NCJ Number
85690
Date Published
1982
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This discussion outlines the nature and implementation of orthomolecular therapy, a nutritional therapy, providing nutrition without 'food artifacts,' individually suited to each patient, and supplemented with the vitamins experience has shown are required.
Abstract
Food artifacts, which are preparations composed of chemically constituted items, are too rich in sugars, too free of fiber, too deficient in vitamins and minerals, and too rich in toxic additives. Food artifacts, according to orthomolecular theory, are responsible for a group of physical and mental illnesses. There are few biochemical tests for detecting nutritional deficiencies and even fewer for dependencies. The diagnosis must be suspected by clinicians familiar with the relation between nutrition and disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by the patient's recovery. Clues for treatment are provided by changes in perception, thinking, mood, and behavior. Perceptual tests are helpful. Orthomolecular treatment includes elimination of foods, rotation diets, and desensitization. Special techniques are required for the few who suffer from multiple food allergies. Drugs are used only as adjuncts. A small number of vitamins have been used in large doses in orthomolecular psychiatric therapy. They include vitamins B1, B3, and B6. Conditions that require orthomolecular nutrition are the schizophrenias, learning and behavioral disorders, saccharine disease, and the addictions (alcohol and drugs). Fifty-one references are provided.