L.C. Pauling term denoting a therapeutic approach designed to provide an optimum molecular environment for body functions, with particular reference to the optimum concentrations of substances normally present in the human body, whether formed endogenously or ingested.
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or·tho·mo·lec·u·lar .ȯr-thə-mə-'lek-yə-lər adj relating to, based on, using, or being a theory according to which disease may be cured by providing the optimum amounts of substances (as vitamins) normally present in the body <\orthomolecular therapy> <\orthomolecular psychiatry>
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or·tho·mo·lec·u·lar (or″tho-mo-lekґu-lər) [ortho- + molecular] relating to or aimed at restoring the optimal concentrations and functions at the molecular level of the substances (e.g., vitamins) normally present in the body. See also under medicine and psychiatry.Medical dictionary. 2011.