easily what is orthomolecular nutrition we can define it as a therapy based on the contribution of nutrients to the body to supply deficiencies generated by a disease. These nutritional supplements must be obtained from natural sources.
In the words of the AENTOC (Spanish Association of Orthomolecular Nutrition), orthomolecular nutrition aims to “promote the absence of disease in the patient and live in good health.”
Small historical review
Orthomolecular nutrition it is not a new therapy. Linus Pauling, who was a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1954, is the first person to define the term orthomolecular.
Dr. Catherine Kousmine also used treatment based on nutritional supplementation to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, polyarthritis or some types of cancer. Today there is the Kousmine Foundation dedicated to training and deepening the method developed by this doctor.
One of his disciples, who came to treat a large number of patients in France, is Jean Seignalet. His is the book Food or the Third Medicine , of which there are several editions and is translated into different languages.
How does orthomolecular nutrition work?
According to the bases of this discipline, diseases originate due to a biochemical imbalance in the body that affects our cells causing imbalances. By providing the cells with the appropriate micronutrients, an optimal balance and proper functioning is achieved.
With this, it is possible to treat existing diseases, as we have seen previously. But it can also improve nonspecific ailments, such as migraines, lack of energy, and digestive problems.
The micronutrients necessary for our cells are:
- Vitamins, such as those of group B, vitamin C or vitamin E.
- Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, or potassium.
- Trace elements needed in very small quantities: lithium, copper or manganese.
- Amino acids, among which we can mention L-glutamine, L-arginine or L-carnitine.
- Essential fatty acids, for example omega 3 and 6.
What is an orthomolecular nutrition treatment?
Nutrition-based treatment orthomolecular is always personalized and individual. A specialized doctor or therapist is in charge of making an assessment of the patient’s nutritional status.
From some analytics it can be established where the biochemical imbalance exists, what nutritional deficiencies exist, and what should be corrected. Generally, the use of nutritional supplementation is required.
The first therapeutic tool is diet. These are diets designed to offer optimal nutrition to cells. As a general rule, they are based on the intake of quality proteins, unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates.
Added sugars, dairy, and saturated fats are especially avoided. Healthy lifestyle guidelines are also often recommended, such as physical exercise and a good rest, avoiding stress and complementing the treatment with other alternative therapies if necessary.
Do you have support from the medical sector?
As in many occasions, when we talk about diets and therapies, there are defenders and detractors of these tools. Let’s see what position they take on orthomolecular nutrition.
What their detractors say
Critical voices with orthomolecular nutrition is not considered reliable enough, mainly because it is not based on verified scientific studies. In addition, the use of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in high doses is also questioned.
Sometimes they are prescribed in amounts well above those officially recommended by entities such as the EFSA (European Food Safety Agency) or the American Institute of Medicine . According to these organizations, Such high doses can cause short-term and long-term adverse effects.
Some organizations and voices in the medical and nutrition sector -such as the Royal Academy of Spanish Medicine, the Spanish Association of Nutritionist Dietitians or the American Cancer Society- affirm that its efficacy is not proven and qualify it as “para-scientific, misleading and potentially dangerous ” .
What the defending voices say
For the defenders of this discipline, nutritional supplementation as a therapeutic tool is a reality. Even in conventional medicine combined treatments are used.
According to professionals who are dedicated to orthomolecular medicine, there is evidence and medical practice that support positive results in the treatment of schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. The use of orthomolecular medicine and nutrition has accompanied conventional treatments with good results.
Orthomolecular nutrition causes interest
Orthomolecular nutrition seeks the biochemical balance of the body to ensure that all body systems function properly. Although some of the medical and food professionals describe it as pseudoscience, the truth is that it is gaining space as a tool to cure and prevent diseases.
