Orthomolecular therapies are a form of alternative medicine that involves the use of high doses of vitamins and minerals to treat various health conditions. The word "orthomolecular" is pronounced as /ˌɔrθoʊmoʊˈlɛkjələr/ and is spelled with the prefix "ortho-" meaning "correct" or "straight," and "molecular" referring to the molecules that make up the vitamins and minerals used in the therapy. The spelling of the word reflects the scientific and medical origins of this field of medicine.
Orthomolecular therapies refer to a branch of alternative medicine that focuses on restoring and maintaining optimal physical and mental health by providing the body with necessary nutrients in the right proportions. The term "Orthomolecular" was first coined by Linus Pauling, a Nobel laureate in chemistry, who believed that the human body's biochemical processes can be regulated by providing the correct molecules that are natural to the body.
Orthomolecular therapies are based on the premise that many health conditions and diseases can be treated or prevented by adjusting the levels of specific molecules, particularly vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other essential nutrients. The goal is to provide the body with the optimum balance of nutrients it needs to function optimally.
These therapies typically involve the use of high doses of vitamins and minerals, often above the recommended dietary allowances. They can be administered orally, via injections, or sometimes intravenously, depending on the specific condition being treated.
Orthomolecular therapies are believed to have a wide range of applications, including improving mental health, enhancing immune system function, alleviating allergies, and even slowing down the aging process. However, the effectiveness and safety of these therapies are subjects of debate and ongoing scientific research.
Overall, orthomolecular therapies aim to restore and optimize biochemical balance within the body by utilizing specific nutrients, ultimately working towards achieving optimal health and well-being.
The word "orthomolecular" is derived from the Greek word "ortho", meaning "correct" or "right", and the word "molecule", referring to a group of atoms bonded together. The term was coined by the Nobel laureate chemist Linus Pauling in the 1960s, who believed that optimal health could be achieved by providing the correct molecules to the body in adequate amounts. Thus, "orthomolecular therapies" refers to the use of substances (such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other naturally occurring compounds) in their correct or optimal molecular forms and concentrations to treat or prevent diseases.