Orthomolecular medicine, a form of alternative medicine, aims to maintain health through the use of nutritional supplements or in any case by paying particular attention to the nutrients consumed by eating and drinking. The concept stems from the idea that health problems can often result from dietary errors and deficiencies. The treatment of a disease, according to this view, therefore consists in the attempt to correct “imbalances and deficiencies based on individual biochemistry” using specific nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements and fatty acids.
The term was coined by Linus Pauling in the 60s to indicate “the right molecules in the right quantities” (ortho- in Greek means “correct, right”). Those who follow this approach believe that every treatment plan aimed at correcting nutritional imbalances and microelement deficiencies must be strictly based on the biochemical needs of the individual person. As the very name of this discipline says, in particular, excesses of vitamin supplementation should be avoided with regard to those vitamins that can even be toxic to the human body if taken in excess, for example vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E. These vitamins also constitute precious and indispensable micronutrients, but they must be taken in the right quantities, avoiding excesses.
A frequent indication that is made in the field of orthomolecular medicine is to increase the intake of Vitamin C to prevent or treat the onset of colds, flu or other viral forms.