Orthomolecular Compounds Flashcards
What is an orthomolecular compound?
It is a substance which is naturally synthesised by the body and can be optimised from the diet and supplementation
What is the concept of orthomolecular compounds?
The idea that creating an optimal nutritional environment in the body will reduce disease.
Who coined the term orthomolecular?
Linus Pauling
What dietary & lifestyle factors might accelerate the ageing process?
Free radical exposure - smoking, too much sun
Chronic inflammation- high sugar/processed diet, poor sleep, stress
Toxic exposure- heavy metals, BPA
What factors reduce Co Q10 in the body?
Ageing
Drugs- statins
Smoking
Cardiovascular disease
What food sources provide Co Q10?
Peanuts Sesame seeds Olive oil Oranges Avocado
List the 5 functions of Co Q10
Energy production- needed for electron transport chain
Antioxidant- neutralises free radicals
Periodontal health-
Male and female fertility- protects sperm from oxidative stress
Cardio vascular health- increases superoxide dismutase which preserves the activity of nitric oxide- vasodilator
What is Alpha lipoid acid and what food sources is it present in?
Naturally occurring short chain fatty acid
Found in brassicas and red & organ meat.
How does ALA support energy production?
It is a key enzyme to convert dietary carbohydrates into energy in mitochondria in the kerb cycle
How does ALA function as an anti oxidant?
Fat soluble a& water soluble antioxidant that can regulate other antioxidants.
It up regulates the expression of glutathione.
List 4 additional functions of Alpha lipoid acid.
It improves insulin sensitivity
It is a metal chelator
It reduces oxidation of the myelin sheath
It supports weight loss by suppressing appetite
What interactions may occur with ALA?
Biotin
What are the 2 supplemental forms of glucosamine?
Glucosamine-6-phosphate
N-acetyl-glucosamine
Which form of glucosamine supplementation is not suitable for vegans?
Glucosamine sulphate- derived from marine exoskeletons
How could supplementation with glucosamine support osteoarthritis?
It reduces pain comparable to NSAIDS
It slows down joint degeneration and prevents joint space narrowing
It decreases inflammation
How can supplemental glucosamine support IBD and intestinal permeability?
NAG supports the GI epithelial barrier by enhancing mucin functionality to prevent microbial over growth.
It can be used to support intestinal permeability.
Where in the body would you find chondroiton sulphate?
Extracellular matrix of connective tissues
How condition might chondroitin sulphate support?
Osteoarthritis
How might chondroitin sulphate support osteoarthritis?
It protects cartilage from degradation by:
Reducing degradation enzymes
Decreases inflammation
Increases hyaluronic acid synthesis
What safety considerations should we be aware of when supplementing with chondroitin sulphate?
Patients with asthma may have higher concentrations of chondroitin antibodies in the airway compared to people without asthma.
What orthomolecular compound is MSM and list 5 food sources?
Methyl sulfonylmethane
Green leafy veg Algae Fruits Veg Grains
What are the therapeutic uses of MSM?
Osteoarthritis- anti inflammatory properties
Cardio vascular health- reduces homocysteine levels
Tissue repair- helps repair GI mucosal injury
Immune modulator- Immune regulating and antioxidant properties
What is the chemical form of betaine called?
Trimethylglycine
What does betaine/TMG facilitate?.
It is a methyl donor facilitating conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
It can be used to support vascular endothelial health
List 5 food sources of betaine.
Beets Wheat Turkey Quinoa Spinach
How does betaine support skeletal muscle performance?
It reduces fat and increases muscle mass.
What disease can betaine support?
Fatty liver disease by improving liver function .
What are the therapeutic uses of Dimethyl glycine?
Autism
Where is phosphatidylserine found in the body?
In the human brain
List 5 food sources of phosphatidylserine
White beans Carrots Herring Organ meats Whole grain barley
What 4 conditions can phosphatidylserine support?
Alzheimer’s disease- improves neural membrane functioning
improves cognitive functioning
Depression - Improves mood
ADHD- Promotes attention and reduces symptoms of ADHD
Stress & insomnia- better sleep and decreased anxiety
What is phospatidylcholine and how is it synthesised?
Major structural component of cell membranes, maintaining integrity & fluidity.
It is synthesised from dietary choline.
