Definition
According to Orthomed, Orthomolecular medicine aims to restore the optimum ecological environment for the bodys cells by correcting imbalances or deficiencies on the molecular level, based on individual biochemistry, [and] using natural substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, and essential fatty acids.
The origin of the term began with Linus Pauling. You can read this history and his discovery here.
Another good site that gives an overall explanation of Orthomolecular Medicine can be found on ThinkQuest
Links
Colleges
- Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine
ACNEM is a post-graduate medical college established as an incorporated association in the early 1980s. It is independent of all governments, government agencies, and other organisations. It is a non-profit organisation, funded from membership fees, subscriptions, courses and other programs, book sales, and donations. Full membership is open to all registered medical doctors. Associate membership is available to registered health providers with tertiary degrees, for example, pharmacists, chiropractors, psychologists, and registered nurses. The College conducts post-graduate courses and workshops for medical doctors in the application of the principles of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. The intensive, residential course can be taken in isolation or as an entry into the College’s Fellowship Program. ACNEM also convenes public meetings at which medical nutritional experts speak on all aspects of nutritional medicine. They also publish a journal and host a referral service for Australia and New Zealand. ACNEM has also established other organisations, including the Australian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA), the Graduate School of Integrative Medicine (FSIM) at Swinburne University of Technology (SUT), the John Stroh Cancer Research Fund (JSCRF), the Australian College of Herbal Medicine (ACoHM), and the Natural Healthcare Alliance (NHCA).
The Orthomolecular Medical Association of Australia (OMMA) is a sister organization of ACNEM and represents some of those health professionals who do not qualify for ACNEM membership, for example, non-registered health providers and health providers without tertiary qualifications.
Companies
- Advanced Orthomolecular Research
AOR is a Canadian-based company, although it does have reachings worldwide. AOR is GMP certified (Good Manufacturing Practices – a third-party certification program from NNFA [National Nutritional Foods Association, the largest and oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the natural products industry]). Having a GMP certification means that certain standards have to be met, including specifications for staff training, cleanliness, equipment maintenance, record keeping, and receiving of raw materials. You can read more about them and their history, as well as many research articles on their website. Purchasing their products can be made through selected health food stores or through Global Vitamins. (We can personally attest to the high quality of the products and services of both these companies.)
Journals
- Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine
This quarterly journal has been operating since 1970 and publishes the best of nutritional research and clinical trials. New articles describing the orthomolecular approach to health management and treatment of disease are accompanied by lively editorials, book reviews, letters, and reports. The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine presents articles and research far in advance of other medical journals. They present new health concerns and treatments, including: Candidiasis; Mercury Amalgam Toxicity; Niacin Therapy for Schizophrenia and Coronary Disease; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Vitamin C and Cancer; Allergies and Behavioral Disorders; Drug and Alcohol Abuse; Tissue and Mineral Analysis; and Orthomolecular Treatment for AIDS and Cardiovascular Disease. Subscription is required and can be made on their site.
Organizations
- International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Netherlands
This site is in Dutch. - Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Argentina
This site hosts both English and Spanish language sections. - Society for Orthomolecular Medicine – Belgium
This site is in Flemish. - Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Italy
This site is in Italian. - Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Korea
This site hosts both English and Korean language sections. - Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Switzerland
This site is in German. - SOMA Health Association of Australia
SOMA is the Greek word meaning body, in contrast to the psyche, which is the mind. SOMA focuses on the physiological basis of symptoms and, although they do not treat patients, they do direct them to the appropriate help. - Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Mexico, Spain, and the United States all have Societies but do not have websites. For more information contact the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine or visit this website, which lists telephone numbers and a contact person in these countries.
Testimonials
- Dr. Hoffer
This site offers selected articles, as well as his personal testimonies regarding the use of orthomolecular therapies.
Another link to an article written by him is found here - Peter’s Promise
“I am not a doctor … I didn’t believe Ortho Molecular could help me, but I was desperate. My illness stopped in it’s tracks! I have over a year of MRI’s that prove it. I am so grateful – that’s why I made my promise to share Ortho Molecular with one million people!” Peter Leeds, CEO and MS Sufferer .
