This reference comes from the Arukah Orthomolecular Nutrition Coach Certification. It is education, not medical advice: anyone on medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or with kidney, liver, heart, thyroid or bleeding problems should involve their doctor before taking supplements. Read the full disclaimer.
This is a desk reference for the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other supplements in common use, including every nutrient taught in the course: what it does, the forms that matter, the amounts reported in the orthomolecular literature and research, and who should not take it without a doctor.
How to use it. Doses come from Orthomolecular.org (mainly the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, OMNS) and DoctorYourself.com, and each row names the page it came from. Maintenance is a daily amount for staying well; therapeutic is the range these sources report for a specific condition; safe limit is the point at which these sources report side effects or toxicity. Three nutrients have a named course authority whose figures lead the row: Dr. David Brownstein for iodine, Dr. Joseph Mercola for vitamin D and Dr. Carolyn Dean for magnesium; for vitamin C the standard is Linus Pauling as published on these two sites. The RDA is shown only for comparison. Where neither site gives a figure, the row gives a common amount used in research or on labels instead. The Lesson column shows where the course teaches each one; "Index only" means it is listed for reference. Where the sources disagree (calcium, copper, sodium), both views are shown. Doses are education, not prescriptions: every client on medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or with kidney, liver, heart, thyroid or bleeding problems involves their doctor first.
Vitamins
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A — retinol, retinyl palmitate (preformed); beta-carotene (plant) | Vision and night vision, skin, gut and lung linings, immunity (WHO uses it in measles) | Therapeutic: 25,000 IU a day in a cited skin-cancer prevention study. Safe limit: above 15,000 IU a day only under medical supervision; Pauling put the ceiling in good health at 50,000 IU. Beta-carotene "does not cause toxicity." RDA 2,300–3,000 IU. (Vitamin A, OMNS v04n09) | Pregnancy: DoctorYourself.com notes possible harm to the baby even below 20,000 IU of retinol (pregnancy); keep retinol low and follow the midwife. Liver disease, heavy drinking. Isotretinoin or acitretin. Smokers avoid synthetic beta-carotene pills. | 4 |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) — thiamine HCl, mononitrate, benfotiamine | Turns carbohydrate into energy; nerves, heart, brain | Maintenance: 25 mg. Therapeutic: 1,000–3,000 mg a day (MS protocol); 100–500 mg injections given by a doctor. RDA 1.1–1.2 mg. (OMNS v03n10, OMNS v14n15) | Very safe by mouth. Alcohol, diuretics and high-sugar diets deplete it. Start high doses low; Dr. Lonsdale described temporary "paradoxical" worsening. | 3 |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) — riboflavin, riboflavin-5-phosphate | Energy; activates B6 and folate; recycles glutathione | Maintenance: 25 mg. Safe limit: "many times the RDA is without demonstrable toxicity"; neither site gives a therapeutic figure (400 mg a day is studied for migraine). RDA 1.1–1.3 mg. (OMNS v03n10, Riboflavin) | Very safe. Turns urine bright yellow. | 3 |
| Vitamin B3 — niacin (nicotinic acid), niacinamide (nicotinamide), inositol hexanicotinate | Energy (NAD); mood (Hoffer); blood fats (niacin only); joints and calm (niacinamide) | Maintenance: 300 mg (OMNS); start at 25 mg three times a day and add 25 mg a day until a flush, working up to 1,000–1,500 mg a day in three doses. Therapeutic: niacin 3,000–9,000 mg a day in three doses (Hoffer's usual range); 2,000–5,000 mg for cholesterol; niacinamide 2,000–4,000 mg a day in up to 10 doses for arthritis (Kaufman). Safe limit: the amount that causes nausea; Hoffer estimated a fatal dose above 200,000 mg. RDA 14–16 mg. (Niacin Saturation, OMNS v14n20, Kaufman) | Liver disease or heavy drinking; avoid sustained-release niacin; liver tests at gram doses. Niacin raises blood sugar and uric acid (diabetes, gout), irritates active ulcers, lowers blood pressure. Statins, blood pressure and diabetes drugs: doctor first. Pregnancy: doctor. | 3 |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) — calcium pantothenate, pantethine | Coenzyme A; energy; adrenal hormones; pantethine for blood fats | Safe limit: diarrhea and water retention only above 10 g a day. Neither site gives a daily dose; 100–500 mg is common. RDA (AI) 5 mg. (Pantothenic acid) | Very safe. Pantethine may add mildly to blood thinners. | 3 |
| Vitamin B6 — pyridoxine HCl, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) | Over 100 enzymes; neurotransmitters; homocysteine; with magnesium in autism (Rimland) | Maintenance: 25 mg (OMNS); 10–50 mg is safe long-term. Therapeutic: 100–200 mg a day for PMS or carpal tunnel (P5P preferred; monitor after 3 months); Rimland and Dr. Saul report 200–500 mg divided for autism. Safe limit: nerve symptoms linked to more than 200–500 mg a day for months; Dr. Saul: "very, very few persons report symptoms on 1,000 mg daily." RDA 1.3–1.7 mg. (OMNS v21n50, B vitamins) | Stop at any tingling or numbness; keep under 50 mg if neuropathy is present. Reduces levodopa when not combined with carbidopa. Can lower phenytoin and phenobarbital levels. | 3, 6 |
| Biotin (B7) | Hair, skin and nails; blood-sugar metabolism | Neither site gives a dose; 2,500–10,000 mcg is common for hair and nails. RDA (AI) 30 mcg. | Distorts many lab tests (thyroid, troponin, hormones): stop 2–3 days before blood work and tell the doctor. Anticonvulsants deplete it. | 3 |
| Folate (B9) — methylfolate (5-MTHF), folinic acid, folic acid (synthetic) | DNA; red blood cells; methylation; prevents neural tube defects | Maintenance: 2,000 mcg (OMNS optimum). RDA 400 mcg (600 in pregnancy). (OMNS v03n10) | Always pair with B12 (folic acid can hide B12 deficiency). Methotrexate and some anticonvulsants interact. Methylfolate can cause anxiety or insomnia in some; start low. | 3 |
| Vitamin B12 — methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, cyanocobalamin | Nerves; memory; red blood cells; energy; homocysteine | Maintenance: 500 mcg (OMNS). Therapeutic: 1,000 mcg by injection at least weekly (doctor); nasal B12 twice a week; Dr. Saul (Masterclass) 1,000 mcg a day under the tongue. Safe limit: "I know of no side effects whatsoever to B-12 overdose" (Saul). RDA 2.4 mcg. (OMNS v03n10, Nasal B12) | Very safe. Metformin, acid blockers, age and vegan diets lower it. Avoid cyanocobalamin in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. High doses occasionally trigger acne. | 3, 6 |
| Choline — lecithin, choline bitartrate, citicoline, alpha-GPC | Acetylcholine for memory; liver fat; cell membranes; baby's brain in pregnancy | Maintenance: lecithin, three or more tablespoons a day (each gives about 1,700 mg phosphatidylcholine). Safe limit: choline 3.5 g a day. (Lecithin, Choline) | Fishy body odor, nausea or low blood pressure at high doses; Orthomolecular.org notes it may trigger seizures in epilepsy. | 3 |
| Inositol — myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol | Insulin signaling; PCOS; studied for panic and OCD | Supplied with lecithin (about 1,000 mg phosphatidylinositol per tablespoon). Neither site gives a separate dose; 2–4 g (PCOS) and 12–18 g (anxiety studies) are research amounts. (Lecithin) | Stomach upset at high doses. May lower blood sugar with diabetes drugs. Case reports of mania in bipolar disorder. Pregnancy: doctor. | 3 |
| Vitamin C — ascorbic acid; sodium, calcium and magnesium ascorbate; liposomal; IV (sodium ascorbate) | Collagen; immunity; antioxidant and antitoxin; antihistamine; adrenal and brain chemistry; iron absorption | Maintenance: 2,000 mg (OMNS optimum); healthy bowel tolerance 4–15 g a day (Cathcart); Pauling recommended 6,000–18,000 mg a day, at least 3,000 mg for prevention, and took 18,000 mg himself (OMNS v14n12, v06n20). Therapeutic (oral): "8,000 to 40,000 mg per day for an adult" (Saul); bowel tolerance in grams per 24 hours: mild cold 30–60, flu 100–150, mononucleosis 150–200+ (Cathcart); 6–18 g or to bowel tolerance with lysine 5–6 g and proline up to 2 g (Pauling–Rath heart therapy, OMNS v18n27); 1 g an hour at the start of a cold (Pauling, OMNS v21n11). Therapeutic (IV, licensed practitioner only): 400–700 mg/kg per 24 hours (Cathcart); Riordan test series of 15, 25 and 50 g. Safe limit: reduce to just below loose stool; "up to 50 grams per day, infused slowly, are not toxic." Other views (the course follows Pauling and Saul): Dr. Brownstein, 3,000–5,000 mg a day when healthy, doubled or tripled when ill. Dr. Blaylock prefers buffered calcium or magnesium ascorbate, 1,000 mg three times a day between meals. RDA 75–90 mg. (Practical Notes, Titrating to Bowel Tolerance, OMNS v16n07) | Kidney stones (oxalate) or kidney disease; iron overload (hemochromatosis); G6PD deficiency (screen before high or IV doses). Distorts some glucose-meter and stool-blood tests. Chewables wear enamel. Sodium ascorbate adds sodium. | 2 |
| Vitamin D3 — cholecalciferol (D2 is weaker) | Immunity; bone; muscle; mood and brain; calms inflammation | Course authority, Dr. Joseph Mercola: sunlight first (near solar noon, large areas of skin, never burn); test 25(OH)D and aim for 60–80 ng/mL (sufficiency starts around 40). His guideline amounts: adults 5,000 IU a day, pregnancy 8,000 IU, ages 5–10 2,500 IU, under age 5 35 IU per pound, adjusted by retesting every 3–6 months. Always with magnesium and vitamin K2 (about 100–200 mcg of K2 per 1,000 IU, citing Rhéaume-Bleue; the ratio is not settled). D3, not D2. (Mercola: Vitamin D, Vitamin D resources) OMNS: 2,000 IU for basic prevention; 4,000–6,000 IU to reach 40–70 ng/mL; 5,000–10,000 IU or 60–100 IU per kg (MS protocol); safe up to 10,000 IU a day long-term; toxicity only above 150 ng/mL or above 40,000 IU a day for long periods. Other views: Dr. Blaylock, 5,000 IU to reach 65–100 ng/mL; Grant and colleagues, about 8,000 IU a day if untested. RDA 600–800 IU. (OMNS v21n04, OMNS v14n15, Supplement limits) | Test 25(OH)D periodically. High blood calcium, sarcoidosis or other granulomatous disease, parathyroid disease, kidney stones or kidney disease, lymphoma. Thiazide diuretics and digoxin: doctor first. | 4 |
| Vitamin E — d-alpha tocopherol (natural), mixed tocopherols, tocotrienols; avoid dl-alpha (synthetic) | Membrane antioxidant; heart and circulation (Shutes); skin; tocotrienols in cancer research (Brownstein) | Maintenance: 200–400 IU natural mixed tocopherols (at least 200, perhaps 400 IU in pregnancy). Therapeutic (Shute protocol): 450–1,600 IU for coronary disease; 600–1,600 IU for thrombophlebitis and burns; start at 200 IU and raise 200 IU every 2 weeks. Safe limit: "as high as 3200 IU per day harmlessly"; no more than 1,200 IU on anticoagulants. Dr. Brownstein: delta-tocotrienol 100–200 mg a day for prevention (alpha-tocopherol may block it); Dr. Blaylock: mixed tocopherols 400–800 IU plus about 100 mg tocotrienols. RDA 22 IU. (Shute protocol, Vitamin E, OMNS v03n10) | Blood thinners (no more than 1,200 IU, and only with the doctor), bleeding disorders; stop about 2 weeks before surgery. High blood pressure or rheumatic heart disease: start at 75 IU and raise slowly (Shute). Digitalis and insulin users: doctor. Take about 9 hours apart from iron. | 2 |
| Vitamin K1 — phylloquinone | Blood clotting; bone | Neither site gives a dose; leafy greens supply it. RDA (AI) 90–120 mcg. (Vitamin K) | Warfarin: keep intake steady and never change it without the doctor. | 4 |
| Vitamin K2 — MK-7, MK-4 | Moves calcium into bones and teeth and out of arteries | Maintenance: 100 mcg, or 100 mcg for each 5,000–10,000 IU of vitamin D3; 180 mcg a day used in trials; Grant and colleagues suggest 150–200 mcg a day with vitamin D. Safe limit: "at any dose tried, there was no apparent toxicity" (MK-7 study). MK-4 is used at up to 45 mg in Japanese bone studies. (OMNS v19n28, OMNS v18n22) | Warfarin (Coumadin): never start or stop without the doctor. Other blood thinners: ask the doctor. | 4 |
| Multivitamin-mineral — high-potency, taken with meals | A base of the B vitamins, trace minerals and some vitamin D; does not hold enough vitamin C, E, D or magnesium | Common amount: as labeled, split between meals (Dr. Saul takes his twice a day with food); extra C, E, D and magnesium are taken separately. | Iron-containing formulas: not for men or women past menopause unless iron is low. Retinol (preformed vitamin A) in pregnancy. Vitamin K content with warfarin. Take thyroid medication 4 hours apart. | Index only |
| PABA — para-aminobenzoic acid | Part of the folate molecule; skin (historically vitiligo and sun sensitivity) | Common amount: 100–500 mg a day. Gram doses are prescription-only and doctor-supervised. | Sulfa antibiotics (blocks their action). Liver problems at high doses; low blood sugar. Pregnancy: no safety data. | Index only |
Minerals
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boron | Bone and joints; helps vitamin D and sex hormones | Maintenance: 0.5–3 mg, "with 1 mg/day commonly suggested"; Dr. Saul (Masterclass) 1–3 mg for bones. Safe limit: above 100 mg a day can cause skin rash, diarrhea, nausea and lethargy. (Osteoporosis, Boron) | May raise estrogen and testosterone: hormone-sensitive conditions need the doctor. Kidney disease. | 5 |
| Calcium — citrate, carbonate, from food | Bones and teeth; nerves; muscles; heart rhythm | Course position: food first, about 1,000 mg a day mostly from food (Dr. Saul cites the RDA of about 1,000 mg); any supplement is paired with magnesium, D3 and K2. Dr. Blaylock: "If you take calcium supplements, you should take magnesium as well," and he puts adequate calcium at about 600 mg a day. If following Dr. Levy's protocol: "Never supplement calcium." (Osteoporosis, OMNS v19n36) | Kidney stones, high blood calcium, parathyroid disease, heart disease: doctor first. Dr. Blaylock links supplemental calcium above 500 mg a day with prostate cancer risk and warns never to give calcium to someone low in magnesium. Take apart from thyroid hormone, iron, zinc, bisphosphonates and tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics. Thiazides and high-dose vitamin D raise calcium. | 5 |
| Chromium — polynicotinate, picolinate (avoid chromium chloride) | Helps insulin move sugar into cells; steadies cravings and mood | Maintenance: 200 mcg (OMNS optimum). Therapeutic: 200–400 mcg a day "if there is any breath of a hint of hypoglycemia." Safe limit: "way too much" may cause harmless skin irritation (no amount given). (OMNS v03n10, Diabetes) | Can lower blood sugar: clients on insulin or diabetes drugs monitor closely with their doctor. Kidney or liver disease. | 3, 5 |
| Copper — glycinate, gluconate | Red blood cells; collagen; nerve coverings; energy | Course position (OMNS): 2 mg a day alongside zinc, at about 15 mg zinc to 1 mg copper. If following Dr. Levy's protocol: with normal hemoglobin and hematocrit, "NO iron or copper should ever be supplemented." (OMNS v18n30, OMNS v19n28, OMNS v19n36) | Wilson's disease. Copper excess (Pfeiffer) with estrogen, birth control pills or copper pipes. Liver disease. | 5 |
| Iodine — Lugol's solution, Iodoral, potassium iodide, kelp | Thyroid hormone; breast, ovary and prostate tissue (Farrow, Brownstein, Sircus) | Course authority, Dr. David Brownstein: healthy adults 12.5–25 mg a day; thyroid or breast disease 25–50 mg; pregnancy and breastfeeding 12–25 mg; children 0.5–3 mg by weight; as Lugol's solution or Iodoral, always with selenium, magnesium, vitamin C and unrefined salt. Need is measured with Dr. Abraham's 24-hour iodine loading test (50 mg dose; about 90% excreted when sufficient). Bromide detox is eased by salt loading: ½ teaspoon of unrefined salt in water, then plain water. (Arukah Iodine lesson; Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It) OMNS: "adults need 2-5 mg of iodide daily"; "15-50 mg daily may be needed" for thyroid problems, fibrocystic breasts or cancer. Overdose signs: swollen salivary glands, metallic taste, rash, palpitations, diarrhea. RDA 150 mcg. (OMNS v13n14) | Brownstein: "Iodine doesn't cause Hashimoto's—iodine deficiency does"; he uses iodine with selenium and magnesium in Hashimoto's. Clients with a thyroid condition, on thyroid medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, older adults, or with dermatitis herpetiformis work with an iodine-literate practitioner who monitors thyroid labs. Amiodarone and lithium. Potassium iodide with ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics can raise potassium. | 5 |
| Iron — bisglycinate, ferrous sulfate, heme iron | Carries oxygen in red blood cells; energy | Course position (OMNS): no routine dose; supplement only for lab-confirmed anemia, with the doctor. If following Dr. Levy's protocol: no iron at all when hemoglobin and hematocrit are normal; he regards ferritin above 25 ng/mL as the start of iron excess. Safe limit: a fatal dose for a child "could be as little as 600 milligrams." (OMNS v19n28, OMNS v19n36, Iron) | Never without labs (ferritin, iron panel). Hemochromatosis, thalassemia, frequent transfusions. Lock it away from children. Take apart from thyroid hormone, calcium, zinc, vitamin E and some antibiotics. | 5 |
| Lithium (low-dose) | Mood stability; studied in drinking water | Maintenance: "'Natural' lithium dosage - 150 micrograms daily" (Werbach). Drug doses (hundreds of milligrams) are prescription only. (Werbach) | Drug-dose lithium needs blood-level testing. Kidney or thyroid disease; diuretics, NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors raise lithium levels: doctor first. | Index only |
| Magnesium — citrate, glycinate, malate, taurate, L-threonate, chloride, sulfate (Epsom); avoid oxide | Over 300 enzymes; energy; relaxed muscles and blood vessels; heart rhythm; sleep; activates vitamin D | Course authority, Dr. Carolyn Dean: about 600 mg a day: "I caution you against taking less than 600 mg/day if you want real results." She favors picometer, stabilized ionic magnesium (her ReMag product), diluted in a liter of sea-salted water and sipped through the day, and finds that oxide is only about 4% absorbed and most forms loosen the bowel before a therapeutic dose. Calcium and magnesium belong at about 1:1, not 10:1, with calcium from food (about 700 mg). (There Really Is Only One Magnesium, The Dance of Calcium and Magnesium) OMNS: 500 mg optimum; start at 200 mg and rise slowly to 600 mg in divided doses; children 100–200 mg under age 12, 300–400 mg over; toxicity "extremely rare"; optimal RBC magnesium 6.0–6.5 mg/dL. Other views: Dr. Blaylock, 500 mg twice a day with food as citrate, malate, threonate or slow-release malate; avoid aspartate. RDA 310–420 mg. (OMNS v03n08, OMNS v17n10, OMNS v18n33) | Kidney failure (only if a doctor directs). Heart block, bowel obstruction, myasthenia gravis. Take 2–4 hours apart from thyroid hormone, bisphosphonates and tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics. Adds to blood pressure drugs. | 5 |
| Manganese | Bone; the antioxidant enzyme SOD; blood sugar and fat metabolism | Maintenance: about 4–5 mg a day. Therapeutic: 15–60 mg a day as chelate for drug-induced movement disorders (1976 study, Pfeiffer era). Safe limit: above 60 mg a day caused tremor and drooling, which stopped when the dose was lowered. (JOM 1996, JOM 1976) | Liver disease (builds up and can harm the brain). Iron deficiency increases its absorption. | 5 |
| Molybdenum | Enzymes that clear sulfites and uric acid | Maintenance: 150–500 mcg as sold. Therapeutic: "500 mcg AM and PM" to prevent sulfite reactions. (JOM 1984) | High doses can cause gout-like symptoms and copper loss. Kidney disease. | 5 |
| Phosphorus — phosphates | Bones and teeth; energy (ATP); cell membranes | Common amount: rarely needed; meat, dairy, grains and soft drinks supply plenty. RDA 700 mg. | Kidney disease. Too much phosphorus with too little calcium weakens bone; cola drinkers often get excess. | Index only |
| Potassium — from fruits, vegetables and juices; gluconate, citrate | Heart rhythm; blood pressure; nerves; muscles | Maintenance: food and juices first; about 0.5 g a day as a supplement in one study. Therapeutic: 600 mg a day as gluconate for PMS (some needed 1.2 g); 1.6–4.0 g a day for deficiency, under a doctor. Over-the-counter pills are limited to 99 mg. (JOM 1998) | High potassium is "generally limited to those persons with kidney failure and Addison's disease." Also avoid with dehydration, low urine output, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium-sparing diuretics, spironolactone, and salt substitutes, unless the doctor approves. | 5 |
| Selenium — selenomethionine, selenium yeast, Se-methylselenocysteine, Brazil nuts | Glutathione peroxidase; thyroid hormone activation; immunity | Maintenance: 200 mcg (OMNS optimum); Dr. Saul 100–300 mcg. Therapeutic: 100–300 mcg. Safe limit: "High doses of selenium (> 400 mcg/d) can be toxic and should be avoided." (OMNS v03n10, OMNS v19n28, Congestive heart failure) | Selenosis above 400 mcg a day: garlic breath, brittle nails, hair loss, nerve symptoms. One Brazil nut varies widely in selenium. | 5 |
| Silica — silicon; orthosilicic acid, horsetail, bamboo extract | Collagen, hair, skin, nails and bone | Common amount: 5–20 mg of silicon a day. | Kidney disease. Horsetail: use only thiaminase-free products, and it is a diuretic (avoid with lithium or water pills). Pregnancy: no safety data. | Index only |
| Sodium — unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt | Fluids; nerves; stomach acid; Brownstein uses it to help clear bromide | Course position (Arukah iodine lesson): use unrefined sea salt or Himalayan salt instead of refined, iodized salt; "No-salt diets are incompatible with life" (Brownstein). During iodine supplementation: salt loading, ½ teaspoon of unrefined salt dissolved in water followed by plain water, to ease bromide detox symptoms (Farrow, The Iodine Crisis). Lesson 5. | High blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease or swelling: follow the doctor's sodium limit, including for salt loading. Salt substitutes are high in potassium. | 5 |
| Strontium — strontium citrate | Bone density (studied in osteoporosis) | Common amount: 340–680 mg of elemental strontium a day, taken apart from calcium. | Falsely raises bone-density scan results; tell the doctor. History of blood clots or heart disease (the prescription form raised these risks). Kidney disease. Pregnancy and children. | Index only |
| Sulfur — MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) | Connective tissue; joints; supports glutathione | Neither site gives an adult dose (one DoctorYourself.com case report only); 1–6 g a day is used in joint studies. (Muscular dystrophy) | Generally well tolerated; stomach upset or headache. Little safety data in pregnancy. | 5 |
| Trace mineral complexes — sea-mineral drops, fulvic and humic acid | Broad trace minerals; electrolytes | Common amount: as labeled. | Kidney disease (many are high in magnesium). Quality varies: choose products tested for heavy metals. | Index only |
| Vanadium — vanadyl sulfate | Studied for insulin sensitivity | Common amount: trace amounts (10–100 mcg) in multis; high doses (50–100 mg) used only short-term in studies. | Diabetes medication (low blood sugar). Kidney disease. Stomach upset and green tongue. Not for long-term high doses or pregnancy. | Index only |
| Zinc — picolinate, glycinate, gluconate, citrate; oxide is poorly absorbed | Immunity; wound healing; skin; taste and smell; hormones; insulin; Pfeiffer's mental-health work | Maintenance: 25 mg (OMNS optimum); "safe at a dose of 20 - 50 mg"; children 15 mg. Therapeutic: 50 mg a day with 2 mg copper for immune support (Dr. Saul: 50 mg as chelate, gluconate or citrate). Safe limit: "Intake of zinc should be kept to under 100 mg per day." RDA 8–11 mg. (Zinc, OMNS v03n10, OMNS v17n02) | Long-term high zinc lowers copper and iron; pair with copper as above. Nausea on an empty stomach. Never use zinc nasal sprays (loss of smell). Take apart from quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics and penicillamine. | 5 |
Fatty acids
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) — grass-fed meat and dairy, supplements | Body composition; cancer research (Blaylock) | Neither site gives a dose. Dr. Blaylock's Wellness Report: 1,000–2,000 mg maintenance, caution above 4,000 mg. | No CLA in pregnancy or breastfeeding (Blaylock); he notes it may speed some intestinal and liver cancers. Some forms may worsen insulin resistance: diabetes needs the doctor. Blood thinners. Stomach upset. | 4 |
| Flaxseed oil — ALA (alpha-linolenic acid); ground flax and chia | Plant omega-3; ground seeds add fiber and lignans | Common amount: 1–2 tablespoons of oil or ground seed a day. Little ALA converts to EPA and DHA, so it does not replace fish oil (Lesson 4). | Blood thinners (mild). Ground flax binds medications: take them 2 hours apart. Keep the oil refrigerated. | Index only |
| GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) — evening primrose, borage, black currant seed oil | Skin; PMS and breast tenderness; nerve health; joints | Therapeutic: borage oil 1.1–2.8 g a day for at least three months for rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Blaylock: 1,000 mg GLA a day, best from borage oil. No maintenance dose given. (Borage) | Months of borage oil need a doctor's supervision and possibly liver tests; use oil certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Blood thinners. Seizure history or phenothiazine drugs (evening primrose). Pregnancy. | 4 |
| Lecithin and phosphatidylcholine — soy or sunflower granules, liquid | Liver and gallbladder; a choline source; emulsifies fats | Common amount: 1–2 tablespoons of granules a day. | Soy allergy (choose sunflower). Stomach upset at high amounts. | Index only |
| MCT oil — medium-chain triglycerides (C8, C10), coconut oil | Quick energy and ketones; satiety; used in keto and brain-energy diets | Common amount: start with 1 teaspoon and build to 1–2 tablespoons a day. | Diarrhea and cramps if started too fast. Liver cirrhosis. Type 1 diabetes (ketones). | Index only |
| Omega-3 — EPA and DHA (fish oil, krill oil, algae oil, cod liver oil); ALA (flax, chia, walnuts) | Brain and nerve membranes (DHA); mood; heart; eyes; calms inflammation | Maintenance: more than 500 mg EPA plus DHA a day, aiming for an omega-3 index above 8%. Therapeutic: about 3 g a day for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune conditions; 2,000–4,000 mg in the OMNS measles protocol. Safe limit: 3 g or more is a "large dose"; Orthomolecular.org links more than 3 g a day with a higher risk of bleeding stroke. Dr. Blaylock favors DHA: products at least 70% DHA, about 1,000 mg pure DHA a day, and EPA no more than 200–300 mg a day. (OMNS v19n28, Fish oil, Omega-3) | Blood thinners, bleeding disorders, upcoming surgery, uncontrolled high blood pressure. May raise blood sugar in diabetes. High doses linked to atrial fibrillation. Fish allergy: algae oil and the doctor. Rancid (fishy) oil. Cod liver oil adds vitamins A and D. | 4 |
| Omega-7 — sea buckthorn oil (palmitoleic acid) | Mucous membranes; dry eyes and dry skin | Common amount: 1–2 g a day. | Blood thinners. Little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Phosphatidylserine — soy or sunflower | Memory and focus in older adults; calms the cortisol stress response | Common amount: 100 mg three times a day. | Blood thinners. Anticholinergic medications. Soy allergy (soy-based products). | Index only |
Amino acids
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-HTP | Converts directly to serotonin; mood; sleep | Neither site gives a dose; 50–300 mg is common in studies. DoctorYourself.com: it "should not be taken by anyone using SSRI" drugs. (Newsletter) | SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs and other serotonin drugs (serotonin syndrome). Pregnancy. | 3 |
| Arginine | Makes nitric oxide; blood flow; circulation | Orthomolecular.org: the body "makes enough." Therapeutic: 1.5 g a day for 6 months (interstitial cystitis); 5,600–12,600 mg in heart failure (Werbach). (Arginine, Congestive heart failure) | Kidney or liver disease. Herpes (can trigger outbreaks). Very high doses (30 g a day) promoted cancer cell growth. Not after a heart attack. Low blood pressure, nitrates or erectile-dysfunction drugs. | Index only |
| BCAAs — branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, valine | Muscle building and recovery | Common amount: 5–10 g around exercise. Most people get enough from protein foods. | ALS (an Italian study raised concern). Maple syrup urine disease. Can lower blood sugar. | Index only |
| Beta-alanine | Muscle endurance (raises carnosine in muscle) | Common amount: 3.2–6.4 g a day in divided doses. | Harmless tingling of the skin at higher single doses. Little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Carnitine — L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) | Carries fat into mitochondria for energy; heart; memory (ALCAR) | Therapeutic: L-carnitine 2,000 mg a day in heart failure. (Congestive heart failure) | May blunt thyroid hormone: thyroid conditions need the doctor. Seizure history. Warfarin (reports of stronger effect). Fishy body odor. | Index only |
| Carnosine — L-carnosine | Antioxidant; slows sugar damage to proteins (glycation) | Common amount: 500–1,000 mg a day. | Few known; little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Citrulline — L-citrulline, citrulline malate | Blood flow (raises nitric oxide); exercise endurance | Common amount: 3–6 g of L-citrulline (6–8 g citrulline malate) a day. | Nitrate heart medication and erectile-dysfunction drugs (dangerous drop in blood pressure). Low blood pressure. | Index only |
| Creatine — creatine monohydrate | Strength and muscle in all ages; brain energy | Common amount: 3–5 g a day; no loading needed. | Kidney disease (doctor first). Raises the creatinine lab reading. Water retention. Take with plenty of water. | Index only |
| D-aspartic acid | Popular for male hormone support; evidence is weak and mixed | Common amount: 2–3 g a day for a few weeks. | Hormone-sensitive conditions. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| GABA — gamma-aminobutyric acid | Relaxation | Common amount: 100–750 mg a day. How much reaches the brain is debated. | Sedatives and sleep medication. Low blood pressure. Pregnancy: no safety data. | Index only |
| Glutamine (L-glutamine) | Fuel for the gut lining and immune cells; muscle recovery | Therapeutic: "probably two or three grams daily" in alcohol recovery; 10–15 g three times a day in the OMNS MS protocol; "as high as 40,000 milligrams" for serious diarrhea, under supervision only. (Alcohol protocol, OMNS v14n15) | Severe cirrhosis or hepatic encephalopathy. Dr. Blaylock cautions about glutamine in neurological disease because it can convert to glutamate. Seizure disorders and cancer: doctor. | Index only |
| Glycine | Calm and deeper sleep; collagen; glutathione | Orthomolecular.org: "Healthy people do not need to supplement." Therapeutic: 780 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 390 mg (with alanine and glutamic acid, for prostate enlargement). Sleep studies use about 3 g at bedtime. (Glycine) | Generally safe. Clozapine (may reduce its effect). | Index only |
| HMB — beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate | Preserves muscle in older adults and during bed rest | Common amount: 3 g a day. | Few known; little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Lysine and proline | Collagen; cold sores; with vitamin C in the Pauling–Rath heart protocol | Therapeutic: lysine "about 3 grams" a day for herpes; Pauling–Rath therapy: lysine 5–6 g plus proline 1–2 g a day with vitamin C 6–18 g (to bowel tolerance). (Herpes, OMNS v18n27, OMNS v19n28) | Kidney disease. Lysine increases calcium absorption. | 2 |
| NAC (N-acetylcysteine) | Raises glutathione; thins mucus; protects the liver | Maintenance: 500 mg a day (OMNS prevention protocol). Therapeutic: 600 mg twice a day; 600–2,000 mg a day (OMNS measles protocol). (OMNS v16n31, OMNS v21n18) | Nitroglycerin (headache, low blood pressure). Bleeding disorders. Asthma (inhaled NAC can tighten airways). Sulfur smell. | 2 |
| Ornithine — L-ornithine | Ammonia clearance; sleep and stress | Common amount: 400 mg–3 g a day. | Few known; little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Phenylalanine — DL-phenylalanine (DLPA), L-phenylalanine | Mood; pain relief (DLPA) | Common amount: 500–1,500 mg a day. | PKU (never). MAOI antidepressants. High blood pressure. Schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| SAMe and methionine | Methylation; mood; joints; liver | Therapeutic: SAMe 400 mg a day (OMNS case report); 400–1,600 mg is used in mood and joint studies. (OMNS v11n05) | Bipolar disorder (can trigger mania). Antidepressants (serotonin syndrome risk). Levodopa. Methionine raises homocysteine without B vitamins. | 3 |
| Taurine | Heart rhythm; bile; calm nerves; eyes | Therapeutic: 4,000–6,000 mg a day in heart failure (Werbach, cited on DoctorYourself.com). (Congestive heart failure) | Generally safe. May add to blood pressure drugs. | Index only |
| Theanine — L-theanine (from green tea) | Calm focus without drowsiness; sleep quality | Common amount: 100–400 mg a day. | Blood pressure medication (may lower it further). Stimulants. | Index only |
| Tryptophan | Building block of serotonin, melatonin and niacin; sleep; mood | Therapeutic: "around 1,000 to 1,500 mg, taken a couple of hours before bedtime" for sleep; up to 3 g a day for hard-to-treat pain. Dr. Saul also favors tryptophan foods such as cashews. (Sleep, Tryptophan) | High doses: stomach upset, headache, sleepiness. Never with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, tramadol or dextromethorphan without the doctor (serotonin syndrome). Pregnancy. | 3 |
| Tyrosine (and L-DOPA from Mucuna) | Makes dopamine, norepinephrine and thyroid hormone; focus under stress | Therapeutic: 500 mg a day when labs show low levels (OMNS case report). (OMNS v21n43) | MAOIs (dangerous blood pressure spikes). Overactive thyroid or thyroid medication. Levodopa. L-DOPA products only with the doctor. | Index only |
| Whey protein — concentrate, isolate | Complete protein; supports glutathione (rich in cysteine) | Common amount: 20–30 g per serving. | Milk allergy (isolate has less lactose). Advanced kidney disease (high protein). | Index only |
Antioxidants and cofactors
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-GPC and citicoline — CDP-choline | Memory and focus; brain choline | Common amount: alpha-GPC 300–600 mg; citicoline 250–1,000 mg a day. | Anticholinergic medications. Headache or upset stomach. Little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Alpha-lipoic acid — R-ALA, racemic ALA | Works in water and fat; recycles C, E and glutathione; blood sugar; nerve comfort in diabetes | Therapeutic: 300–600 mg a day (OMNS measles protocol); 300 mg twice a day (OMNS case report). (OMNS v21n18, OMNS v21n43) | Can lower blood sugar with diabetes drugs. May affect thyroid hormone. People low in thiamine (heavy drinkers) take thiamine with it. Chemotherapy: oncologist. | 2 |
| Astaxanthin | Strong carotenoid antioxidant; eyes; skin; exercise recovery | Neither site gives a dose; 4–12 mg a day is common in studies. | May add to blood pressure drugs. Seafood or algae allergy. Little pregnancy data. | Index only |
| Coenzyme Q10 — ubiquinone, ubiquinol | Mitochondrial energy; heart; replaces what statins deplete | Therapeutic: 100–300 mg a day (OMNS measles protocol); for cardiomyopathy, "400 mg of CoQ10 per day would be a minimum effective dose, and 500 to 600 mg/day would be better." "35 or 50 mg/day simply will not work." Dr. Blaylock suggests at least 300 mg three times a day for statin users. Take with a fatty meal. (Cardiomyopathy, OMNS v21n18) | May weaken warfarin. May lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Chemotherapy: the oncologist decides. | 2, 6 |
| D-ribose | Heart and muscle energy (ATP); fatigue and fibromyalgia | Common amount: 5 g one to three times a day. | Diabetes (can lower blood sugar). Pregnancy: no safety data. | Index only |
| Glutathione — reduced, liposomal, S-acetyl; IV by a doctor | The cell's main antioxidant; detoxification | Therapeutic: 500–1,000 mg a day by mouth; 600–1,200 mg IV twice a week, given "only by someone with full training." (OMNS v21n18, OMNS v11n05) | Asthma (inhaled form can tighten airways). Chemotherapy: oncologist. Sulfur sensitivity. | 2 |
| Melatonin | Sleep and body clock; antioxidant; brain protection (Blaylock) | Maintenance: 1–5 mg a day (OMNS prevention protocol). Therapeutic: "3 to 6 mg … taken about an hour before bedtime" for sleep. Safe limit: "studies using over 200 mg/day failed to show harm." (Sleep, OMNS v16n31) | Drowsiness: no driving after. Blood thinners, immunosuppressants, diabetes and blood pressure drugs, sedatives; fluvoxamine raises its level. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune disease and children: doctor. | Index only |
| NAD+ precursors — NR (nicotinamide riboside), NMN; niacin and niacinamide (Lesson 3) | Cell energy; popular for healthy aging | Common amount: NR or NMN 250–500 mg a day. Niacin and niacinamide (Lesson 3) also raise NAD+ and cost far less. | Little long-term data. Pregnancy. Active cancer: oncologist. | Index only |
| OPCs — Pycnogenol (pine bark), grape seed extract | Circulation and vein health; blood pressure; antioxidant | Common amount: Pycnogenol 100–200 mg; grape seed extract 100–300 mg a day. | Blood thinners; stop before surgery. Autoimmune disease and immunosuppressants (Pycnogenol). | Index only |
| PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) | Supports new mitochondria; energy; brain | Neither site gives a dose; 10–20 mg a day is common in studies. | Little long-term safety data; avoid in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Spermidine — wheat germ extract | Popular for healthy aging (cell clean-up, called autophagy) | Common amount: 1–6 mg a day. | Wheat germ: gluten in some products. Little long-term data. | Index only |
Phytonutrients
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berberine — from goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape | Blood sugar; cholesterol; gut microbes | Common amount: 500 mg two or three times a day with meals. | Pregnancy and breastfeeding (never). Diabetes medication (additive). Many drug interactions (cyclosporine, some heart and blood-pressure drugs). Constipation or upset stomach. | Index only |
| Bioflavonoids — rutin, hesperidin, citrus bioflavonoids | Strengthen capillaries and veins; partner of vitamin C | Therapeutic: for cold sores, "1,000 mg vitamin C and 1,000 mg bioflavonoids, and then 500 mg of each, three times a day." (Bioflavonoids) | Generally safe. Grapefruit flavonoids (naringin) interact with many drugs. | 2 |
| Curcumin (from turmeric) — with piperine, phytosome, nano or other enhanced forms | Calms inflammation; joints; brain | No maintenance dose on either site; nano-curcumin 160 mg twice a day was used in hospital sepsis care (OMNS). 500–2,000 mg of enhanced forms is common in studies. (OMNS v19n33) | OMNS: do not take before surgery (slows clotting). Gallstones or blocked bile ducts. Blood thinners. Diabetes drugs. Iron deficiency. Piperine boosts absorption of many drugs. Rare liver injury with high-absorption forms. | Index only |
| EGCG (green tea catechins) | Antioxidant; metabolism | Neither site gives a dose; brewed green tea, or extracts up to about 800 mg EGCG a day with food. | Concentrated extracts have caused liver injury, especially on an empty stomach. Caffeine. Lowers iron absorption. Nadolol and bortezomib interactions. | Index only |
| Lutein and zeaxanthin | Protect the macula of the eye | DoctorYourself.com: greens 3–5 times a week give the equivalent of about 6 mg of lutein a day. The AREDS2 eye formula uses 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin. (Supplement limits) | Very safe; skin may turn slightly yellow at high doses. Preferred over beta-carotene for smokers. | 6 |
| Lycopene (cooked tomatoes) | Prostate; heart; skin | Therapeutic: 15 mg a day for prostate enlargement; best absorbed with oil. (Prostate) | Very safe. Tomato allergy. | Index only |
| Quercetin | Steadies mast cells (natural antihistamine); immunity; works with vitamin C and zinc | Maintenance: 500 mg a day (OMNS prevention protocol). Therapeutic: 500–1,500 mg a day (OMNS measles protocol). (OMNS v16n31, OMNS v21n18) | Quinolone antibiotics, cyclosporine and some chemotherapy. Kidney disease at high doses. Blood thinners. | Index only |
| Resveratrol | Heart and blood vessels; blood sugar; aging research | Therapeutic: 200–500 mg a day (OMNS measles protocol); 400 mg each morning (OMNS MS protocol). (OMNS v21n18, OMNS v14n15) | Blood thinners. Hormone-sensitive conditions (weak estrogen effect). Interacts with drugs cleared by the liver. | Index only |
Gut and digestive aids
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activated charcoal | Binds toxins and gas (short-term) | Common amount: 500–1,000 mg as needed, short-term. | Take 2 hours apart from food, medications and supplements (it binds them too). Constipation; bowel obstruction. Not for daily long-term use. | Index only |
| Apple cider vinegar — liquid, capsules | Blood sugar after meals; digestion | Common amount: 1–2 tablespoons in a glass of water before meals. | Dilute it and rinse: tooth enamel and throat. Low potassium with water pills or digoxin. Slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis). | Index only |
| Betaine HCl (with pepsin) | Supports stomach acid for protein, B12 and mineral absorption (Dr. Jonathan Wright) | Neither site gives a dose; usually one capsule with a protein meal, raised cautiously, following the half-dose start above. | Ulcers, gastritis or erosive reflux. NSAIDs, aspirin or steroids (ulcer risk). Acid-blocker users. Stop at any burning. | Index only |
| Collagen and bone broth | Skin, joints, gut lining | Neither site gives a dose; both stress that the body needs vitamin C to make collagen. Collagen peptides 5–15 g a day are common. | Generally safe. Choose products tested for lead. Long-cooked broth is high in histamine. Kidney stone formers: high intake adds oxalate. | Index only |
| Colostrum — bovine | Gut lining; immunity | Common amount: 10–20 g of powder a day, or 1–2 g in capsules. | Milk allergy. | Index only |
| Digestive enzymes — pancreatin, bromelain, papain, plant enzymes | Break down protein, fat and carbohydrate | DoctorYourself.com: "Begin with only one-half of the recommended amount, and gradually increase." (Digestion) | Persistent indigestion needs a doctor. Pork allergy (pancreatin); pineapple allergy (bromelain). Bromelain with blood thinners. Ulcers, gastritis, acute pancreatitis. | Index only |
| Fiber — psyllium husk, glucomannan, acacia, inulin | Regularity; cholesterol; blood sugar; feeds gut bacteria | Common amount: start with 1 teaspoon and build to 1 tablespoon one to three times a day, each with a full glass of water. | Bowel narrowing or obstruction; trouble swallowing (glucomannan must be taken with water). Take medications 2 hours apart. | Index only |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin | Cartilage and joint comfort | Therapeutic: "1500 mg/day is a common therapeutic dose" of glucosamine, with chondroitin 1,200 mg; called "exceptionally safe." (Stenosis) | Shellfish allergy (source). Warfarin (bleeding reports). May affect blood sugar slightly; glaucoma; asthma. | Index only |
| Prebiotics — inulin, FOS, GOS, resistant starch, partially hydrolyzed guar gum | Feed beneficial bacteria; regularity | Neither site gives a dose; 3–10 g a day, starting low, is common. | Gas and bloating. IBS, SIBO or FODMAP sensitivity. | Index only |
| Probiotics — Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii | Healthy gut flora; immunity; recovery after antibiotics | Maintenance: "Probiotics >30 billion a day" (OMNS prevention protocol). Therapeutic: at least 25 billion CFU (OMNS MS protocol); during and after antibiotics, increasing strength and strains if needed. (OMNS v16n31, OMNS v14n15, OMNS v19n28) | Severely weakened immunity, central IV lines, critical illness, premature infants (rare bloodstream infections). SIBO may worsen. Take bacteria 2 hours apart from antibiotics. | Index only |
| Zinc carnosine | Stomach lining; ulcers and heartburn | Common amount: 75 mg twice a day. | Counts toward total zinc (copper balance, Lesson 5). | Index only |
Enzymes
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bromelain — from pineapple | With meals: protein digestion. Between meals: swelling and inflammation | Common amount: 200–500 mg two or three times a day. | Pineapple allergy. Blood thinners. Raises absorption of some antibiotics (amoxicillin, tetracycline). | Index only |
| Nattokinase — from natto (fermented soy) | Breaks down fibrin; circulation; blood pressure | Common amount: 2,000 FU (about 100 mg) once or twice a day. | Blood thinners and bleeding disorders; stop 2 weeks before surgery. Ulcers. Soy allergy. | Index only |
| Serrapeptase | Inflammation and swelling; thins mucus | Common amount: 10–60 mg (20,000–120,000 SU) a day on an empty stomach. | Blood thinners; stop before surgery. Bleeding disorders. | Index only |
Whole-food and specialty supplements
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bee products — bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly | Nutrients; propolis for throat and immunity | Common amount: bee pollen, start with a few granules and build to 1–2 teaspoons; propolis 400–500 mg; royal jelly 300–1,000 mg a day. | Bee sting, pollen or ragweed allergy and asthma (risk of severe reaction). Blood thinners (propolis). | Index only |
| Beta-glucans — from yeast, oats, mushrooms | Immunity; oat beta-glucan lowers cholesterol | Common amount: yeast beta-glucan 250–500 mg; oat beta-glucan 3 g a day. | Immunosuppressant drugs. Autoimmune disease. | Index only |
| Electrolytes — sodium, potassium, magnesium mixes | Hydration in heat, exercise, fasting and illness | Common amount: as labeled; see sodium, potassium and magnesium above. | Kidney disease and heart failure. Potassium with ACE inhibitors, ARBs or potassium-sparing water pills. Blood pressure on a salt-restricted diet: doctor first. | Index only |
| Hyaluronic acid | Joint lubrication; skin moisture | Common amount: 120–240 mg a day. | Few known; little data in pregnancy. | Index only |
| Moringa — leaf powder | Nutrient-dense greens; blood sugar | Common amount: 1–2 teaspoons of leaf powder a day. | Pregnancy (root and bark). Diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid medication. | Index only |
| Sea moss — Irish moss gel, capsules | Minerals, including iodine | Common amount: 1–2 tablespoons of gel a day. | Iodine content varies widely: thyroid conditions and anyone on an iodine plan (Lesson 5). Heavy metals: buy tested. | Index only |
| Shilajit — purified resin | Fulvic acid and minerals; energy; popular for men's health | Common amount: 250–500 mg a day of purified product. | Raw or unpurified shilajit can contain heavy metals. High iron conditions (hemochromatosis). Gout. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Spirulina and chlorella — algae powders and tablets | Protein, chlorophyll, minerals and B vitamins; chlorella binds some toxins | Common amount: spirulina 1–8 g; chlorella 2–10 g a day. | Buy tested products (algae toxins, heavy metals). Autoimmune disease. PKU (spirulina). Warfarin (chlorella is high in vitamin K). | Index only |
Hormones and hormone precursors
| Nutrient and forms | Main benefits | Orthomolecular doses | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHEA | Adrenal hormone that falls with age; energy, mood, bone | Common amount: 5–25 mg (women), 25–50 mg (men), only after blood testing and with a doctor. | Hormone-sensitive cancers. PCOS. Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Bipolar disorder (mania). Liver disease. Acne and facial hair. | Index only |
| Pregnenolone | Parent hormone of DHEA and others; memory and mood | Common amount: 10–50 mg a day, with a doctor. | Same cautions as DHEA. Pregnancy. | Index only |
Adaptogens and popular herbs
These rows are brief. Herbs are taught fully in the Arukah Herbalism course.
These are herbs rather than orthomolecular nutrients; the Naturopathic Herbalism pillar teaches them in depth. They are listed here because clients often take them alongside vitamins. Neither Orthomolecular.org nor DoctorYourself.com gives doses for them, so the amounts below are common research amounts.
| Herb and forms | Main benefits | Amounts reported | Contraindications and interactions | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha (root extract) | Stress and cortisol; sleep; thyroid support | 300–600 mg a day | Pregnancy. Overactive thyroid or thyroid medication (raises thyroid hormone). Autoimmune disease, sedatives, immunosuppressants, upcoming surgery. Rare liver injury. Nightshade allergy. | Index only |
| Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) | Memory and learning (Blaylock cites studies at about 300 mg) | 300–600 mg a day | Stomach upset. Slow heart rate. Thyroid conditions (may raise thyroid hormone). Anticholinergic drugs. | Index only |
| Black cohosh — root extract | Menopausal hot flashes | Common amount: 20–40 mg twice a day, up to 6 months. | Liver disease (rare liver injury). Hormone-sensitive cancer: doctor first. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Black seed oil — Nigella sativa | Immunity; allergies; blood sugar | Common amount: 1–2 teaspoons of oil or 500–2,000 mg a day. | Pregnancy (large amounts). Blood thinners. Diabetes and blood pressure medication. Stop before surgery. | Index only |
| Chamomile — tea, extract | Sleep; calm digestion | Common amount: 1–4 cups of tea a day. | Ragweed allergy. Warfarin. Sedatives. | Index only |
| Cinnamon — Ceylon; cassia | Blood sugar | Common amount: 1–3 g a day; prefer Ceylon. | Cassia is high in coumarin (liver) at large amounts. Diabetes medication; blood thinners. | Index only |
| Cordyceps | Energy; stamina; lungs and kidneys | 1–3 g | Autoimmune disease and immunosuppressants. Blood thinners and upcoming surgery. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Echinacea — root and herb | Colds; immune support | Common amount: 300–500 mg three times a day for 7–10 days. | Ragweed and daisy-family allergy. Autoimmune disease; immunosuppressants. | Index only |
| Elderberry — syrup, lozenges (Sambucus nigra) | Colds and flu | Common amount: syrup 1 tablespoon up to four times a day during illness. | Raw berries, leaves and stems are toxic (use cooked products). Autoimmune disease; immunosuppressants. | Index only |
| Fenugreek — seed | Blood sugar; breast-milk supply | Common amount: 2–5 g of seed a day. | Pregnancy. Diabetes medication; blood thinners. Peanut and chickpea allergy. | Index only |
| Garcinia cambogia — HCA | Popular for weight loss; evidence is weak | Common amount: 500–1,000 mg before meals. | Liver injury has been reported. Diabetes medication; SSRIs. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Garlic — aged garlic extract, allicin | Blood pressure; cholesterol; immunity | Common amount: 600–1,200 mg aged extract, or 1–2 fresh cloves a day. | Blood thinners; stop before surgery. Some HIV drugs. | Index only |
| Ginger — root, capsules | Nausea; digestion; inflammation | Common amount: 1–3 g of dried ginger a day; up to 1 g for pregnancy nausea, with the midwife. | Blood thinners at high amounts. Gallstones. | Index only |
| Ginkgo — standardized leaf extract | Circulation; memory | Common amount: 120–240 mg a day. | Blood thinners; stop before surgery. Seizure disorders. | Index only |
| Ginseng — Panax (Asian), American; "Siberian" eleuthero is a different plant | Energy; immunity; blood sugar | Panax 200–400 mg extract | Warfarin (weakens it). Diabetes drugs (low sugar). MAOIs and stimulants. High blood pressure (Panax). Hormone-sensitive conditions. Insomnia. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Hawthorn — berry, leaf and flower extract | Heart and circulation | Common amount: 160–900 mg of extract a day, with a doctor. | Heart medication (digoxin, beta blockers, nitrates): doctor only. | Index only |
| Holy basil (tulsi) | Stress; blood sugar; immunity | As tea, or 300–2,000 mg extract | May lower blood sugar. May slow clotting: stop before surgery. Couples trying to conceive and pregnancy. | Index only |
| Kava — root extract | Anxiety | Common amount: 120–250 mg kavalactones a day, short-term. | Liver injury has been reported: avoid with liver disease, alcohol, acetaminophen and sedatives. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Licorice and DGL — DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) chewables | DGL: stomach lining and heartburn | Common amount: DGL 380–760 mg chewed before meals. | Whole licorice raises blood pressure and lowers potassium: avoid with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, water pills and pregnancy. DGL does not have this effect. | Index only |
| Lion's mane (Hericium) | Nerve growth factor; memory; mood; gut | 500–3,000 mg | Mushroom allergy. May add to blood thinners and diabetes drugs. Little pregnancy data. | Index only |
| Maca — root powder | Energy; libido; menopause symptoms | Common amount: 1.5–3 g a day. | Thyroid conditions (eat it cooked or gelatinized). Hormone-sensitive conditions. | Index only |
| Milk thistle — silymarin | Liver support | Common amount: 140 mg silymarin two or three times a day. | Ragweed allergy. Hormone-sensitive conditions. Diabetes medication. | Index only |
| Nettle leaf — freeze-dried leaf | Seasonal allergies; minerals | Common amount: 300–600 mg a day. | Blood thinners (vitamin K). Lithium; water pills; blood pressure and diabetes medication. | Index only |
| Olive leaf extract — oleuropein | Blood pressure; immunity | Common amount: 500–1,000 mg a day. | Blood pressure and diabetes medication (additive). | Index only |
| Oregano oil — carvacrol; enteric capsules | Gut and respiratory infections (short-term) | Common amount: 50–200 mg in capsules, short-term. Never undiluted. | Pregnancy. Mint-family allergy. Blood thinners. Lowers iron absorption. | Index only |
| Peppermint oil — enteric-coated capsules | Irritable bowel symptoms | Common amount: 180–225 mg two or three times a day before meals. | Reflux and hiatal hernia (can worsen heartburn). Take apart from antacids. | Index only |
| Reishi (Ganoderma) | Immunity; sleep; calm | 1–3 g extract | Blood thinners and bleeding disorders; upcoming surgery. Low blood pressure. Immunosuppressants and transplants. Rare liver toxicity with powders. | Index only |
| Rhodiola rosea | Fatigue; stress; focus | 200–600 mg (standardized to rosavins) | Bipolar disorder (may trigger mania). Antidepressants, MAOIs, stimulants. Insomnia if taken late. Pregnancy. | Index only |
| Saw palmetto — berry extract | Prostate (urinary symptoms) | Common amount: 320 mg a day. | Hormone therapy and birth control. Pregnancy. Stop before surgery. | Index only |
| Schisandra | Liver; stamina; focus | 500–2,000 mg | Pregnancy (stimulates the uterus). Epilepsy. Ulcers or reflux. Interacts with drugs cleared by the liver, such as tacrolimus and warfarin. | Index only |
| Slippery elm and marshmallow root — tea, powder, capsules | Soothes the throat and gut lining | Common amount: 1–2 teaspoons of powder in water, or 400–500 mg capsules. | Coats the gut: take medications 1–2 hours apart. | Index only |
| St. John's wort — standardized extract | Mild to moderate low mood | Common amount: 300 mg three times a day. | Many serious interactions: antidepressants (serotonin syndrome), birth control pills (stop working), warfarin, digoxin, HIV and transplant drugs. Bipolar disorder. Sun sensitivity. | Index only |
| Valerian — root | Sleep | Common amount: 300–600 mg 30–120 minutes before bed. | Sedatives and alcohol; driving. Liver disease. Pregnancy. Stop before surgery. | Index only |