Orthomolecular Compounds

Question 1

What is CoQ10?

Answer 1

A fat soluble compound primarily synthesised by the body and consumed in the diet

Question 2

What is coQ10 required for?

Answer 2

Mitochondrial energy synthesis

Functions as an antioxidant in cell membranes

Question 3

State a vegetable and animal source of CoQ10 and how many mg of CoQ10 is present?

Answer 3

Fried beef 3oz = 2.6mg

Roasted peanuts 1oz = 0.8mg

Question 4

Discuss deficiency in related to CoQ10?

Answer 4

No symptoms reported in general public

Genetic defects of synthesis rare

Levels decline gradually with age

Decreased levels in those with cancer and diabetes

Question 5

CoQ10 does what to the ageing process?

Answer 5

May slow it down due to its antioxidant function

Question 6

Discuss CoQ10 and cardiovascular health?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Discuss CoQ10 in relation to Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 7

Decreased levels of CoQ10 have been found in those with Parkinson’s disease

Supplementation is associated with slower deterioration of function

Question 8

What is ALA and what is it’s function in the body?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

State 4 reliable sources of ALA?

Answer 9

Red meat

Organ meats

Spinach

Broccoli

Question 10

State the functions of exogenous and endogenous ALA?

Answer 10

Exogenous - antioxidant activity

Endogenous - involved in ATP (energy) production

Question 11

What two conditions can benefit from ALA?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

State 2 reported side effects of taking oral ALA?

Answer 12

Allergic skin reactions

GIT symptoms

Could be what’s in the supplement along with the ALA!

Question 13

What is glucosamine and what is it’s function in the body?

Answer 13

It is an amino sugar synthesised by the human body

Required for the synthesis of versions components of tendons, ligaments, cartilage etc

Question 14

State 2 conditions glucosamine can help and how?

Answer 14

Osteoarthritis - improves pain, slows joint degeneration, reduces risk of progression

IBD - decrease symptoms in children

Question 15

State 3 reported side effects of glucosamine?

Answer 15

Skin reactions

Drowsiness

GIT problems

Question 16

What is chondroitin sulphate?

Answer 16

An important structural component of cartilage and joint connective tissue

Question 17

What condition can chondroitin sulphate help and how?

Answer 17

Osteoarthritis

Reduces pain and improves function of the hip and knee, protects cartilage

Question 18

What condition might supplementing chondroitin sulphate exacerbate?

Answer 18

Asthma

Question 19

What is methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM)?

Answer 19

Naturally occurring compound found in green plants, algae, vegetables and milk

Source of sulphur for the amino acids cysteine and methionine

Question 20

What two conditions can MSM help?

Answer 20

Osteoarthritis

Cardiovascular disease

Question 21

State 3 side effects reported when taking MSM?

Answer 21

Bloating

Headache

Fatigue

Question 22

What compound reduces high plasma homocysteine levels and how?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

There is anecdotal evidence that which compound reduces autism symptoms and how?

Answer 23

Dimethyl glycine (DMG)

Better eye contact
Frustration tolerance increased
Speech improved

Question 24

Phosphatidyl serine is the most abundant phospholipid in the human brain and is important dendrite communication.

What disease does it help and how?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What do medicinal mushrooms contain and what do they do?

Answer 25

B-glucans

Stimulate the immune system