Orthomolecular medicine is the restoration and maintenance of health through the administration of adequate amounts of substances that are normally present in the body.
The aging process is typically accelerated as a result of free radical exposure, frequent or chronic inflammation, and toxic exposures (such as to heavy metals or industrial and agricultural hydrocarbons)reversing this process or slowing it down is one goal of orthomolecular therapy, along with treatment of health problems.
An increasing number of scientific studies have been confirming the view that high doses of nutrients are therapeutic and preventive. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, B-complex vitamins are among the many nutrients that have been shown to contribute positively to health and longevity at doses much higher than the RDA.
While therapeutic levels for minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and chromium, are much closer to the RDA, supplements beyond what is normally present in foods may still be essential for prevention and treatment of disease and slowing the aging process.