Orthomolecular Medicine.

What it is

Orthomolecular medicine uses substances natural to the body, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, to correct imbalances and support health. Pioneers include chemist Linus Pauling, who coined the term, and psychiatrist Abram Hoffer, who used high-dose niacin in mental health care. Practitioners use lab testing, including nutrient levels and genetic variants like MTHFR, to build a personal plan, sometimes with doses well above standard daily recommendations.

It is used for mental health, heart and metabolic health, and as support during cancer care. Correcting a measured deficiency is well supported. Higher-dose uses have more mixed evidence and need careful monitoring.

What happens at a visit

1. A full health history and review of symptoms.
2. Lab testing, such as nutrient levels, genetic variants and metabolic markers.
3. A review of your results and individual nutrient needs.
4. A personal supplement plan, sometimes with higher doses.
5. Follow-up labs to check your response and safety.
6. Adjustments over time as your needs change.

Who it is for

• People with confirmed nutrient deficiencies
• People with mental health conditions who want a nutritional approach alongside their care
• People with genetic variants that affect nutrient use, such as MTHFR
• People interested in a lab-guided supplement plan
• People willing to test and work closely with a practitioner

Evidence and safety

Correcting nutrient deficiencies is well supported. Evidence for high doses beyond deficiency is mixed: some uses have support, while others are still debated. High doses can cause side effects and interact with medicines; niacin, for example, can cause flushing and affect the liver. Work with a qualified clinician who monitors your labs, take extra care with kidney or liver disease or during pregnancy, and use it alongside, not instead of, treatment for serious illness such as cancer.

How Gabriel helps