What is orthomolecular medicine?

Orthomolecular medicine is a branch of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which focuses on targeted nutrition to prevent, control or reverse the disease. This modality of healing, which was commonly referred to as megavitamine therapy, resulted in the work of Linus Pauling, which first identified abnormal hemoglobin as the cause of anemia of the sickle cells in 1949. Over the next few decades for the next decade by enzyme work. Thus, the anemia of the sickle cells was the first to be referred to as a molecular disease. Finally, a study of this and other diseases of the same origin became known as molecular medicine. Behind the nomenclature, this term intends to express the idea that the presence of certain molecules in the amount of sufficient amount or "right" for a grim individual could affect treatment.In other words, the scientist speculated that certain nutrients that naturally help maintain a healthy body could also thwart or remedy the disease if they are introduced at high doses.

Many different types of nutrients are considered viable therapies in orthomolecular medicine. For example, proteins provide a source of L -type amino acids that are essential for cell metabolism and neurotransmisi in the brain. Citrulin, a non -essential amino acid also derived from protein, promotes immune function and helps in detoxification of ammonia, a by -product of protein metabolism. Of course, various minerals and vitamins also play an important role in complementary therapy, as well as a large amount of ordinary water.

In accordance with the philosophy of the cam supporters, the proponents of the nutrient therapy do not consider orthomolecular medicine to be a being alternative to conventional therapy by definition. In fact, his supporters agree tothat additional therapy can and should be implemented in an additional way with other therapies. Many also point to examples of this application existing in conventional medicine, such as the use of insulin (glucose) to treat diabetes, other diseases classified as a molecular nature.

Of course, there are so many critics of orthomolecular medicine, most of which report the lack of clinical evidence to support its effectiveness. In fact, some scientists and doctors consider themselves a pseudo -scorpion or even quack. This thought school could be particularly driven by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which declares this brand of therapy as a fad at the end of the 70s, referring to what the governing body considered doubtful claim that nutrient treatment could prevent learning disorders in children. The debate continues. Since mega vitamin therapy is a popular complementary treatment for many cancer and AIDS patients, further research may be bolded by new light on its merit.