Megavitamin Therapy (Orthomolecular medicine)
The word ‘Orthomolecular’ was coined by Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling to describe an approach to medicine that uses natural occurring substances normally present in the body.
It is possible that the provision of vitamins, amino acids, trace elements and fatty acids in amounts sufficient to correct biochemical abnormalities can be used therapeutically to treat diseases such as AIDS and cancer, or preventatively to impede the progress of degenerative disease and aging.
Orthomolecular medicine is sometimes referred to as megavitamin therapy because large doses of vitamins may be prescribed. Despite its growth and appeal as an alternative medicine, orthomolecular medicine still does not receive acceptance from some conventional medical practitioners.
Such medical doctors see an inherent danger in megavitamin therapy. They argue that extremely high doses of vitamins can be toxic and may cause certain unfavourable chemical reactions.
