The importance of orthomolecular and functional medicine

Many people struggle with chronic complaints such as persistent exhaustion or recurring infections - often despite inconspicuous laboratory values and a seemingly "normal" diet.

At the same time, there is a growing desire among health-conscious people to strengthen the immune system in a natural way and actively prevent illness. Interest in holistic approaches that go beyond purely symptomatic treatment is also growing in medical circles. In this context, orthomolecular medicine and functional medicine are increasingly coming into focus.

Both disciplines consider the role of micronutrients - i.e. vitamins, minerals, etc. - for our health and focus on providing the body with an optimal supply of these essential substances.

Die-Bedeutung-der-orthomolekularen-und-funktionellen-Medizin

Medically tested by:

Dr. Hamidreza Mahoozi, FEBTS, FCCP

First publication:

September 17, 2025

Updated:

August 25, 2025

They combine scientific findings with individual, holistic patient care. But what is behind these terms and how can they specifically help the immune system, chronic fatigue and the prevention and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies?

This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview – in layman’s terms and at the same time scientifically sound – and highlights the importance of orthomolecular and functional medicine for various target groups.

Orthomolecular medicine: health through optimal nutrient supply

Orthomolecular medicine is an approach that aims to maintain or restore health through the body’s own nutrients in optimal concentrations.

The term was coined in 1968 by two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling and literally means “the right molecules in the right amount”.

This refers to the prevention and treatment of diseases by correcting biochemical imbalances using naturally occurring substances such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids.

Proponents of orthomolecular medicine argue that the modern diet often does not provide enough essential nutrients and is instead enriched with harmful substances (e.g. sugar, trans fats) – which can contribute to a variety of health problems in the long term.

The targeted supply of micronutrients, sometimes in higher doses than recommended by the general nutritional society, is intended to restore the optimum biochemical environment in the body.

How does this approach work in practice? Orthomolecular physicians usually carry out detailed medical histories and laboratory tests to identify individual nutrient deficiencies or imbalances.

Based on this, personalized recommendations are given – for example in the form of an adapted diet, high-dose vitamin or mineral supplements (so-called “megavitamin therapy”) and lifestyle changes. One example is the administration of high doses of vitamin C to support the immune system or to shorten colds – an idea that goes back to Pauling’s research and publications.

Orthomolecular therapy approaches are proposed for a variety of applications, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders and general performance enhancement.

They are also used for chronic fatigue, asthma, digestive disorders and arthrosis.

It is important to emphasize that orthomolecular medicine sees itself as a supplement to conventional medicine.

It aims to build a bridge between conventional medical science and individual holistic treatment. Although there are scientific studies that support the effectiveness of high-dose vitamins (such as vitamin C) in certain contexts, there is also a lively debate in medicine about the benefits and risks of such megadose therapies .

Critics warn of possible side effects of excessive nutrient intake (such as kidney damage caused by long-term extremely high doses of vitamin D or nerve disorders caused by an overdose of vitamin B6), while supporters point to the strict individualization and monitoring of the therapy.

The fact is: There is general agreement that vitamins and minerals are essential for health. The exciting question – and this is where orthomolecular medicine comes in – is what quantities are optimal, not only to prevent deficiency diseases, but possibly also to positively influence chronic diseases.

Pauling was of the opinion that the usual Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for some vital substances were set too low and that higher intakes would be desirable in terms of evolutionary adaptation.

He pointed out, for example, that humans (unlike most animals) cannot produce vitamin C themselves and that our closest relatives, the primates, ingest 2-3 grams of vitamin C per day in the wild – many times more than the 100 mg per day recommended today.

Many animals also produce their own vitamin C in much higher quantities than just in the milligram range.

Such observations led Pauling to the hypothesis that, under modern living conditions, humans may need larger amounts of vitamins in order to remain optimally healthy.

In summary, orthomolecular medicine aims to balance the body’s internal environment by providing all the necessary micronutrients in sufficient (sometimes therapeutically increased) quantities.

It appeals to the body’s self-healing powers: if all the “building blocks” are present, the organism can defend itself against illness and repair damaged structures.

Despite controversial discussions, this approach has given new hope to many patients – especially those who have not improved with conventional therapies. In the next step, we will look at the related but even more comprehensive functional medicine.

 

Functional medicine: holistic root cause analysis and individual therapy

Functional medicine shares many basic ideas with orthomolecular medicine, but takes an even broader approach.

It sees itself as a systemic, cause-oriented approach that looks at people as a whole – from genetic predisposition to lifestyle and environmental factors through to mental health.

Instead of treating illnesses in isolation according to diagnostic codes, functional medicine asks: Why is this person ill? What dysfunctions in the body’s network underlie the symptoms?

An often quoted mission statement is: “Functional Medicine is a systems-biology-based model that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to achieve the highest expression of health by addressing the underlying causes of disease.” – “Functional medicine is a systems-biology-based model that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to achieve the highest expression of health by addressing the underlying causes of disease.”

In practice, this means that doctors and therapists take a detailed history of the patient’s life (from birth to diet, exercise, stress, exposure to harmful substances and the social environment) in order to identify correlations.

An individual health profile is created that provides starting points for interventions. Micronutrients, nutrition and gut health play a central role, but other areas such as hormones, detoxification functions, the nervous and immune systems are also included.

Functional medicine uses its own “operating system” of anamnesis tools (e.g. wheel of life, matrix) and personalized treatments aimed at improving disturbed functions and restoring inner balance .

A decisive difference to conventional medicine lies in the emphasis placed on nutrition and lifestyle as a therapy.

While traditional practitioners often prescribe medication, functional medicine focuses on “treating the causes” first: e.g. changing the diet, targeted supplementation of nutrients, exercise, stress management, sufficient sleep and similar measures before (or alongside) medication.

In fact, functional medicine is sometimes referred to as “lifestyle medicine” because it harnesses the power of daily behavior and nutritional intake to reverse chronic disease, promote health and optimize performance .

One guiding principle is: “Food is medicine”. For example, a patient with chronic inflammation is not only given an anti-inflammatory medication, but food intolerances are investigated, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are administered from the diet or as a supplement, the gut is rehabilitated, stress is reduced, etc. in order to get to the root cause of the inflammation.

Scientifically sound: Although some elements of functional medicine have been viewed skeptically, a growing evidence base is developing. Studies and case reports show that the functional model can be successful in complex chronic diseases.

For example, improvements have been documented in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and even chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) when a functional medicine program was applied.

An evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic (USA), where a separate department for functional medicine has been set up, showed that patients under functional medicine reported a significantly greater improvement in their health-related quality of life than comparable patients under conventional GP care.

In particular, physical parameters (such as energy levels, pain, mobility) were improved within 6 to 12 months. This indicates that holistic, personalized approaches can indeed offer added value when it comes to alleviating chronic complaints.

However, it is also important here: Functional medicine does not see itself as a substitute for traditional medicine, but as an extension of it.

It integrates modern findings from genetics, immunology, nutritional science and other disciplines into an overall picture that addresses the “weakened areas” in an individual patient’s system instead of providing the same treatment for everyone.

Both orthomolecular and functional medicine therefore focus on the individual person and their specific needs.

A central element of both approaches is the consideration of micronutrient supply. In the following, we shed light on the role that vitamins and minerals play for our immune system and why chronically exhausted people in particular often benefit from optimizing their nutrient balance.

It also shows how micronutrient deficiencies can be recognized, prevented and treated.

 

Micronutrients and the immune system: How nutrients strengthen the immune system

Our immune system is a complex network of barriers, cells and signaling substances that protects the body from infections and eliminates diseased cells.

For this defense to function smoothly, the body needs a range of vitamins and minerals to help it along. In fact, research shows that virtually every stage of the immune response relies on sufficient micronutrients.

The most important immune-relevant nutrients include vitamins A, C, D, E, the B vitamins (B_6, B_12, folate) as well as zinc, iron, copper and selenium .

They often work together synergistically to maintain the skin and mucous membranes as physical barriers, to produce antibodies and immune cells or to keep oxidative stress in check.

Even a slight deficiency in one of these areas can impair immune function. For example, zinc deficiency reduces the formation of white blood cells, vitamin D deficiency weakens the innate immune defense and vitamin A deficiency can lead to skin and mucous membrane damage, which opens the door to germs.

The importance of micronutrients for the immune system was first recognized historically with vitamin C, when it was discovered that scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) leads to severe susceptibility to infections and can be cured by vitamin C supplements.

Today we know that several nutrients are needed in combination to ensure that the “immune army” is optimally positioned.

Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc in particular stand out due to a large number of studies and are considered the micronutrients with the most solid evidence for immune support.

Vitamin C, for example, supports phagocytes and the formation of antibodies; vitamin D modulates the innate immune system by upregulating antimicrobial peptides in the cells and activates certain immune cells such as T lymphocytes; zinc is required for the maturation of T cells and the stability of mucous membranes.

But selenium (important for antioxidant enzymes in immune cells), iron (for the proliferation of immune cells), vitamin A (maintenance of mucous membranes, regulation of immune cell division) and vitamin E (protection against free radicals) are also essential.

A central concept – especially in orthomolecular medicine – is that optimal immune function may require higher intake levels than are covered by the usual diet or recommended daily doses.

Stress, infections and environmental pollution can increase the need for certain nutrients. For example, immune cells consume enormous amounts of vitamin C and zinc during an infection. A review in Nutrients (2020) summarizes: “The daily intake needed to support immune function may be higher than the current recommendations (RDA).

Certain population groups do not consume enough micronutrients, and situations with increased requirements – such as infections, stress or environmental pollution – further deplete the body’s stores.

Even marginal deficits can weaken the immune system.” . The authors conclude that multivitamin supplements with immune-relevant micronutrients can help to modulate immune function and reduce the risk of infection.

In fact, there is evidence that people with optimal vitamin D blood levels are less likely to suffer severe respiratory infections and that zinc lozenges can shorten the duration of a cold.

High doses of vitamin C (e.g. 1-2 g daily) have been associated with a slightly faster recovery from colds, although the data here is partly contradictory.

Overall, however, immunologists agree that a good micronutrient status is the best prerequisite for a robust immune system. If the body lacks important building blocks, the complex defense system stumbles.

Recently – for example in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic – there has been an increased focus on vitamin D deficiency, as studies have shown a correlation between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of severe courses of infection.

Although no miracle cure can be derived from this, it does underline the fact that avoiding micronutrient deficiencies is a simple and effective measure to keep the immune system at a good level.

Orthomolecular physicians therefore often recommend vitamin D supplementation, especially in the winter months, as in our latitudes there is often not enough sunlight for the body to produce vitamin D itself.

In phases of increased susceptibility to infection, combination preparations of vitamin C, zinc, selenium and other antioxidants are also used to provide the body with the best possible support.

In addition to direct defense against infections, micronutrients also play a role in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Chronic silent inflammation is considered a risk factor for many diseases (from arthritis to arteriosclerosis).

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and magnesium, for example, can have a regulating effect here by reducing inflammation-promoting messenger substances.

This overlap between immune function and general metabolic function shows how holistic the effect of nutrients is – an idea that is particularly emphasized in functional medicine.

In summary, it can be said that a balanced diet rich in micronutrients – supplemented with food supplements if necessary – is one of the cornerstones of a strong immune system.

This knowledge may sound obvious, but in practice studies show that even in affluent countries many people do not reach the recommended intake of important vitamins and minerals.

In the next section, we look at how this can affect energy and vitality, particularly in people with chronic fatigue.

 

Chronic fatigue: new energy through micronutrients

Constantly exhausted, no strength for everyday life – many sufferers of chronic fatigue feel abandoned.

The causes of persistent fatigue are varied and cannot always be clearly diagnosed. However, nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic inflammation often play a role in energy loss and poor performance.

This is where orthomolecular and functional therapy approaches come in, by trying to supply the body with the nutrients it needs for energy production in the cells and stress resistance.

Why do micronutrients make a difference to fatigue? Vitamins and minerals are co-factors in almost all metabolic processes.

Cellular energy production in particular (ATP production in the mitochondria) is dependent on a good supply of B vitamins (B_1, B_2, B_3, B_5, B_6, B_12), magnesium, iron and coenzyme Q10. If these building blocks are missing, the body’s “engine” does not run smoothly – you feel tired, listless and mentally fatigued.

Fatigue is therefore a leading symptom in various deficiency states: Iron deficiency (even without anemia) leads to tiredness, poor concentration and reduced physical performance; vitamin B_12 deficiency manifests itself in weakness, neurological complaints and often depressive moods; magnesium deficiency can contribute to muscle weakness and exhaustion.

A recent review (2023) examined the effectiveness of nutrient therapy for symptoms of fatigue. The authors searched the literature for studies in which vitamins or minerals were tested for the relief of fatigue.

The results were impressive: 50 out of 60 studies showed significant improvements in fatigue symptoms with vitamin and mineral supplementation.

Both healthy people with feelings of exhaustion and patients with chronic illnesses (e.g. fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer or multiple sclerosis) were examined.

The range of nutrients used ranged from coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, zinc, methionine, NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to vitamin C, D and various B vitamins.

In many cases, combinations were administered, sometimes orally as a dietary supplement, sometimes as an infusion or injection. The conclusion of the review was that targeted nutrient supplementation offers potentially significant benefits in reducing fatigue in both healthy and chronically ill people.

In other words, vital substances can help to recharge energy stores.

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or burnout-like conditions in particular are looking for gentle ways to regain their vitality.

In functional medicine, a whole bundle of measures is often recommended here, including Checking thyroid function, treating a possible adrenal stress syndrome, intestinal rehabilitation (because a leaky gut can contribute to immune activation and fatigue) and, of course, targeted micronutrient therapy.

For example, magnesium (important for muscle function and energy supply) is often given as an infusion, as many exhausted people have a deficiency. Vitamin B_12 injections can bring about dramatic improvements in concentration and fatigue in people with absorption disorders or on a vegan diet.

Coenzyme Q10, a key molecule of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, showed positive effects on physical performance in studies with fibromyalgia and fatigue patients.

Acetyl-L-carnitine (for fatty acid metabolism in the mitochondria) has also been shown to be helpful in some studies, particularly in older people with symptoms of fatigue.

Of course, it is always important to differentiate between a specific deficiency situation (such as iron deficiency, which is the most common cause of fatigue in women of childbearing age) and functional support, i.e. the “fine-tuning” of biochemical processes.

Orthomolecular therapists will first check whether, for example, iron, vitamin B_12, vitamin D, folate or ferritin in the blood are too low – in such cases, substitution can be targeted (e.g. iron infusions for iron deficiency-related fatigue, which often drastically reduces fatigue within weeks).

If no classic deficiency can be detected but the symptoms are still present, an attempt is made to improve energy supply by optimizing the supply of mitochondrial nutrients. Patients then often report a “clearer feeling”, more physical stamina and less brain fog.

From an emotional point of view, this means an enormous increase in quality of life for chronically exhausted people: finally having enough energy again to take part in social life, pursue hobbies or simply get through the day without feeling tired all the time can almost seem like a new lease of life.

Many patients find it liberating if they can actively do something themselves – e.g. through a targeted change in diet and regular supplements – to improve their condition.

This feeling of self-control and hope is an important aspect that holistic approaches convey.

Last but not least, patients with serious illnesses (e.g. cancer, multiple sclerosis) also benefit from orthomolecular measures to combat fatigue. In oncological care, it is now recognized that exercise and nutrition are integral components in combating tumour-related fatigue.

High-quality proteins, sufficient omega-3 fats and compensation for vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin D in cancer patients, which is often too low) are among the supportive recommendations of many cancer centers today.

Functional medicine goes even further here and offers individualized nutrient infusions that contain, for example, vitamin C in pharmacological doses – with the aim of reducing inflammation, strengthening the immune system and giving the body energy for regeneration.

Even if such applications are sometimes the subject of controversial debate, many sufferers feel better and stronger as a result, which shows that the approach can be a useful addition to conventional medicine.

To conclude: Chronic fatigue is not a fate to which you are helplessly at the mercy of. The targeted supply of vital substances, embedded in a holistic therapy concept, offers real opportunities to revive your spirits.

Scientific literature supports this experience – even if further research is needed to clarify exact dose-response relationships.

In practice, what counts most is the patient’s well-being, and many report a significant improvement in their energy and zest for life once nutrient deficiencies have been corrected.

 

Prevention and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies

Micronutrient deficiencies – also known as “hidden hunger” because they often go unnoticed – are widespread, both in developing and industrialized countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies are the most common globally, especially in children and pregnant women.

For a long time it was assumed that around 2 billion people were affected, but more recent surveys show an even more serious extent: according to a large study, more than half of all children under the age of 5 and two thirds of all women of childbearing age worldwide are affected by at least one micronutrient deficiency.

It is alarming that even in rich countries many people are not optimally supplied with vitamins and minerals.

In the USA and the UK, for example, between a third and a half of women of childbearing age have deficiencies in one or more micronutrients.

The reasons for this lie in an unbalanced diet: Highly processed foods, fast food and high-sugar diets provide plenty of calories but often too few vital nutrients.

At the same time, stress, hectic pace and certain phases of life (growth, pregnancy, old age) lead to an increased need.

The consequences of micronutrient deficiencies are manifold. Some symptoms are subtle – e.g. tiredness, lack of concentration, susceptibility to infections, pale skin, brittle nails – and may therefore not be immediately recognized as deficiency symptoms in everyday life.

Other deficiencies manifest themselves more clearly: a pronounced vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone pain (osteomalacia) or muscle weakness; iodine deficiency causes thyroid enlargement (goitre) and developmental disorders in children; vitamin B_12 deficiency results in anemia and neurological deficits; iron deficiency causes anemia with severe fatigue and shortness of breath.

However, even mild deficiencies can impair quality of life: studies show that even without anemia, low iron status is associated with reduced mental performance and fatigue – which can often be improved with iron therapy.

The same applies to vitamin B_12: even before severe anemia develops, those affected suffer from listlessness and low mood, which can be reversed by administering vitamin B_12.

The good news: Most micronutrient deficiencies can be easily diagnosed (using blood tests for e.g. ferritin, 25-OH vitamin D, holotranscobalamin etc.) and effectively remedied. The first step is always nutrition.

A varied diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products, pulses, nuts and possibly fish, eggs and some meat generally provides the necessary micronutrients in a natural form. However, for various reasons, many people do not manage to eat “perfectly” every day.

This is where food supplements and fortified foods come into play. Food fortification is a population-wide approach – a classic example is the addition of iodine to table salt, which has led to a drastic reduction in iodine deficiency worldwide (today around 86% of households have access to iodized salt).

In many countries, flour is also fortified with iron and B vitamins, dairy products with vitamin D, etc., to prevent hidden hunger.

Targeted supplementation can be useful for individuals, especially in the following situations:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Here, the need for folate, iron, iodine and other nutrients increases considerably. Supplements (such as folic acid and iron supplements) are recommended by doctors to prevent developmental disorders in the baby and anemia in the mother.  
  • Growing children: Vitamin D is often supplemented in the first few years of life (to prevent rickets). A child-friendly multivitamin can also make sense during growth spurts or for very picky eaters, for example, always in consultation with the pediatrician.  
  • Old age: Older people often have vitamin D and B_12 deficiencies (due to less sun exposure and reduced intestinal absorption).
    Vitamin D drops and B_12 (possibly as a lozenge or injection) can help to strengthen bones and protect the nervous system. 
  • Vegetarians and vegans: They have an increased risk of B_12 deficiency, as this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products.
    B_12 should be substituted. Plant-based dieters should also pay attention to iron, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and iodine and supplement if necessary.  
  • Chronically ill patients: Various illnesses can affect the nutrient balance. For example, diabetics lose more magnesium via the kidneys; intestinal patients (Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease) absorb vitamins less well; cancer patients often have increased protein and vitamin requirements for regeneration.
    Individual advice and laboratory diagnostics are worthwhile here. 
  • Stress and pressure to perform: Prolonged stress increases the consumption of vitamin C, magnesium and B vitamins.
    People with stressful lifestyles or athletes with a high training load often report better stress resistance and recovery if they ensure they have a good micronutrient intake (e.g. magnesium to relax muscles and nerves).

Functional medicine goes one step further in the prevention of deficiencies: it aims to identify and correct suboptimal conditions early on, before a clinical deficiency becomes manifest.

Rather than just looking at reference values that roughly define deficiency vs. normal, functional medicine practitioners look for ideal ranges. For example, although they see a vitamin D level of 30 ng/ml as “not deficient”, they recommend 50-60 ng/ml for optimal immune prevention (which often requires supplementation).

This optimization principle is a hallmark of orthomolecular medicine in particular – but you have to proceed with a sense of proportion so as not to slip into excessive intake.

Therefore, any supplementation should be accompanied by a specialist and regular checks should be carried out.

Established protocols are often available for the treatment of acute deficiencies: Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (substitution) cures (orally or intravenously in cases of intolerance), vitamin D deficiency is replenished with high-dose decristol administration, B_12 deficiency is remedied in many cases by injection, etc.

Orthomolecular medicine also uses infusion therapies to administer several vitamins and minerals directly into the blood, which can be effective in cases of severe deficiencies or absorption disorders.

For example, the so-called Myers’ cocktail infusion (a mixture of magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and several B vitamins) has gained popularity in integrative medicine to provide energy and stimulate the immune system – although the evidence base on this is still limited.

Nevertheless, patients with migraines, fibromyalgia or susceptibility to infections report improvements in individual cases. Such experiences are incorporated into the holistic treatment, but are always weighed up on an individual basis.

Education and empowerment are also part of prevention: teaching people what is in their food promotes personal responsibility.

If patients understand, for example, that 100 g of oatmeal covers almost the entire daily requirement of magnesium or that a bell pepper contains more vitamin C than a lemon, they can make more conscious food choices in everyday life.

According to the WHO, nutrition education is a central key to preventing micronutrient deficiencies.

Combined with structural measures (such as fortification) and targeted supplements, the result is a multi-layered approach that has already achieved a great deal in recent decades – but still needs to be improved, as hidden hunger still affects billions.

For the health-conscious, prevention means above all: focus on variety and quality in your diet. “Eat the rainbow” – eat a variety of foods to get a range of vitamins.

Regional and seasonal produce is available almost all year round and is rich in vital nutrients (from cabbage vegetables in winter, which provide lots of vitamin K and C, to berries in summer with their antioxidants).

Supplements can be a useful backup, but should never be seen as a substitute for vegetables and the like, but as a supplement.

A common piece of advice from many doctors is to take vitamin D in winter, supplement omega-3 if there is little fish in the diet, and to substitute individually missing substances in a targeted manner (instead of randomly popping pills “on suspicion”).

 

On the path to holistic health

Orthomolecular and functional medicine impressively illustrate the importance of micronutrients and lifestyle factors for our health.

For chronically ill patients, they can open up new perspectives – by finally looking for the causes of their complaints and not just suppressing the symptoms.

The feeling of being actively involved in their own recovery (be it through dietary adjustments, independent intake of nutrients or changes in everyday life) gives many sufferers new hope and motivation.

Health-conscious people will find scientifically backed strategies in these approaches to increase their well-being, strengthen their immune system and stay vital for longer.

And medical professionals are discovering a wealth of evidence-based knowledge that can complement conventional medicine – especially in the case of complex chronic diseases, where standard therapies alone are often not enough.

A critical balance is always important: orthomolecular and functional medicine should be practiced on the basis of solid scientific literature, such as the numerous publications in PubMed and other journals that we have cited in this article.

The concepts presented here are not a call for self-medication with high-dose preparations, but a plea for informed, integrative medicine that sees the person as a whole.

Every body is different – what one lacks, another has in abundance. This is why personalized diagnostics (laboratory analyses, medical history) are an integral part of finding out where deficiencies or imbalances exist.

The scientific findings clearly show that micronutrients are little heroes with a big effect.

An adequate supply is a basic requirement for a strong immune system, sufficient energy and long-term health. Orthomolecular and functional medicine are dedicated to precisely this foundation.

They remind us that in times of highly specialized, high-tech medicine, the simple things – vitamins, minerals, healthy food, a balanced lifestyle – are invaluable.

The emotional component that both approaches convey is: you can do something yourself. Your body can heal itself if it gets what it needs. This empowering feeling combined with hard science is what makes orthomolecular and functional medicine so fascinating and important.

Ultimately, it’s about quality of life: about helping people to feel good in their bodies again, to breathe freely, to be resilient and happy.

The integrative use of micronutrients – whether to strengthen the immune system, overcome chronic fatigue or close vital substance gaps – is a central building block on the way there.

By combining the best of both worlds – evidence-based medicine and holistic care – we are getting closer to the ideal of comprehensive healthcare that allows healing and prevention to go hand in hand.

 

References

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