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CNM Nutrition 1 Pt.2 > Orthomolecular Compounds > Flashcards

Orthomolecular Compounds Flashcards

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1
Q

What does “orthomolecular” mean?

A

The right molecules in the right amount - Linus Pauling, 1960s

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2
Q

What are orthomolecular compounds?

A

Compounds naturally synthesised by the body but highly beneficial for health when sourced form diet or supplemented

E.g. CoQ10, alpha lipoid acid, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate

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3
Q

What is orthomolecular medicine?

A

Practice of preventing/treating disease by providing body with optimal amounts of substances which it also produces

Focus : prevention -> aligns with naturopathic philosophy

Emphasis on using nutrients that are normally present in the body

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4
Q

What is CoQ10?

A

Exist in the body in an oxidised form (UBIQUINONE) and a reduced form (UBIQUINOL) and the 2 forms interconvert

Present in each cell’s mitochondria -> plays a role in ATP production

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5
Q

What is CoQ10 reduced by?

A

Ageing, drugs (e.g. statins), smoking and certain diseases

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6
Q

What are food sources of CoQ10?

A

Plant sources : nuts (e.g. peanuts, pistachios), sesame seeds, olive oil, fruits and veg including oranges, strawberries, avocado, broccoli and cauliflower

Animal sources : meat, poultry, fish, eggs

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7
Q

What are the functions of CoQ10?

A
  1. Energy production
  2. Periodontal health
  3. Male and female fertility
  4. Antioxidant
  5. Cardiovascular health
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8
Q

What is the function of CoQ10 for energy production?

A

CoQ10 is needed for the electron transport chain -> supports mitochondrial function and energy production

Highest in muscle cells -> high ATP demand for contraction

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9
Q

What is the function of CoQ10 for periodontal disease?

A

Diseased gum tissues have significantly lower levels of CoQ10

Probably triggered by a bacteria causing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

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10
Q

What is the function of CoQ10 for male and female fertility

A
  • It protects sperm from oxidative stress
  • Impaired mitochondrial performance (low CoQ10) -> age associated oocyte deficits = infertility
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11
Q

Functions of CoQ10 as an antioxidant?

A
  • CoQ10 is a potent fat soluble antioxidant -> inhibits peroxidation of cell membrane lipids
  • CoQ10 naturally decreases with age
  • Depletion of CoQ10 can result in mitochondrial dysfunction (associated with fibromyalgia, T2DM, …)
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12
Q

What are the functions of CoQ10 in cardiovascular health?

A
  • Crucial for cardiac muscle function
  • Protects against endothelial dysfunction
  • Reduced LDL oxidation
  • Increases superoxide dismutase activity -> support nitric oxide = potent vasodilator
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13
Q

What is the problem of statins and CoQ10?

A

Statins reduce cholesterol synthesis -> also reduce CoQ10 cause they’re synthesised via same pathways -> the MEVALONATE pathway

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14
Q

What form of CoQ10 is better for supplementation?

A

It is suggested that ubiquinol is better -> results are mixed -> bioavailability seems to be more influenced by composition of the raw material

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15
Q

What is the safety profile of CoQ10?

A

No reports of significant adverse effects of oral supplementation at doses up to 1200 mg x day up to 6 months

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16
Q

Are there any interactions with CoQ10?

A

May decrease effect of warfarin

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17
Q

What is alpha lipoic acid?

A

An organosulphur compound synthesised by plants and animals -> a naturally occurring short chain fatty acid

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18
Q

How many forms of ALA are there?

A

2 : R-form (natural) and S-form (synthetic)

R-ALA x10 more potent

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19
Q

What are food sources of ALA?

A

Found in a wide variety of food

Plant sources : brassicas, spinach, potato, carrots, beets, tomatoes, peas, brewers yeast

Animal sources : red meat, organs meats

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20
Q

What are alpha lipoic acid functions?

A
  1. Energy production
  2. Insulin sensitising
  3. Metal chelating
  4. Antioxidant
  5. Peripheral neuropathy
  6. Weight loss
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21
Q

What is the role of ALA in energy production?

A

A coenzyme required to CONVERT dietary CARBS into ENERGY in mitochondria in the KERBS CYCLE

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22
Q

How is ALA insulin sensitising?

A

Improves insulin sensitivity, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c

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23
Q

What metals does ALA chelate?

A

Iron, mercury, copper, lead, zinc

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24
Q

What are the antioxidant functions of ALA?

A
  • Potent fat and water soluble antioxidant
  • Can regenerate other antioxidants e.g. vit. E, C, glutathione, CoQ10
  • Improve spermatozoa motility and antioxidant protection
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25
What is the therapeutic role of ALA for peripheral neuropathy?
- ALA reduces oxidation of the myelin sheath - Improves neuropathic symptoms (pain, burning, numbness,…)
26
Therapeutic use of ALA in weight loss
- Reducing oxidative stress that promotes fat storage - Suppressing appetite - Increase energy expenditure and reducing fat synthesis
27
How does ALA supplementation work?
- Should be taken on empty stomach to optimise bioavailability - Rare adverse effects
28
Is there any interactions with ALA supplementation?
1. Biotin : competes for transport across cell membranes 2. Increased risk of hypoglycaemia in medicated diabetic patients
29
What is glucosamine?
An AMINOSUGAR (sugar molecule with a nitrogen) naturally present in most body tissue (particularly joints and cartilage)
30
What do glucosamine do?
Required for the SYNTHESIS OF GLYCOPROTEINS and glycosaminoglycans -> these compounds are important structural components of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluids and mucous membranes
31
In what 2 forms can glucosamine be supplemented?
1. Glucosamine-6-phosphate (G60) 2. N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) Both naturally present in the body
32
What is NAG converted into?
Hyaluronic acid (HLA) -> important component of synovial fluids
33
Where is glucosamine sulphate sourced form?
Marine exoskeletons -> better absorbed It’s also found in synovial fluid and required for GAG synthesis
34
What are the requirements for glucosamine supplementation?
Caution : problematic for seafood allergies Mild adverse effects (GIT, skin reactions, drowsiness) Interactions : potentially increase anticoagulant effect of warfarin
35
What are therapeutic uses of chondroitin sulphate?
Osteoarthritis : protects cartilage degeneration by - Reducing degenerative enzymes - Decreasing inflammation - Increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis
36
What is Chondroitin sulphate?
A type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) Major component of extra cellular matrix of connective tissue -> improves resistance to compression (thickens synovial fluid)
37
Is chondroitin supplementation safe?
Usually well tolerated -> might exacerbate asthma Interactions : potentially increase anticoagulant of warfarin
38
What is methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM)
A source of sulphur used by plants to create amino acids CYSTEINE and METHIONINE -> dietary sources of sulphur
39
What are food sources of methyl sulfonylmethane
Plant sources : green leafy veggies, alfalfa sprouts, algae, fruits, veggies and grains Animal sources : milk
40
What are the therapeutic effects of NAG?
IBD and intestinal permeability - Supports the GI epithelial barrier by enhancing mucin functionality (altered in those with IBD) - Reduces biofilm associated with IBD - Can be used for intestinal permeability
41
What are the therapeutic uses of glucosamine?
Osteoarthritis : - Slows cartilage degeneration and prevents joint space narrowing - Decreases inflammation - Reduces pain
42
43
What are the therapeutic uses of methyl sulfonymethane?
1. Osteoarthritis 2. CDV health 3. Tissue repair 4. Immune modulator
44
What is the therapeutic function of methyl sulfonylmethane in osteoarthritis
- General anti-inflammatory properties - Sulphur is a component of cartilage -> protective effect
45
What is the therapeutic use of methyl sulfonylmethane for cardiovascular health?
- Reduces homocysteine levels (methyl donor) - Reduces lipid peroxidation = protects vascular endothelium from damage
46
What is the therapeutic use of methyl sulfonylmethane for tissue repair?
- Decrease oxidative stress and inflammation = help repair GI mucosal injury - Support tissue healing after injury
47
What is the therapeutic effect of methyl sulfonylmethane as an immune modulator
Immune regulating and antioxidant properties lower inflammation and useful for seasonal allergies
48
How safe is methyl sulfonylmethane supplementation
Generally very safe Mild adverse effects, no interactions
49
What is betaine / TMG
TMG is a methyl donor : facilitates the conversion of homocysteine into methionine
50
What is homocysteine?
A biomarker of CDV disease + indicator of how well an individual is methylating
51
What are optimal levels of homocysteine?
Below 9 mcgmol/L Above 14 is in excess
52
What are betaine food sources?
Plant sources : beets, wheat barn, quinoa, spinach, sweet potatoes Animal : seafood, turkey
53
What are the therapeutic uses of betaine?
1. CDV disease, Alzheimer’s -> betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase convert homocysteine to methionine 2. Reduces fat mass and improves muscle mass and endurance 3. Improves liver function in those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
54
What is dimethyl glycine (DMG)?
It’s betaine (TMG) after donating 1 methyl group during methylation on homocysteine
55
What is the therapeutic use of dimethyl glycine?
AUTISM : improves behavior, eye contact, frustration tolerance and speech in 50% of cases
56
What is phosphatidylserine?
The most abundant fat soluble phospholipid in the human brain -> important in neuronal membrane functions
57
What are food sources of phosphatidylserine?
White beans, barley, carrots, mackerel, herring, organ meats
58
What are the therapeutic uses of phosphatidylserine?
1. Alzheimer’s : improves neuronal membrane functioning, cognitive function and memory 2. Depression : improves mood through cortisol regulation 3. ADHD : promotes attention and decreases symptoms 4. Stress and insomnia : dampens effects of prolonged cortisol secretion on brain function = better sleep and decreased anxiety
59
Is phosphatidylserine supplementation safe?
Yes Interacts with cholinergic and anti-cholinergic drugs
60
What is phosphatidylcholine?
A major structural component of cell membranes, maintaining their integrity and fluidity
61
Where does phosphatidylcholine come from?
Synthesised from dietary choline through methylation of a phospholipid called phosphatidylethanomine The body can synthesise a small amount but not enough
62
What are the therapeutic uses of phosphatidylcholine?
1. Liver health: prevents fat accumulation in the liver 2. Neurological health : neuroprotective role + supports synthesis of acetylcholine (also involved in memory) 3. Ulcerative colitis : supports mucosal barrier
63
Is phosphatidylcholine supplementation safe?
Mild GIT adverse effects Interactions : same as phosphatidylserine
64
What is myo-inositol?
Most predominant form of inositol in the body = a 6 carbon sugar alcohol Provides structure to body cells Intracellular messenger Hormone regulator
65
What are food sources of myo-inositol?
Plant : whole grins, beans, fresh fruit, vegetables Animal : grass fed meat, eggs
66
what are the therapeutic uses of myo-inositol
PCOS - Improves insulin sensitivity (support T2DM too) - Increases SHBG = reduce bioavailable testosterone Anxiety and depression
67
What is mycotherapy?
The use of medicinal mushrooms and their compounds as medicines or health promoting agents
68
What are the compounds of medicinal mushrooms?
Beta glucans, triterpenes, sterols, lectins
69
What is mycelium?
A network created by mushrooms that release enzymes to externally digest organisms -> move nutrients back into the life cycle
70
What are beta glucans and what do they do
Polysaccharides (may contain protein) Can support optimal immune function, promote immuno-modulation and exert anti-tumour activity
71
Do medicinal mushrooms have drug interactions?
Not with drugs metabolised by CYP450 enzymes
72
What property do triterpenes, sterols and lectins have in common?
Anti-tumour
73
What is Reis hi also know as?
Mushroom of eternal youth
74
What does it mean that Reishi is considered as a tonic in Chinese medicine?
It has adaptogenic properties
75
What are the main constituents of reishi?
Beta-glucans and triterpenes
76
What are the therapeutic uses of reishi?
1. Immune boosting 2. Anti-viral 3. Anti-cancer 4. Anti-inflammatory 5. Anti-coagulant 6. Benign prostate hyperplasia 7. Stress and sleep 8. Blood-sugar regulating
77
Does reishi have drug interactions?
May increase the risk of bleeding at high doses if combined with anticoagulant drugs
78
What is the dosage range of reishi?
3-9 g x day
79
What are the main constituents of shiitake?
Beta-glucan Lentian, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids
80
How is shiitake used in TCM?
Qi replenishment and blood nourishing
81
What is the main property of beta-glucan Lentinan?
Anti-cancer
82
What are the therapeutic uses of shiitake?
1. Immune modulating 2. CDV diseases 3. Cancer 4. Gout 5. Benign prostatic hyperplasia
83
Is shiitake supplementation safe?
High doses for long term can lead to rare side effects e.g. shiitake dermatitis or photosensitivity Caution with anticoagulant drugs
84
What is the shiitake supplementation range?
1.5-10 g x day
85
What are important constituents of lions mane?
Beta-glucans, ernia Ines, high proteins, selenium, zinc
86
What are the therapeutic uses of lions mane?
GI disorders (intestinal permeability, IBD, peptic ulcers, gastritis, GORD) Nervous system disorders : ERINACINE has stimulatory effect on production of NERVE GROWTH FACTOR -> a protein that regenerates and repair nerve tissue
87
What is lions mane dosage range?
1-6 g x day
88
What are the 2 main polysaccharides extracted from Turkey tail?
Polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) -> approved as drugs for cancer patients
89
What is the dosage range for turkey tail?
1-9 g x day
90
What are important constituents of maiitake?
Beta-glucans, metalloproteins, lectins, enzymes and ergosterol
91
What are the therapeutic uses of turkey tail?
Cancer - Anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effect + induce apoptosis - Minimise conventional therapies side effects - Esp. Indicated x hormonally driven cancers
92
What is the therapeutic use of maiitake?
Immune modulator -> esp. useful in autoimmunity
93
What is maiitake dosage range?
2-7 g x day
94
What is chaga traditionally used for?
Certain cancers, heart diseases, diabetes mellitus, increased endurance
95
What are key constituents of chaga?
Beta-glucans, triterpenes, sterols Rich in antioxidant compounds + down-regulates inflammatory mediators
96
What is chaga dosage range?
1-4 g x day
97
Is chaga supplementation safe?
Inhibits platelet aggregation -> careful with anticoagulant-platelet medications and use before surgery
98
What are important constituents of cordyceps?
Polysaccharides, cordycepin acid, nucleosides, ergosterol and sterols
99
What are cordyceps traditionally used for in TCM?
Support energy-stimulating capacity of kidneys Role in rejuvenation and convalescence
100
What is the dosage range for cordyceps?
2-5 g x day
101
Are cordyceps safe?
Immunomodulatory effect may interfere with immunosuppressant drugs Caution in hormone-dependent cancers due to influence on reproductive hormones

CNM Nutrition 1 Pt.2 (10 decks)

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