Orthomolecular Flashcards
*What nutrient is reduced by statins?
CoQ10
*Why do statins reduce CoQ10?
Statins’ role is to decrease body’s cholesterol synthesis. Both cholesterol and CoQ10 use the same metabolic pathway (Mevalonate Pathway). Statins inhibit HMG-CoA enzyme - required for pathway to progress.
(Aceytl-CoA to HMG-CoA to Mevalonic Acid to Cholesterol and CoQ10)
*What two nutrients does the Mevalonate Pathway metabolise?
CoQ10 and cholesterol
*Why is alpha-lipoic acid so effective as an antioxidant?
Universal antioxidant:
1. Functions in water soluble and fat soluble environments
2. Functions both intra-cellularly and extra-cellularly.
3. Regenerates other antioxidants eg vits C and E, glutathione.
*What are THREE key ways that chondroitin protects cartilage?
- Reduces enzymes that degrade cartilage.
- Inhibits inflammatory cytokines therefore reduces inflammation.
- Increases HLA production - lubricant in joints. NB Glucosamjne is the building block.
*Outline TWO ways that N-acetyl glucosamine can be of benefit for IBD.
- Protects / heals the mucosal barrier in GI tract through the production of mucins.
- Reduces ability of pathogenic bacteria to form biofilms.
*Briefly explain why betaine (TMG) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Acts as a methyl donor to ensure homocysteine levels do not build up (highly inflammatory) as can damage vascular endothelium and cause atherosclerosis. Need homocysteine to either recycle back to methionine or convert to cysteine. Homocysteine can be remethylated to methionine by betaine-homocysteine
methyltransferase (BHMT). This enzyme uses betaine as
a methyl donor.
*Outline TWO ways in which phosphatidylserine is beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease
- Reduces hypothalmic inflammation to reduce damage.
- Reduces acetylcholinesterase to maintain acetyl choline levels (vital for memory and processing). Increases availability of ACH.
- Helps with production of other neurotransmitters:
a) dopamine
b) noradrenaline
c) seratonin.
Orthomolecular compound meaning?
Substances that are already found in our body ie we can make them ourselves but they deteriorate with age. Therapeutic doses can reduce chronic disease. NB Must be used in:
- correct dosage
- healthy environment ie good diet, sleep, exercise to work.
What is orthomolecular medicine?
Practice of restoration and maintenance of health through use of nutrients that are normally present in the body by providing optimal amounts of substances.
Nine orthomolecular compounds
CoQ10
Alpha-lipoic acid
Glucosamine
Chondroitin sulphate
MSM
Betaine TMG
Phosphodylserine
Phosphodylcholine
Myo-inositol
How does orthomolecular medicine fit in with naturopathy?
Focus of orthomolecular medicine is prevention therefore aligns
with core naturopathic philosophy “prevention is preferable to cure”.
Concept builds on the idea that creating an optimal nutritional environment in the body will reduce disease.
What can accelerate ageing process?
- Free radical exposure
- Chronic inflammation
- Toxic exposure.
Reversing or slowing it down is one goal of orthomolecular therapy.
Where can you find co-enzyme Q10?
Mitochondria (of every cell).
Plays a key role in ATP production (electron transport chain).
What are the two forms of Co-Q10?
Ubiquinone - oxidised form (lost electrons)
Ubiquinol - reduced form (gained electrons)
The two forms inter-convert.
Ubiquitous - everywhere in the body and in many foodstuffs!
How can the body’s Co-Q10 levels decline?
- Ageing
- Drugs (eg statins)
- Smoking
- Disease eg CVD
How much CoQ10 do you get from diet?
3 to 6 mg per day
TWO plant and TWO animal sources of CoQ10
Plant sources:
Nuts (eg peanuts, pistachios)
Sesame seeds
Olive oil
Fruit and vegetables including oranges, strawberries, avocado,
broccoli, cauliflower
Animal sources:
Meat
Poultry
Fish (eg herring, sardines, mackerel, trout)
Eggs.
What destroys CoQ10 in food?
Frying 14-32%. Destroys up to a third.
What age does coq10 levels decline?
40 (can be earlier if crap diet)
Which body areas use up the most coQ10?
Muscle cells and esp the heart.
Muscles need ATP in high quantities for muscle contraction.
Five uses for CoQ10
- Energy production
- Antioxidant
- Peridontal health
- Male and female fertility
- CV health
How is CoQ10 used for energy?
Electron transport chain (complex 2 of 4) which supports mitochondrial function and energy production.
Great for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
What makes CoQ10 such a great antioxidant?
- Potent fat-soluble antioxidant that inhibits the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids.
- Neutralises free radicals produced by mitochondria and ageing
- Enhances SOD
NB CoQ10 naturally decreases with age while t ROS increases and imitochondrial function is impaired.
Mitochondrial dysfunction, associated with;
- fibromyalgia,
- Type 2 diabetes,
- CVD
- neurodegenerative diseases
- cancer.
NB Also for AI conditions - another chronic ageing disease. And lime disease.
What would be a disease of mitochondrial dysfunction?
Fibromyalgia.
Ageing?!!
How can CoQ10 help with peridontal health?
Low CoQ10 common in people with gum disease.
Lipopolysaccharides from the bacteria Porphyromonas
gingivalis trigger oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
How does CoQ10 help with male fertility?
Protects sperm from oxidative stress (highly vulnerable)
200-300 mg for 6 months increases sperm health. Spermatogenesis 64-72 day cycle.
How does CoQ10 help with female fertility?
Impaired mitochondrial performance (low CoQ10) can drive age-associated oocyte (egg cell) deficits leads to infertility.
100–600 mg for ovarian health.
CoQ10 can lower blood pressure. How?
Poss via stabilisation of vascular membranes and antioxidant capabilities.
Increases superoxide dismutase function which is known to preserve nitric oxide.
Role of CoQ10 and heart health
- Crucial for cardiac muscle function.
- Protects against endothelial dysfunction and hence atherosclerosis.
- Reduces LDL oxidation.
- Inhibits NF-kB activation that follows ROS (is secondary to)
- Increases SOD to preserve NO activity to reduce BP.
- Stabilisation of vascular membranes and antioxidant capabilities.
How does superoxide dismutase aid heart health?
Preserves activity of nitric oxide (NO) - potent vasodilator ie protects it from peroxidation.
SOD found in all the healthy foods: leafy greens, cruciferous, nuts, seeds, wholefoods eg beans, lentils.
What therapeutic uses can CoQ10 be used for CV health?
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Congestive heart failure (build up of fluid in body as hart unable to pump correctly)
- Post-myocardial infarction.
Three signs of low CoQ10
- Cardiovascular disease
- Myopathy
- Depression
Cholesterol functions x 7
- Vitamin D and calcium synthesis
- Cell membrane integrity esp in brain
- Sex hormones - oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone
- Cortisol and related hormones
- Aldosterone for mineral and fluid balance
- Bile salts and acids needed for digestion
- Lipoproteins needed for triglyceride transport
CoQ10 contraindications?
- May decrease the effects of warfarin
- Can cause diarrohea if taken in a large dose… better to split throughout the day.
What is alpha lipoic acid?
- Organosulphur compound (synthesised by plants and animals).
- Naturally-occurring, short-chain fatty acid.
TWO forms of ALA?
- R-form (natural) - x 10 more potent
- S-form (synthetic).
Food sources of ALA
Widely available:
Plant sources: Brassicas, spinach, potato, carrots, beets, tomatoes, peas, brewer’s yeast.
Animal sources: Red meat (lamb, beef) and organ meats.
ALA role in energy production
-
Krebs cycle
Key co-enzyme to convert dietary carbs into energy ie pyruvate into acetyl CoA. - Fuels cells such as spermatozoa.
Great for:
1. Fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome
2. Mitochondrial support
3. Sperm health (male fertility)
ALA as antioxidant
- Potent fat-soluble / water soluble antioxidant. Exogenous forms scavenge free radicals intra- and extra-cellularly.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Regenerates antioxidants: vits C, E, glutathione and CoQ10.
- Up-regulates the expression of glutathione.
- Improves spermatozoa motility and provides antioxidant protection.
Five antioxidant uses of ALA
- Infertility (600 mg daily)
- Diabetes, diabetic neuropathy
- Alzheimer’s — slows cognitive decline (600 mg daily for 1+year).
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Healthy aging.
Insulin-improving function (positive outcomes) of ALA x4?
Supplementation improves:
1. Insulin sensitivity
2. Insulin resistance
3. Fasting blood glucose
4. HbA1c
Which metals can Alpha Lipoic Acid chelate x5?
CLIMZ
Copper
Lead
Iron
Mercury
Zinc.
Used for:
- infertility
- Alzheimer’s
- peripheral neuropathy.
How does ALA work for peripheral neuropathy?
- Reduces oxidation of myelin sheath.
- Improves neuropathic sensory symptoms including pain,
burning, numbness, prickling of the feet and legs.
600 mg per day.
How does ALA aid weight Loss x3
- Reduces oxidative stress promoting fat storage.
-
Suppresses appetite by influencing AMPK (AMP-activated protein
kinase) enzyme in hypothalamus (where appetite is regulated). - Increases energy expenditure and reduces fat synthesis.
Dosage: 1800 mg daily
Best way to take ALA
Empty stomach.
Rare adverse effects: rashes, hives,
GI symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhoea)
What is Biotin good for?
Hair, skin, nails…
TWO contraindications of ALipA
ALA = B B (blood sugar)
- Biotin and ALA may compete for transport across cell membranes due to similar chemical structures. Be mindful of biotin deficiency when using high doses of ALA.
- Increased risk of hypoglycaemia in medicated diabetic
patients due to additive effect. Monitor blood glucose closely.
Define HbA1c
Haemoglobin A1c. Levels should be 6 or below.
Glycated hemoglobin.
What is glucosamine (chemically)?
Glucosamine = aminosugar
sugar molecule with a nitrogen
What is a glycan?
Glycan = polysaccharide
What is glucosamine used for in the body?
Synthesis of:
1. Glycoproteins
2. Glycolipids
3. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) - also known as mucopolysaccharides.