orthomolecular

[ awr-thoh-muh-lek-yuh-ler ]
/ ˌɔr θoʊ məˈlɛk yə lər /

adjective

being or pertaining to the treatment of disease by increasing, decreasing, or otherwise controlling the intake of natural substances, especially vitamins. Compare megavitamin(def 1).

Origin of orthomolecular

1965–70; ortho- + molecular, referring to “the provision of the optimum molecular environment for the mind,” according to term's originator, Linus Pauling

Words nearby orthomolecular

orthohydrogen, orthokeratology, orthokeratosis, orthomechanical, orthometer, orthomolecular, orthomorphic, orthomorphic projection, orthomyxoviridae, orthonormal, orthopaedic

Medical definitions for orthomolecular

orthomolecular
[ ôr′thō-mə-lĕk′yə-lər ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or being a theory holding that mental diseases or abnormalities result from various chemical imbalances or deficiencies and can be cured by restoring proper levels of chemical substances, such as vitamins and minerals, in the body.