Orthomolecular Compounds Flashcards
What is CoQ10?
A fat soluble compound primarily synthesised by the body and consumed in the diet
What is coQ10 required for?
Mitochondrial energy synthesis
Functions as an antioxidant in cell membranes
State a vegetable and animal source of CoQ10 and how many mg of CoQ10 is present?
Fried beef 3oz = 2.6mg
Roasted peanuts 1oz = 0.8mg
Discuss deficiency in related to CoQ10?
No symptoms reported in general public
Genetic defects of synthesis rare
Levels decline gradually with age
Decreased levels in those with cancer and diabetes
CoQ10 does what to the ageing process?
May slow it down due to its antioxidant function
Discuss CoQ10 and cardiovascular health?
CoQ10 supplementation:
Inhibits atherosclerosis
Improves cardiac function
Decreases damage to heart following a heart attack (due to excess free radicals)
Relives angina pectoris
Lowers blood pressure - even better when supplemented with vitamin E also
Discuss CoQ10 in relation to Parkinson’s disease?
Decreased levels of CoQ10 have been found in those with Parkinson’s disease
Supplementation is associated with slower deterioration of function
What is ALA and what is it’s function in the body?
Alpha lipoic acid is a naturally occuringn compound synthesised by plants and animals
An essential co-enzyme along with b vitamins for he production and breakdown of energy in the mitochondria
Has antioxidant properties
Suppresses inflammation
Promotes glutathione synthesis
State 4 reliable sources of ALA?
Red meat
Organ meats
Spinach
Broccoli
State the functions of exogenous and endogenous ALA?
Exogenous - antioxidant activity
Endogenous - involved in ATP (energy) production
What two conditions can benefit from ALA?
Diabetes - taken orally improves insulin sensitivity, also reduces symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes’s patients
Dementia/cognitive function - decreases the decline of cognitive function
State 2 reported side effects of taking oral ALA?
Allergic skin reactions
GIT symptoms
Could be what’s in the supplement along with the ALA!
What is glucosamine and what is it’s function in the body?
It is an amino sugar synthesised by the human body
Required for the synthesis of versions components of tendons, ligaments, cartilage etc
State 2 conditions glucosamine can help and how?
Osteoarthritis - improves pain, slows joint degeneration, reduces risk of progression
IBD - decrease symptoms in children
State 3 reported side effects of glucosamine?
Skin reactions
Drowsiness
GIT problems
What is chondroitin sulphate?
An important structural component of cartilage and joint connective tissue
What condition can chondroitin sulphate help and how?
Osteoarthritis
Reduces pain and improves function of the hip and knee, protects cartilage
What condition might supplementing chondroitin sulphate exacerbate?
Asthma
What is methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM)?
Naturally occurring compound found in green plants, algae, vegetables and milk
Source of sulphur for the amino acids cysteine and methionine
What two conditions can MSM help?
Osteoarthritis
Cardiovascular disease
State 3 side effects reported when taking MSM?
Bloating
Headache
Fatigue
What compound reduces high plasma homocysteine levels and how?
Betaine anhydrous
It is a metabolite for choline
In the body choline is oxidised to betaine which serves as a methyl donor for homocysteine - reducing its levels
There is anecdotal evidence that which compound reduces autism symptoms and how?
Dimethyl glycine (DMG)
Better eye contact
Frustration tolerance increased
Speech improved
Phosphatidyl serine is the most abundant phospholipid in the human brain and is important dendrite communication.
What disease does it help and how?
Alzheimer’s and age related cognitive impairment
Oral supplementation can increase cognitive function and improve behaviour BUT It loses it’s effectiveness im extensive use
What do medicinal mushrooms contain and what do they do?
B-glucans
Stimulate the immune system
