Orthomolecular medicine
Orthomolecular Medicine
Orthomolecular medicine (pronunciation: /ˌɔːrθoʊmoʊˈlɛkjʊlər/), is a form of alternative medicine that aims to maintain human health through nutritional supplementation. The concept builds on the idea of an optimal nutritional environment in the body and suggests that diseases can be prevented or treated by altering this environment through supplements.
Etymology
The term "orthomolecular" was first used by Linus Pauling, a chemist and peace activist, in his 1968 article "Orthomolecular Psychiatry" in the journal Science. The prefix "ortho-" comes from the Greek word "orthos," which means "right" or "correct," and "molecular" refers to molecules in the body. Thus, "orthomolecular" translates to "the right molecules in the right amounts."
Principles
Orthomolecular medicine is based on the principle that diseases and conditions are caused by imbalances and deficiencies in the body's molecules and can be treated by restoring these levels. This approach often involves high doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients, which are believed to enhance the body's natural healing processes.
Related Terms
- Nutritional therapy: A holistic approach to healthcare that uses food, and sometimes supplements, to support the body's natural healing processes.
- Vitamin therapy: The use of vitamins to prevent or treat diseases and conditions.
- Alternative medicine: A range of medical therapies that are not regarded as orthodox by the medical profession, such as herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
Criticisms
Orthomolecular medicine has been criticized by the mainstream medical community for its lack of scientific evidence. Many of the treatments proposed by orthomolecular medicine, such as high-dose vitamin therapy, have not been proven effective in large-scale clinical trials. Furthermore, some of these treatments can be harmful, especially when used in excess or inappropriately.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Orthomolecular medicine
- Wikipedia's article - Orthomolecular medicine
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