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Nutrition 1 (Semester II) > 15a. Orthomolecular Compounds > Flashcards

15a. Orthomolecular Compounds Flashcards

(124 cards)

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1
Q

What does orthomolecular mean?

A

The right molecules in the right amounts

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2
Q

What are orthomolecular compounds?

A

Highly beneficial for health
Naturally synthesised by the body
Also present in diet and supplements

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3
Q

What is the focus of orthomolecular medicine?

A

Prevention of disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substances it produces

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4
Q

In what forms does CoQ10 exist as?

A

Ubiquinone

Ubiquinol

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5
Q

What is ubiquinone?

A

Oxidised form of CoQ10

lost an electron

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6
Q

What is ubiqinol?

A

Reduced form of CoQ10

gained an electron

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7
Q

Where is CoQ10 synthesised?

A

In the body

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8
Q

What can reduce CoQ10 levels in the body?

A

Ageing
Drugs
Smoking
Certain diseases

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9
Q

CoQ10 - plant food sources

A 
Nuts
Sesame seeds
Olive oil
Avocado
Oranges
Strawberries
Broccoli
Cauliflower
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10
Q

CoQ10 - animal food sources

A

Meat
Poultry
Fish
Eggs

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11
Q

CoQ10 - functions (CAPE F)

A

CV health
AO
Periodontal health
Energy

Fertility

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12
Q

CoQ10 - functions in energy production

A

Complex 2 of 4 in electron transport chain

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13
Q

Where are the highest quantities of CoQ10 found?

A

Muscle cells - skeletal, heart

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14
Q

CoQ10 - therapeutic uses in energy production

A

Fatigue

Fibromyalgia (300mg/day)

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15
Q

CoQ10 - functions as an AO

A

Fat-soluble AO
Inhibits peroxidation of cell membrane fluids
Neutralises free radicals produced by mitochondria
(e.g. = healthy ageing)

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16
Q

What can the depletion of CoQ10 as an AO lead to?

A

Mitochondrial dysfunction

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17
Q

CoQ10 - therapeutic uses as an AO

A 
Healthy ageing (100-200mg/day)
Fibromyalgia
T2D
CV disease
Neurodegenerative diseases
Cancer
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18
Q

CoQ10 - functions in periodontal health

A

Preventing gum disease
Diseased gum tissues have lower levels of CoQ10 due to LPS from bacteria P. gingivalis triggering oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

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19
Q

CoQ10 - therapeutic uses in periodontal disease

A

Periodontitis (50-80mg/day)

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20
Q

CoQ10 - functions in fertility

A

Protects sperm from oxidative stress (200-300mg/day)

Protects oocytes from age-associated deficits (100-600mg/day)

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21
Q

CoQ10 - functions in CV health

A

Protects against endothelial dysfunction
Reduces LDL oxidation
Inhibits NF-kB activation
Increases superoxide dismutase activity as an AO
Preserves activity of nitric oxide as a vasodilator

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22
Q

CoQ10 - therapeutic uses in CV health

A

Hypertension (60-300mg/day)
Raynaud’s
Angina

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23
Q

What do low CoQ10 levels increase the risk of?

A

CV disease
Myopathy
Depression

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24
Q

Why do statins (for cholesterol reduction) also reduce CoQ10 in body?

A

Both compounds are synthesised via the same pathway

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25
What is the pathway that synthesises CoQ10 and cholesterol?
Mevalonate Pathway
26
What is the building block of both CoQ10 and cholesterol?
Acetyl-CoA
27
What steps does the CoQ10/cholesterol synthesis take in the Mevalonate Pathway?
Acetyl-CoA - HMG-CoA - Mevalonic acid = CoQ10/cholesterol
28
How do statins work in the Mevalonate Pathway?
They inhibit the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme
29
Which form of CoQ10 is deemed to be better utilised by the body?
Ubiquinol
30
CoQ10 - mild adverse effects
GIT issues - nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort
31
CoQ10 - drug interactions
May decrease the effects of warfarin
32
What is alpha lipoic acid?
An organosulphur compound synthesised by plants and animals | Naturally occurring SCFA
33
What is alpha lipoic acid also known as?
Lipoic acid
34
What are the two forms of ALA?
R-form (natural) | S-form (synthetic)
35
Which form of ALA is more potent?
R-form
36
ALA - plant sources
``` Broccoli Brussel sprouts Spinach Carrots Beetroots Tomatoes Peas ```
37
ALA - animal sources
Red meat | Organ meat
38
ALA - functions (A WIMPE)
AO ``` Weight loss Insulin sensitising Metal chelating Peripheral neuropathy Energy production ```
39
ALA - function within energy production
Co-factor required to convert dietary carbs into energy in Krebs cycle Fuels sperm cells
40
ALA - therapeutic uses in energy production
Fatigue CFS Mitochondrial support Sperm health
41
ALA - functions as an AO
``` Potent fat soluble and water soluble AO Anti-inflammatory Regenerate other AOs (C, E, glutathione, CoQ10) Upregulates expression of glutathione Sperm motility ```
42
ALA - therapeutic uses as an AO
``` Infertility (600mg/day) Diabetes AZD (600mg/day) MS Healthy ageing ```
43
ALA - functions in insulin sensitivity
Supplementation improves insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
44
ALA - functions as a metal chelator
Can chelate iron, mercury, copper, lead and zinc
45
ALA - therapeutic uses in metal chelation
Infertility AZD Peripheral neuropathy
46
ALA - functions in peripheral neuropathy
Supplementation reduces oxidation of myelin sheath Improves neuropathic sensory symptoms - pain, burning, numbness, prickling of feet and legs (600mg/day)
47
ALA - functions in weight loss
Reducing oxidative stress that promotes fat storage Suppressing appetite through influence of AMPK enzyme in hypothalamus Increasing energy expenditure Reducing fat synthesis (1800mg/day)
48
When should ALA supplements be taken to optimise bioavailability?
Empty stomach
49
ALA - adverse reactions
Allergic reactions - skin | GI symptoms
50
ALA - interactions
Biotin - may compete for transport across cell membranes | Increased risk of hypoglycaemia in medicated diabetics due to additive effect
51
What is glucosamine?
An aminosugar naturally present in most body tissues
52
Where is most glucosamine found?
Joints | Cartilage
53
What is glucosamine required for the synthesis of?
Glycoproteins Glycolipids Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
54
What are glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans also known as?
Mucopolysaccharides
55
What are mucopolysaccharides important compounds of?
``` Tendons/ligaments Cartilage Synovial fluid Mucus membranes Structures in eye, blood vessels and heart valves ```
56
Which forms of glucosamine are naturally present in the body?
Glucosamine-6-Phosphate (G6P) | N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG)
57
What is N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) converted to as needed?
Hyaluronic acid
58
What is hyaluronic acid an important component of?
Synovial fluid
59
What are the supplemental forms of glucosamine called?
Glucosamine sulphate | Glucosamine hydrochloride
60
What is glucosamine sulphate sourced from?
Marine exoskeletons
61
Which groups is glucosamine sulphate not suitable for?
Vegetarians Vegans Seafood allergies
62
From what is glucosamine hydrochloride sourced?
Synthetically from corn
63
What are the therapeutic uses of glucosamine?
OA | IBD/intestinal permeability
64
In what ways does glucosamine support OA?
Stimulates metabolism of chondrocytes in articular cartilage and synovial tissue Slows joint degeneration Prevents joint space narrowing Decreases inflammation by inhibiting cytokines Pain reduction
65
How is glucosamine made more effective for supporting OA?
Combine with chondroitin and MSM
66
How does glucosamine support IBD/intestinal permeability?
Enhances mucin functionality | Reduces biofilm formation (armours on bacteria)
67
What are mucins?
Group of proteins found in mucus that form a barrier and prevent bacterial overgrowth
68
Glucosamine - supplementation caution
Can be produced from shells of crustaceans so not suitable for seafood allergy sufferers, veggies/vegans
69
Glucosamine - mild adverse effects
GIT symptoms
70
Glucosamine - interactions
Potential increase in anti-coagulant effect of warfarin | leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising
71
What is chondroitin sulphate?
Type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG)
72
What is chondroitin a major component of?
Cartilage | Joint connective tissue
73
Chondroitin - therapeutic use
OA
74
How does chondroitin support OA?
Protects cartilage from degradation by: Reducing degradation enzymes Decreasing inflammation Increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis
75
Chondroitin - safety
Might exacerbate asthma | Asthma patients tend to have higher concentrations of chondroitin antibodies in airway
76
Chondroitin - interactions
Potential increase in anti-coagulant effect of warfarin | leading to increased risk of bleeding and bruising
77
What is MSM?
Methyl sulfonylmethane | Source of sulphur used by plants to create cysteine and methionine
78
MSM - plant food sources
``` Green leafy veg Alfalfa sprouts Algae Fruits Veg Grains ```
79
MSM - animal food sources
Cow's milk
80
MSM - therapeutic uses (OTCI)
OA Tissue repair CV health Immune modulator
81
How does MSM support OA?
Reduce pain/swelling Improve joint function Anti-inflammatory Protective effect on cartilage (sulphur is component of cartilage)
82
How does MSM support CV health?
Reduces homocysteine levels | Reduces lipid peroxidation
83
How does MSM support tissue repair?
Decreases oxidative stress Decreases inflammation Repairs GI mucosal inflammation Supports tissue healing after injury (including skin)
84
How does MSM support immunity?
Immune regulating AO properties Seasonal allergies Reducing inflammation
85
MSM - adverse effects
GI symptoms
86
What is the chemical form of betaine?
Trimethyl glycine (TMG)
87
Can trimethyl glycine be made in the body?
Yes, from choline
88
Betaine/TMG - plant food sources
``` Beetroot Wheat bran Quinoa Spinach Sweet potato ```
89
Betaine/TMG - animal food sources
Seafood | Turkey
90
Betaine/TMG - functions (CFS)
CV health Fatty liver disease Skeletal muscle performance
91
Betaine/TMG - functions in CV health
TMG serves as a methyl donor, facilitating the conversion of homocysteine to methionine
92
Betaine/TMG - therapeutic uses in CV health
CV disease | AZD
93
Betaine/TMG - functions/therapeutic uses in skeletal muscle performance
Reduces fat mass Increases muscle mass Improves muscle endurance, body composition, arm size and bench press work capacity
94
Betaine/TMG - functions/therapeutic uses in fatty liver disease
Improve liver function Support bile production Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
95
What is dimethyl glycine?
Trimethyl glycine after it has donated one methyl group during the methylation of homocysteine
96
Dimethyl glycine - therapeutic uses
Autism
97
How does dimethyl glycine support autism?
Improves behaviour, eye contact, frustration tolerance and speech Reduces seizures
98
What is phosphatidylserine?
Most abundant fat soluble phospholipid in the human brain
99
Phosphatidylserine - food sources
``` White beans Carrots Mackerel Herring Organ meats ```
100
Phosphatidylserine - functions/therapeutic uses (ASAD)
AZD Stress/insomnia ADHD Depression
101
Phosphatidylserine - functions within AZD
``` Improves neuronal membrane functioning Increases acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine Preserves glucose metabolism Increases cognitive function Increases memory ```
102
Phosphatidylserine - functions/benefits for depression
Improves mood through its effects on cortisol regulation
103
Phosphatidylserine - functions/benefits for stress/insomnia
Dampens the effects of prolonged cortisol secretion on brain function Allows for better sleep quality and decreased anxiety
104
Phosphatidylserine - interactions
Possible addictive effects when combined with cholinergic drugs which also increase acetylcholine May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs
105
Where can phosphatidylcholine be found?
Cell membranes
106
What is the function of phosphatidylcholine within cell membranes?
Maintains integrity and fluidity
107
How is phosphatidylcholine produced in the body?
From dietary choline | Through methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine
108
Phosphatidylcholine - plant food sources
``` Nuts Brussels sprouts Broccoli Spinach Peas ```
109
Phosphatidylcholine - animal food sources
Eggs Fish Meat Liver
110
Phosphatidylcholine - therapeutic uses (NLU)
Neurological health Liver health Ulcerative colitis
111
Phosphatidylcholine - functions/benefits in liver health
Prevents fat accumulation in liver | Hepato-protective reducing chemical and oxidative damage
112
Phosphatidylcholine - functions/benefits in neurological health
Neuro-protective role as an essential component of neuronal membranes Supplies choline for synthesis of acetylcholine Protective against cognitive decline and dementia
113
Phosphatidylcholine - functions/benefits in ulcerative colitis
Establishes a protective mucosal barrier Forms a vital part of intestinal mucus Incorporates into enterocyte membranes reducing inflammation
114
Phosphatidylcholine - mild adverse effects of supplementation
GI symptoms
115
Phosphatidylcholine - interactions
Possible addictive effects when combined with cholinergic drugs which also increase acetylcholine May decrease effectiveness of anticholinergic drugs
116
What is myo-inositol?
A form of inositol | A 6-carbon sugar
117
What does myo-inositol do?
Provides structure to body cells Acts as an intracellular second messenger Regulates a number of hormones (inc insulin)
118
How can myo-inositol be obtained?
Synthesised in body | Through diet
119
Myo-inositol - plant food sources
Whole grains Beans Prunes, melons, oranges Okra, aubergines
120
Myo-inositol - animal food sources
Grass fed meats | Eggs
121
Myo-inositol - functions/therapeutic uses (PDA)
PCOS Diabetes Anxiety/depression
122
Myo-inositol - functions in PCOS
Improves insulin sensitivity Promotes mobilisation of GLUT4 vesicles Increases SHBG to reduce bioavailable testosterone Improves menstrual cycle regularity, oocyte quality and female fertility
123
Myo-inositol - functions in diabetes
Improves insulin sensitivity | Promotes mobilisation of GLUT4 vesicles
124
Myo-inositol - functions in anxiety/depression
Decreases anxiety symptoms Decreases panic attack frequency Decreases depression symptoms

Nutrition 1 (Semester II) (16 decks)

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