A longer and healthier life All you need to know about the orthomolecular principle 00013190 11/09 Dr. Kristian Glagau Orthomol pharmazeutische Vertriebs GmbH Herzogstr. 30 40764 Langenfeld Germany [email protected]www.orthomol.com We Value Your Health!
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A longer and healthier lifeAll you need to know about the orthomolecular principle
Cancer Selenium, vitamins E, C and A, mixed carotenoids
Celiac disease Wheat-free diet
Phenylketonuria Reduction in the amino acid phenylalanine
Orthomolecular medicine, i.e. influencing the body’s functions and diseases
by varying the concentration of substances that are normally present in
the body, has long been used in the field of medicine. The term “ortho-
molecular” has simply not yet been used to describe this practice.
The aim of orthomolecular therapy is to prevent and rectify the causes
of disease. The basis of this therapy is the intake of an adequate dosage
and suitable combination of orthomolecular substances that are normally
present in the body. There is acceptance of any necessary therapeutic
medicaments. However, special attention is paid to the weighting of
effects and side-effects.
Valuable supplement to traditional medicineIn Anglo-Saxon regions, orthomolecular medicine is described as “com-
plementary medicine”. It is thus regarded as an adjuvant nutrition-based
therapy alongside orthodox medicine.
Orthomolecular medicine is based on medical and biochemical foun-
dations. Many scientific studies have since confirmed the orthomolecular
concept first published in 1968 by the molecular biologist Pauling.
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Successful usage of orthomolecular substances
The correct dosage is essentialOne of the most important maxims in the orthomolecular principle is
ensuring an optimum dosage instead of being satisfied with the minimum
levels. This means using a large quantity of vitamins – excluding A, D
and K, with a sufficiently high dosage of minerals, trace elements,
vitamin-like compounds and antioxidants.
From the viewpoint of orthomolecular therapy, multivitamin preparations,
even if they also contain minerals, have minimum benefit. At most, they are
able to prevent deficiencies. However, they cannot achieve a preventative
or even a therapeutic effect in an orthomolecular sense if the dosage of
the substances is too low.
Long-term usageChronic as well as a large number of nutrition-related diseases develop
over a long period of time. It is not possible to gain control of them
with short-term therapeutic measures or treatments of limited duration.
The same is true for complaints and diseases that were caused by an
undetected micronutrient deficiency over a long time span.
As has since been confirmed by numerous studies, it is only possible to
achieve an ideal result with orthomolecular substances if they are used
regularly for a long time and with a sufficiently high dosage.
A Swedish study established that the risk of heart attacks in men and
women could be lowered by 21% and 34% respectively as a result of the
regular intake of multivitamins. It therefore follows that the combined
intake of micronutrients in addition to long-term usage is a component
of active health protection.
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An Australian study with 2,873 people revealed that the development of
a cataract was significantly reduced by the regular intake of multivitamin
supplements over a long period of time.
In summary: in order to prevent disease, the daily dosage previously
recommended by official sources should be multiplied many times over,
e. g. four times for vitamin C = 400 mg/day, at least six to eight times
for vitamin E = 75-100 mg/day.
Suitable and well-balanced combinationWhy isn’t it a good idea to take a vitamin or mineral as an individual
substance, e. g. only vitamin C, vitamin E or magnesium? And why are
incomplete combinations of the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and
beta-carotene unsuitable for preventing disease?
Chronic diseases are normally the result of several circumstances. There
is consequently also a need for several micronutrients. According to the
orthomolecular principle, a disease should be treated with a suitable and
well-balanced combination of essential micronutrients; this provides an
optimum supply which balances out the micronutrient levels. In the case
of disease, a combination should be selected that is ideally tailored to the
specific condition.
Opponents of the orthomolecular principle are skeptical about this
approach. They maintain that a complex, high-dosage treatment with
various substances present in the body is not necessary for some patients
and that the substances are partially eliminated from the body with the
urine without having any effect.
With this in mind, would it not be more intelligent to use a suitable and
also well-balanced combination of orthomolecular substances and accept
a harmless elimination of partially unused substances rather than take an
unnecessary risk with your health?
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Overall, more than 40 micronutrients are necessary to ensure that our
body’s metabolism functions properly. As some of these micronutrients
cannot be provided by our body – or only to an inadequate extent –
they must be ingested through food or in the form of supplements.
Micronutrients are absolutely essential, for example, for strengthening the
body‘s defenses, boosting cell regeneration and preserving our metabolic
functions – to name just a few of their important responsibilities.
Micronutrients – components of good health
The foundationThe energy value and nutrient content of food must be well-balanced
and suited to individual needs. Both a deficiency and an oversupply can
interfere with your health and performance. In this context, it is alarming
that when a person suffers from a micronutrient deficiency, their calorie
intake is usually far too high. Nowadays even children frequently suffer
from this nutritional deficiency.
A healthy diet, as well as vitamins, vitamin-like compounds, antioxidants,
minerals, trace elements and essential fatty acids are therefore the founda-
tion of the orthomolecular principle.
Listed below are several orthomolecular recommendations for a healthy
diet and lifestyle which can be followed by everybody in the long term –
without affecting their enjoyment and quality of life:
Orthomolecular rules for a healthy diet and lifestyle*
1. Eat whatever tastes good – as long as your diet is varied, healthy and balanced, not too fatty or high-calorie. Meat and eggs are good foods, but smaller quantities are better for your health.
2. Emphasis on complex carbohydrates; sugar consumption should be drastically reduced.
3. Eat more fresh fruit, salads and vegetables, if possible five portions per day in total (five-a-day campaign by the German Nutrition Society [DGE – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung]).
4. Plan two meals with fish every week.
5. Drink a large volume of mineral water or unsweetened fruit/herbal teas, approx. 1-1.5 liters per day.
6. Reduce or give up alcohol and nicotine consumption.
7. Integrate orthomolecular micronutrient combinations in your daily diet as a contribution to the daily supplementation of your need for micronutrients.
* N.B.: These rules for a healthy diet do not apply to the specific dietary situation with metabolic disorders.
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VitaminsChemically, vitamins are completely different substances which have one
thing in common: they are essential. A vitamin deficiency leads to major
health problems, a complete lack of one or several vitamins even leads to
death. In the past, classical diseases as a result of vitamin deficiencies were
therefore greatly feared, e. g.:
Classical diseases with vitamin deficiencies Lack of …
Scurvy Vitamin C
Rachitis Vitamin D
Beriberi Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Pellagra Predominantly vitamin B3 (nicotinamide)
Pernicious anemia Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Over the past 100 years, successful research has been performed into the
causes of these diseases. When the operating mechanisms were clarified,
the deficiencies could be treated with corresponding vitamin supplemen-
tation.
No shortage of deficiencies
Nowadays, most people receive an adequate supply of macronutrients
and therefore calories, but their vitamin intake remains insufficient. In
our modern, affluent society we can even say that there is no shortage of
deficiencies because many people do not consume the quantity of vitamins
that has been established as necessary by present-day findings. In the case
of many micronutrients, the majority of the population does not even reach
the very moderate reference values for dietary supplements. For instance,
the nutrition report from 2004 revealed that the intake levels recommended
by the German Nutrition Society (DGE – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernäh-
rung) were not reached for a number of micronutrients.
Among others, the intake of calcium, folic acid and vitamin D3 was rated
as particularly critical.
6 steps downwards to deficiency
The various stages set out by the vitamin researcher Brubacher clearly
illustrate that vitamin deficiencies develop gradually and remain
undetected for a long time until they finally escalate into a health risk.
• Stage 1
The vitamins stored in the tissue are partially depleted. The laboratory
values and general health are initially unchanged.
• Stage 2
The body’s reserves are increasingly drained. The laboratory values show
a reduced elimination of vitamins in the urine. The blood levels still remain
unchanged, however. People can feel slightly unwell at this stage.
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• Stage 3
Limited vitamin-dependent enzyme reactions are discernible. There is a
slight change in the blood level values. Physical, mental and emotional
capacities are reduced. In the long term, the causes of chronic diseases
that will occur at a later stage can develop during the first three stages.
• Stage 4
Although a dramatic drop in the vitamin values still fails to be revealed
in the vitamin level, degeneration of the general health is increasingly
noticeable, e. g. increased vulnerability to infections, deterioration in the
general condition, nervous complaints, decreasing resilience, reduced
vision in the dark, headaches, etc.
• Stage 5
Characteristic symptoms of vitamin deficiencies are recognizable. However,
it is possible that these symptoms can be cured with appropriate vitamin
supplementation.
• Stage 6
Tissue and organs are irreversibly damaged, leading to major, long-term
diseases or death.
The stages show that a vitamin deficiency is only recognizable beyond
doubt in the blood values when it has developed into a major, clinical
deficiency, i.e. when it is far too late. The vitamins stored in the cells could
be entirely depleted even though the blood values are still “normal”.
As a consequence, people who are foresighted and health-conscious
regularly supplement their daily diet with additional vitamins.
Supply and demand
Although they are unaware of the fact, many people need more vitamins
than they consume. There are special phases in life when the need for
vitamins is particularly high:
• For children and young people during periods of growth
• In times of increased mental and physical strain
• During pregnancy and breast-feeding
• In the change of life
• In old age and with (chronic) diseases
• During longer-term medicine intake
Smokers and alcoholics are particularly at risk with regard to vitamin defi-
ciencies. This is not only because tobacco and alcohol increase the need for
vitamins, but also because these people tend not to follow a healthy diet.
They are therefore faced with a wide range of negative consequences.
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Vitamin dosage
How many vitamins do we need? Nutritionists and physicians are be-
coming increasingly aware that a daily supplementation of vitamins and
other micronutrients is good for the health.
The official recommendations by the German Nutrition Society (Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Ernährung – DGE), as shown in the following table, only
refer to healthy people in order to protect them against nutrition-related
health problems. People who are ill or recovering are not taken into
account, nor are the long-term consequences that can occur after disease.
Even though the level of vitamin dosages is a subject of animated discus-
sion, it is clear that a much larger amount of vitamins should be taken
than previously assumed.
Characteristics and features of vitaminsVitamin C
Ascorbic acid, which is familiar to us all as vitamin C, has been thoroughly
researched during recent years. Newly obtained findings have fundamen-
tally changed views with regard to possible applications and dosage. It
has been revealed that vitamin C can do more than simply protect people
against colds. Its most important characteristic is its antioxidant effect.
A series of studies have examined the role played by vitamin C in cancer
prevention. The results of many studies indicate a connection between a
high vitamin C intake and a low rate of susceptibility to cancer.
The effects of heavy metal exposure can also be reduced by vitamin C sup-
plementation. Furthermore, vitamin C prevents the formation of nitrosamines
from nitrite that is contained in cured sausage products, for example.
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Nitrosamines enter the body via tobacco smoke, for example, and contain
cancer-inducing properties. In addition, a low vitamin C level is associated
with the occurrence of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis. Smokers
also have an increased need for vitamin C.
There is still controversial discussion surrounding how much vitamin C
would be ideal in order to protect against disease. If you take the require-
ment figures in human biogenesis as a basis, then a daily dosage of 500 mg
is ideal. Scientists have established that this was the daily dosage of pre-
civilization man.
Vitamin B complex
The vitamins in the B group are absolutely indispensable to all metabolic
processes in the human body. They are closely connected with each other
and never remain stationary.
In addition, the vitamin B complex is essential for supporting and regener-
ating the nervous system. Latent deficiencies are frequently detected with
nervous disorders, bowel diseases, alcoholism, or reduction diets. But preg-
nant women, high-performance athletes and older people also usually
intake insufficient supplies of B-group vitamins.
Vitamin A
This vitamin is known to most people as the “eye vitamin” because a lack
of vitamin A can lead to vision disturbances or in severe cases even to
blindness. However, such deficiencies are rare in industrialized countries as
they are based on a lack of nourishment. So why is it important to ensure
an optimum vitamin A intake?
In addition to the aforementioned function, this fat-soluble vitamin has
other responsibilities in the human organism and is necessary for ensuring
that many metabolic processes run smoothly. Vitamin A also plays a role
in the development of the skin and the mucous membranes as well as
in reproduction. In addition, it is vital for cell division and differentiation
processes.
Vitamin E
The numerous therapeutic and preventative effects of vitamin E are pre-
dominantly based on its antioxidant function for protection against free
radicals. A series of studies have proved the benefits of vitamin E for various
diseases. For example, smokers, sufferers of cardiovascular diseases and
patients undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy should consider
an additional vitamin E intake. However, it should be noted here that
individual intake of vitamin E alone is not recommendable. Vitamin E is
regenerated by vitamin C. Scientists therefore emphasize that both micro-
nutrients should be supplemented in combination.
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Essential vitamins for good health and well-being
Vitamin Chemical term
Primary origin* Reference value** Characteristics and features
Nicotinamide Whole-grain products, pulses, nuts, meat, fish
G: 13-17 mgUSA: 14-16 mg
Prevents pellagra, beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, central role in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, positive influence on cerebral metabolism
Used for pernicious anemia, involved in build-up of red blood cells, helps to reduce homocysteine, beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, involved in DNA synthesis, important for cell division and growth processes
Anticarcinogenic, strengthens the immune system, provides support for skin diseases such as acne or pigment disturbances, antioxidant, centrally important to vision, important for reproductive functions, growth and differentiation of bone and epithelial tissue
Vitamin E Tocopherols Vegetable oils, wheatgerm, pulses, fennel
G: 12-15 mgUSA: 15 mg
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, e. g. for rheumatism, positive influence on cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases
Prevents rachitis, supports bone mineralization, beneficial for osteoporosis together with calcium, positive influence on cardiovascular and immune system
Vitamin K Phylloquinone Vegetables, pork, liver, milk, soybean oil
G: 60-80 μgUSA: 75-120 μg
Prevents bleeding (synthesizes blood coagulation factors), supports bone metabolism, beneficial for osteoporosis
Involved in DNA syntheses, cell differentiation and cell division, growth processes, helps to reduce homocysteine, beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases, neurotransmitter metabolism, build-up of red blood cells, beneficial effect on neurological diseases, reduces neural tube defects during pregnancy
Pantothenic acid
Widespread/particularly large amounts in beef, salmon, herring, avocado, liver
Energy metabolism, supports skin, hair and fingernail metabolism
** Adequate for healthy people in order to prevent visible deficiencies.Reference values for Germany (G) according to D-A-CH 2000; for USA National Institute of Health 2001.
* Souci-Fachmann-Kraut. 2007.
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Oxidative stress and the importance of antioxidantsThe aforementioned vitamins A, C and E belong to the group of antioxidants.
Together with selenium, zinc, beta-carotene and other micronutrients, they
are responsible for neutralizing free radicals and therefore rendering them
harmless.
Free radicals are aggressive, extremely reactive compounds and metabolic
products that harm the body’s own protein and fat, and also the genetic
substance DNA, with oxidative processes and can prevent them from
functioning properly. At worst, the cells degenerate into tumor cells.
If there are an excessive number of free radicals, and the concentration
of the body‘s own antioxidants is insufficient, an “oxidant stress situation”
arises. This is frequently the case in situations with increased physical and
mental activity, infections and inflammatory processes in the body and
within the context of natural aging. Additional strain as a result of free
radicals is created, for example, by cigarette smoke, UV radiation, environ-
mental pollution, medicaments and chemicals.
The body’s defense system, which protects against attacks from free radicals,
consists of antioxidants and the body’s own antioxidant enzymatic protec-
tion system. These substances are rapidly depleted when combating
radicals in the body.
Continual supplementation of cell-protecting antioxidants with a suitable
and well-balanced combination and dosage has therefore proved to be
beneficial in view of the increasing internal and external strain, to preserve
good health and to protect against disease.
And this is all the more important because it is now regarded as certain
that free radicals contribute to the development of cancer, cardiovascular
and neurodegenerative diseases, for example.
The antioxidants complement each other well. While vitamin E and beta-
carotene scavenge the free radicals in the cell membrane, vitamin C is
active in the watery inner cell. They form an effective defense team to-
gether with selenium and zinc as components of the enzymatic protection
system.
Supply and demand
There is no difference between nutrition which is occasionally recommend-
ed as antioxidant and the rules for a healthy diet that were established by
the orthomolecular principle decades ago: more fresh fruit and vegetables,
less meat, etc.
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The necessary quantities of antioxidants cannot be fully guaranteed even
with a healthy, varied diet, however. Antioxidant dietary supplementation is
unavoidable for effective protection against disease.
From the viewpoint of the orthomolecular principle, daily supplementation
is recommended for the following antioxidants, for example:
Phytoestrogens Isoflavones Soybeans, peas, lentils, beans and other pulses
Risk reduction for certain carcinomas (primarily breast, prostate and colon cancer), reduction in menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, influence on bone metabolism, positive influence on risk factors for cardio-vascular diseases, e. g. cholesterol reduction
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