BACKGROUND
Huntington's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to deteriorate. Symptoms include uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and mental deterioration.
Huntington's disease is an inherited disease. Signs and symptoms usually develop in middle age. Younger people with Huntington's disease often have a more severe case, and their symptoms may progress more quickly.
A relationship has been found between schizophrenia and Huntington's disease, suggesting that Huntington's is actually schizophrenia with additional neurological components.
Dr Abram Hoffer's research published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine found that large doses of specific vitamins are effective in treating and controlling the symptoms of this disease. Response to treatment may take several months and is dependant on the severity of the symptoms and the length of illness.
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
An orthomolecular approach to treating Huntington's looks at insufficient nutrients in the body as well as food allergies and toxins. Research by Dr. Abram Hoffer found that both vitamin B3 and vitamin E play a key role in this disease. It has been suggested that a deficiency in vitamin B3 causes the mental portion of this disease while a deficiency of vitamin E causes the neurological components.
When treating Huntington's disease, your orthomolecular practitioner may also take a dietary history, put you on an elimination diet and/or suggest that your diet be free of wheat, dairy and sugar.
Orthomolecular treatment of Huntington's disease could include the use of the following supplements:
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin B6
Zinc
Manganese
Vitamin B Complex
Selenium
Essential Fatty Acids
Folic Acid
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Hoffer "The Megavitamin Revolution." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. Latent Huntington's Disease - Response To Orthomolecular Treatment: 44
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthormolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Harnett, Cindy. "Victoria MD wins prize for theories on megavitamins" Times Colonist November 3, 2007
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.