Orthomolecular Molecules Flashcards
(46 cards)
What does the term orthomolecular mean and what are they?
It means the right molecules in the right amounts.
Orthomolecular medicine describes the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substance that it produces to create an optimal nutritional environment
It aligns with the core naturopathic philosophy of prevention is preferable to cure
They are molecular compounds that are highly beneficial for health naturally synthesised in the body, but where additional amounts can be sourced from the diet or from supplementation.
Coenzyme Q10
Why do we need to supplement with CoQ10 when somebody is on statins?
For statins and CoQ10 are synthesised via the same pathway.
The mevalonate pathway
Statins block this pathway in order to reduce cholesterol and then so doing they also prevent the production of CoQ10
CoQ10
Jayne, 39-year-old woman has come to see you for fertility support. After unsuccessful attempts to conceive over the last 12 months, she has decided to work on improving her health before trying again. Jane has mildly elevated blood pressure and also feels quite fatigue following exercise.
Outline three functions of CoQ10 that could be of benefit to Jane And the dosages.
-  fertility as it protects against age associated with site deficits. 100 to 600 mg per day.
- Hypertension: maintains levels of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase which also promotes nitric acid and thus vasodilation. 60 to 300 mg per day.
- Energy: CoQ10 is needed for the electron transport chain and thus ATP production. After 300 mg a day in De Assis.
What nutrient is reduced by the statin group of pharmaceutical drugs and why does this happen?
Coenzyme CoQ10 because it uses the same synthesis pathway as cholesterol and statins are targeting cholesterol synthesis.
Cholesterol and CoQ10 are produced via the same pathway - the mevalonate pathway.
Why is alpha Lipo acid so effective as an antioxidant?
Known as the universal antioxidant .
- Function in both a fat soluble and water soluble environment.
- Functions intracellular and extracellularly
- Regenerate anti antioxidant vitamin C, E, glutathione and CoQ10 so it has this recycling effect on other antioxidants
What are three ways that Chindroitin protects cartilage?
- Reduces enzymes that degrade cartilage.
- Decreases inflammation that damages cartilage by reducing inflammatory cytokines. We see reductions in the inflammatory market CRP.
- Increases hyaluronic acid synthesis thus enhancing joint lubrication.
Outline two ways that an N-acetyl glucosamine can be of benefit for IBD
- It supports the GI epithelial barrier by enhancing MUCIN functionality which is dramatically altered in those with IBD. Mucins are a group of proteins found in mucus that form of barrier and prevent microbial overgrowth.
- It reduces biofilm formation which is also associated with IBD.
NAG can also be used in intestinal permeability
Briefly explain why Betain (TMG) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
High levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease because they cause inflammation recycle is converted and what happens with trimly which affects the endothelia lining and contributes to atherosclerosis. Homocysteine levels are an indicator of how well an individual is methylating .
Betaine is a methyl donor. It can remethylate homocysteine to methionine thus removing homocysteine.
Outline two ways in which phosphatidylserine is beneficial for Alzheimer’s
- It improves neuron membrane functioning.
- It reduces inflammation. The more inflammation the more damage within the hippocampus.
- It increases production of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.
Lowered acetylcholine is one of the contributing factors noted with Alzheimer’s disease. It is really important for memory and processing information.
Which cell structure do coenzyme CoQ10 functions most closely relate to?
Mitochondria
 what are three therapeutic uses for alpha lipoic acid?
Infertility
Diabetes
Diabetic neuropathy
What are two therapeutic uses for methyl Sulfonylmethane (MSM)
Osteoarthritis
Lowering home assisting and therefore cardiovascular disease
What are three therapeutic uses for phosphatidylcholine
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Cognitive decline
Dementia
What are two therapeutic uses for Myo inositol?
Pcos
Anxiety
What is the average recommended daily dosage of coenzyme Q10 for an individual with fibromyalgia?
300 mg in divided doses of 100 mg 3 x in a day
What is the average recommended daily dosage of glucosamine for an individual with osteoarthritis?
1500 mg per day in three divided doses
What are the best food sources of CoQ10
Pistachios
Sesame seed
Olive oil
Fruit and veg, including oranges, strawberries, avocado, broccoli, and cauliflower
Animal sources, including meat, poultry, fish and eggs
What are the best food sources of betaine
Beetroot
Quinoa
Wheat bran
Spinach
Sweet potato 
Fill in the blanks on this soluble phospholipid
What is a beta-glucan
A compound found in a medicinal mushrooms.
Polysaccharides that are captured by various cells in the the lymphatic tissue and have immunomodulatory effects
Jon is a 54-year-old male suffering from recurrent bouts of peptic ulceration and is a Type II diabetic. He has recently been diagnosed with early stages of peripheral neuropathy in his feet. What would be the best medicinal mushroom to recommend for him?
Why?
Lions Mane
Supports GI inflammatory conditions. Repairs Gut wall and regenerates intestinal mucosa
Erinecen stimukates production of Nerve growth factor for repair and regeneration of nerve tissue.
