Orthomolecular medicine and micronutrients
Good nutrition is important for our health. The goal of orthomolecular medicine is to provide the optimal molecular environment for the brain and other organs by changing/improving the intake of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and other naturally occurring substances. Orthomolecular is a term that comes from the Greek word for "correct" (ortho) and "molecule," so it literally means the "right molecule." According to Nobel Prize winner and molecular biologist, Linus Pauling, Ph.D., orthomolecular medicine involves the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substances which are natural to the body.
Orthomolecular medicine aims to restore the ideal and beneficial environment of the body by correcting molecular imbalances, and this approach is used in cancer, infections, depression and atherosclerosis, among others.
Micronutrients are substances often referred to as vitamins or minerals. They are required only in minuscule amounts, but are important for production of enzymes, hormones and other substances that are needed for proper growth and development. Even though only little amounts are needed, their deficiency has severe consequences. Important micronutrients are for example iodine, vitamin A, iron, folate and zinc.
At Hallwang Private Oncology Clinic, we follow the principle of orthomolecular medicine that medicine and patients are individual- not only is every patient unique but also his or her nutrient requirements and the response to treatment. For every patient, we provide a balanced mix of micronutrients, in oral or high-dose intravenous form (see also section High-dose vitamin and antioxidant infusions).