Orthomolecular Medicine was formally introduced in 1968 when Dr Linus Pauling together with Dr Abram Hoffer coined the term “orthomolecular” meaning right molecule at the right dosages.
Orthomolecular medicine aims to restore the environment of the body by correcting molecular imbalances, determined by a wide range of testing and physician experience, and based on individual biochemistry.
Originally defined in the context of treating and preventing psychiatric diseases (eg. – niacin/niacinamide for schizophrenia), orthomolecular therapy involves altering the intake of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, fatty acids, macronutrients, and other naturally occurring, metabolically active substances, to find the most effective doses. The orthomolecular approach has informed the development of several treatments, including the use of intravenous vitamin C for cancer and sepsis, vitamin B6 for autism, zinc for eating disorders, EFAs for ADHD, and many others. More than a treatment-for-disease model, orthomolecular medicine is essentially concerned with achieving and maintaining optimum health and well-being.
Philippine Society for Orthomolecular Medicine 