Many people are concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals. But few have considered using vitamins as therapy. That’s just what orthomolecular medicine, also known as megavitamin therapy, does. The pioneers of orthomolecular medicine, Dr. Abram Hoffman and Dr. Humphrey Osmond, suggest that malnutrition could be a cause of illness. They treat their patients with large doses of vitamins and minerals.

What is Orthomolecular medicine?

Any therapy where you take vitamin and mineral supplements is considered a form of orthomolecular medicine. Doctors who practice orthomolecular medicine use vitamins in large quantities to prevent and treat illnesses. They also believe that the amount of nutrients needed for optimal health is much greater than the recommended daily allowances.

Orthomolecular medicine or megavitamin therapy, uses large doses of vitamins and minerals to treat various health conditions.

How will my health be assessed?

The physician will concentrate on your nutritional profile, paying attention to your particular nutritional needs based upon your present diet. He or she will take your medical history, as well as your allergy history. Blood work will determine if you have any major mineral deficiencies. You will also be asked about your diet and about any supplements you take.

How are dosages determined?

The dosages of the supplements will depend on the kind of symptoms you exhibit, as well any vitamin deficiencies noticed by the practitioner. Often, dosages are built up over time until you show a response to the therapy. Orthomolecular doctors seek to find an optimal level of the vitamin or mineral for the individual. It takes time for the body to respond to vitamin therapy, so be prepared for adjustments to your dosages.

Are vitamins and minerals harmful in large doses? Orthomolecular practitioners recommend a dose range for all supplements, as some supplements can cause harmful effects if absorbed in huge quantities. Practitioners also point out that higher concentrations of a vitamin or mineral may be tolerated if the patient is ill.

Don’t I get enough vitamins from the food I eat?

Not necessarily. Doctors who practice orthomolecular medicine maintain that most modern diets of highly processed food do not provide adequate vitamins and minerals. Poor soil and chemical processing lower the amounts of vitamins and minerals in the food. However, no amount of supplements will replace a balanced diet, since our food also provides protein, carbohydrates, enzymes, and fibre.