Reviews of books on nutrition and medicine
This section is dedicated to reviews of key books on nutrition, functional medicine, and orthomolecular approaches. It includes works by leading authors — from classic studies on vitamins to modern research on the role of the microbiome, inflammation, genetics, nutrition, and the keto diet. Each review conveys the main ideas of the book, its practical significance, and its contribution to understanding the relationship between nutrition, metabolism, and human health.
31.01.2026. "The Truth About Cholesterol," Uffe Ravnskov, 2007
The book by Swedish doctor and researcher Uffe Ravnskov questions the widely accepted "lipid hypothesis," which states that high cholesterol levels are the main cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The author thoroughly analyzes epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and statistics from various countries, showing that the link between blood cholesterol and the risk of heart attack or stroke is significantly weaker than commonly believed, and in certain groups (the elderly, women) may even be absent or reversed. Ravnskov emphasizes the protective functions of cholesterol—its role in immunity, hormonal balance, and tissue repair—and criticizes the aggressive prescription of statins without considering individual context. The conclusion of the book is a call to reconsider the dogmas of cardiology, to adopt a more cautious approach to lowering cholesterol "at any cost," and to shift the focus from a single marker to the real causes of inflammation, vascular damage, and metabolic disorder
30.01.2026. "Healthy Keto," Eric Berg, 2021
This book is dedicated to the ketogenic diet as a hormonal-metabolic strategy for health improvement, rather than just a means of weight loss. The author consistently explains that the key reason for excess fat, chronic fatigue, and metabolic disorders is not calories, but a hormonal imbalance, primarily of insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones. Keto is viewed as a tool for reducing insulin and restoring the body's ability to burn fat. An important place is occupied by the concept of body types (adrenal, thyroid, ovarian, hepatic), where fat accumulation and symptoms are explained by the dysfunction of specific glands. Berg emphasizes the role of potassium, magnesium, sodium, sleep, stress, and sugar elimination as fundamental factors for recovery. The conclusion of the book is that health is achieved not by restricting food, but by resetting hormonal regulation, where ketogenic nutrition, vegetables, adequate fats, and gland recovery restore normal metabolism and energy to the body.
29.01.2026. "The Proof: Successes with Cellular Nutrients Confirm Vitamin Research Findings," Matthias Rath, 2012
The book is a collection of documented testimonies from patients with various oncological diagnoses who used the approach of cellular medicine, based on the application of vitamins, amino acids, and plant nutrients. The author constructs a concept of cancer as a connective tissue disease and a disruption of the control over enzymes that destroy collagen, emphasizing the role of vitamin C, lysine, proline, polyphenols, selenium, and other nutrients in stabilizing the extracellular matrix, suppressing invasion and metastasis of tumors. The main part of the book consists of letters from patients and excerpts from medical reports demonstrating improvement in condition, absence of relapses, and refusal of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in favor of nutrient support. Rat concludes that cellular medicine can play a key role in the prevention and control of cancer, and also criticizes the pharmaceutical model of oncology, which focuses on symptomatic and toxic treatment instead of addressing the biological c
28.01.2026. The Brain Chemistry Plan, Michael Lesser, Collin J. Kapklein, 2003
The book is dedicated to the relationship between brain biochemistry, nutrition, and psycho-emotional state. The authors consider depression, anxiety, addictions, attention disorders, and eating disorders not as "purely psychological" problems, but as a consequence of an imbalance of neurotransmitters — serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and endorphins. The central idea is that adjusting the diet, replenishing deficiencies of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as stabilizing blood glucose levels, can significantly improve brain function and human behavior. Lesser and Kapklyan propose a step-by-step, personalized approach: to identify the leading neurochemical imbalance based on symptoms and select nutrition and nutrients that support the corresponding neurotransmitter systems. The conclusion of the book is the assertion that restoring the biochemical foundation of the brain is often the key to sustainable mental improvements and can complement or, in some cases, reduce the need for pharm
27.01.2026. "Road Map to Health," Matthias Rath, 2007
The book is a manifesto of orthomolecular and cellular medicine, in which Matthias Rath asserts that the main chronic diseases of modernity — cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immune deficiencies — are fundamentally based on micronutrient deficiencies, rather than an "incurable nature," as is commonly accepted in the pharmaceutical model. The author details the scientific foundations of the role of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in maintaining the structure of blood vessels, cellular energy, and immune protection, contrasting this approach with symptomatic and often aggressive drug therapy. At the same time, the book has a distinctly socio-political character: Rath criticizes the "pharmaceutical business with disease," the influence of corporations on politics, medicine, and international institutions, and draws a historical parallel between the liberation of humanity from illiteracy in the 16th century and the necessity of liberating health in the 21st century. The author's final conclusion is that t
This book is a manifesto of orthomolecular medicine, written by a practicing physician and a student of Linus Pauling's ideas. Kunin consistently shows that most chronic and "unexplained" diseases are related not to a deficiency of drugs, but to a deficiency of the right molecules—vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids—and to chronic toxic load. The author criticizes orthodox medicine for ignoring nutrition, trace elements, and individual biochemistry, describing clinical cases of successful use of megadoses of vitamins (B₃, B₆, B₁₂, C, A), correction of mineral deficiencies, elimination of food allergies and toxins. Special attention is given to the role of B vitamins in psychiatry, homocysteine, DNA repair, antioxidants, and the myths about the toxicity of vitamins. The conclusion of the book: diagnosis and treatment should start with nutrition and biochemistry, not end with them; the orthomolecular approach is not an "alternative," but a scientifically grounded, physiological medicine focused on
In this book, Abram Hoffer — one of the founders of orthomolecular psychiatry — summarizes over half a century of experience working with mental disorders, primarily schizophrenia, comparing the state of psychiatry in the 1950s and the early 21st century. The author shows that despite the technological advancements in modern psychiatry, the actual recovery of patients has not improved, and in many ways has worsened: diagnoses have become more complicated, medication-based suppression of symptoms has replaced treatment of causes, and the number of chronic patients has increased. Hoffer consistently criticizes the DSM diagnostic system, institutionalization, the degradation of patient care conditions, and the neglect of the role of nutrition and brain biochemistry. In contrast, he describes the orthomolecular approach — the use of optimal doses of vitamins (primarily niacin), minerals, proper nutrition, adequate living conditions, respect for the patient's individuality, and social support. The main conclus
24.01.2026. "Progesterone in Orthomolecular Medicine," Raymond Peat, 1993
In this work, Raymond Peat considers progesterone not as a "reproductive hormone," but as a universal protective and regulatory factor of metabolism, energy, and the body's adaptation. He shows that progesterone is a key antagonist of estrogen and cortisol, supports thyroid function, mitochondria, and oxidative respiration, reduces hypoxia, edema, seizure readiness, and stress-induced tissue damage. The central idea of the book is that many chronic diseases (PMS, menopause, infertility, depression, epilepsy, autoimmune conditions, tumor processes) are related not to "estrogen deficiency," but to progesterone deficiency and functional hypothyroidism. Peat explains the biochemistry of steroidogenesis in detail (the role of cholesterol, vitamin A, T3, magnesium, vitamin E), criticizes synthetic progestins and hormonal contraception, and justifies the use of natural progesterone (especially in solution with vitamin E) as a physiological, safe, and metabolically correct approach. The conclusion of the book is.
This book is a comprehensive collection of works and clinical observations by 65 leading specialists in the field of orthomolecular medicine and brings together nearly half a century of research, largely published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. The authors consistently advocate the idea that many chronic and "incurable" diseases — from mental disorders, cardiovascular and oncological diseases to infections, addictions, and neurodegenerative conditions — are largely related to deficiencies and the individual body's need for nutrients that exceed standard RDA. The book demonstrates how high (therapeutic) doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids can act as a safe and effective alternative or complement to pharmacotherapy, providing numerous clinical cases, mechanistic explanations, and the historical context of the medical establishment's resistance to new paradigms. The authors' final conclusion is that the orthomolecular approach —...
In this book, one of the founders of orthomolecular psychiatry elaborates on the biochemical concept of schizophrenia and an approach to its treatment that is based not on suppressing symptoms with psychotropic drugs, but on correcting the disrupted biochemistry of the brain with nutrients. Hoffer views schizophrenia as a syndrome with multiple causes — dietary and "cerebral" allergies, dependencies on vitamins (primarily B₃ and B₆), deficiencies of fatty acids and minerals, oxidative stress, and toxic factors. The central focus is the adrenochrome hypothesis, which posits that the key link in the disease is the pathological oxidation of catecholamines and a deficiency of antioxidant protection. The author details therapeutic dosages of niacin, vitamin C, B₆, folate, B₁₂, fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and manganese, discussing their safety and combination with medications. Based on clinical observations and controlled studies, he asserts that with early initiation of orthomolecular therapy, it is possibl
This book is a systematic and practical introduction to orthomolecular medicine — an approach based on the use of optimal, rather than minimal, doses of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to maintain health and treat diseases. The authors demonstrate that many chronic and mental illnesses are the result of biochemical individual differences and nutrient deficiencies that cannot be corrected by standard dietary recommendations or solely by medication therapy. Special attention is given to niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, other B vitamins, and minerals, as well as their role in the treatment of mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, cancer, allergies, epilepsy, and age-related brain disorders. The key idea of the book is the principle of individuality: nutrient needs can vary by orders of magnitude, and it is precisely the consideration of these differences that allows for sustainable therapeutic results. Ultimately, the authors arrive...
20.01.2026. Orthomolecular Medicine: Healing Cancer, Abram Hoffer, Linus Pauling, 2004
The book is dedicated to the orthomolecular approach in the treatment of oncological diseases and considers cancer not only as a local tumor but as a systemic disorder of metabolism, immunity, and cell growth regulation. The authors thoroughly justify the role of high (therapeutic) doses of vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients — primarily vitamin C, niacin, and antioxidants — in supporting antitumor protection, reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and improving the quality and duration of patients' lives. The book is based on clinical observations, biochemical mechanisms, and a critique of the purely pharmacological approach, emphasizing that nutrition and nutritional correction should be the foundation of comprehensive cancer therapy. The authors' conclusion is unequivocal: orthomolecular medicine does not oppose oncology but expands its possibilities, shifting the focus from suppressing symptoms to restoring the physiological balance of the body.
19.01.2026. "Ortho-Molecular Nutrition: New Lifestyle for Super Good Health," Abram Hoffer, Morton Walker, 1978
This book is one of the key practical expositions of the orthomolecular approach to health, based on the idea that for the normal functioning of cells, each person needs optimal, rather than minimally acceptable, amounts of nutrients. The authors demonstrate how modern diets, with an excess of refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods, lead to hidden deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, which underlie many chronic diseases—from hypoglycemia and allergies to depression, schizophrenia, and premature aging. The book explains in detail the role of vitamins (including in therapeutic doses), minerals, and amino acids, discusses the concept of individual needs, criticizes RDA as a guideline focused only on survival rather than health, and offers a holistic strategy: eliminating "empty calories," transitioning to whole foods, and targeted nutritional correction. The final message of the book is that many mental and somatic problems are not "incurable," but often represent biochemical...
18.01.2026. Nutrition and Mental Illness: An Orthomolecular Approach, Carl C. Pfeiffer, 1988
In the book, the author systematically presents the orthomolecular approach to mental disorders, considering them as a consequence of biochemical imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic disturbances, rather than exclusively as "psychological" or genetically predetermined conditions. Pfeiffer thoroughly examines the role of B vitamins, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, amino acids, and fatty acids in brain function, describes clinical types of patients (including pyroluria, methylation disorders, copper/zinc imbalances), as well as the impact of toxins and heavy metals. The book relies on clinical experience and laboratory diagnostics, emphasizing the individualization of therapy and the priority of correcting nutrition and nutrient status. The author's concluding position is that many mental disorders can be significantly alleviated or corrected with precise biochemical diagnostics and targeted nutritional support, which should be regarded as a foundation rather than an addition to treatment.
17.01.2026. "Natural Strategies for Cancer Patients," Russell Blaylock, M.D., 2003
The book is dedicated to an integrative and biochemically oriented approach to supporting oncology patients, complementing standard treatment. Russell Blaylock views cancer as a multifactorial process associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, toxic load, and deficiencies of key nutrients. The author thoroughly analyzes the role of nutrition, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and amino acids in modulating tumor growth, reducing side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and supporting quality of life. Particular attention is given to glutamate excitotoxicity, inflammatory cytokines, the impact of heavy metals and chemical toxins, as well as the importance of individualized strategy selection. The conclusion of the book is that cancer cannot be viewed in isolation from the overall metabolic and immune status of the body, and that proper nutrient and anti-inflammatory support can significantly influence the course of the disease and recovery processes
16.01.2026. "Mental and Elemental Nutrients: A Physician’s Guide to Nutrition and Mental Health," Carl S. Pfeiffer, 1975
The book is dedicated to the biochemical and nutritional foundations of mental health and examines psychiatric disorders as a result of individual metabolic disturbances, deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as toxic loads. Pfiffer systematically demonstrates the role of zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, and other nutrients in the regulation of neurotransmitters, detoxification, and the functioning of the nervous system, introducing concepts of biochemical individuality, pyroluria, methylation disorders, and micronutrient imbalances. The author concludes that dietary correction and targeted nutritional therapy can not only alleviate symptoms but also eliminate the biochemical causes of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, behavioral and cognitive disorders, forming the basis of the orthomolecular approach in psychiatry.
The book is a carefully curated collection of texts in which Linus Pauling articulates his key ideas — from fundamental chemistry and the nature of chemical bonds to the role of vitamins, nutrition, the molecular basis of health, as well as his active civic stance against nuclear weapons and for scientific integrity. Through speeches, articles, and interviews, Pauling's holistic worldview is revealed: he views health and disease at the molecular level, emphasizing the importance of optimal (rather than minimal) concentrations of nutrients, primarily vitamin C, for prevention and therapy. The conclusion of the book is the image of a scientist for whom science is inseparable from ethics and responsibility to society, and the medicine of the future should be based on biochemistry, prevention, and respect for the body's natural mechanisms.
14.01.2026. "Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life," Russell L. Blaylock, MD, 2002
This book is a summary of the clinical and scientific experience of neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock, dedicated to the role of nutrition, toxins, and inflammation in the development of chronic and degenerative diseases. The author consistently demonstrates that most diseases—from cardiovascular issues and diabetes to neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS)—share common biochemical mechanisms: chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Blaylock emphasizes the key role of micronutrient, antioxidant, and essential fat deficiencies, as well as the destructive impact of heavy metals (mercury, aluminum, lead), fluoride, and food additives on the nervous system and immunity. The central conclusion of the book is that genes are not a sentence: nutrition and nutritional support can "turn off" pathological genes, reduce inflammation, and radically change the trajectory of health if intervention begins early enough and is aimed at restoring cellular bioc
13.01.2026. "Healing the Mind the Natural Way: Nutritional Solutions to Psychological Problems," Pat Lazarus, 1995
The book is dedicated to the orthomolecular approach to mental health and advocates the idea that most psychological and psychiatric problems have a biochemical basis and are directly related to nutrient deficiencies, food and chemical intolerances, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Pat Lazarus, drawing on the works of Abram Hoffer, Carl Pfeiffer, William Philpott, and other pioneers of nutritional psychiatry, demonstrates that depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar conditions, schizophrenia, ADHD, eating disorders, postpartum depression, and even some forms of "mental retardation" can be the result of deficiencies in B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, calcium, imbalances of copper and zinc, hypoglycemia, excess sugar, and hidden food allergies. The key conclusion of the book is that psychotropic medications often merely suppress symptoms, while restoring individual biochemistry through nutrition and targeted nutritional therapy can eliminate the root causes of disorders, restore cognitive...
12.01.2026. "Good Health Is Possible," Matthias Rath, Linus Pauling, 1998
The book is dedicated to the concept of cellular medicine and asserts that most chronic diseases—primarily cardiovascular, oncological, and degenerative—are fundamentally rooted in deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and other vital micronutrients at the cellular level. The authors thoroughly examine the role of vitamin C, amino acids, antioxidants, and trace elements in maintaining the integrity of connective tissue, blood vessels, and cell membranes, contrasting the nutritional approach with the pharmacological model of medicine. The central idea of the book is that the body is capable of healing and preventing diseases if optimal nutritional conditions are provided to the cells, rather than suppressing symptoms with medications. The conclusion reached by the authors is that health is not a matter of genetic predisposition, but rather the result of manageable biochemical processes, and a competent correction of nutrient status can radically reduce the risk of chronic diseases and prolong active life.
10.01.2026. "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills," Russell Blaylock, 2011
In this book, neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock thoroughly examines the phenomenon of excitotoxins — substances that excessively stimulate neurons and lead to their damage or death. The author demonstrates that compounds such as glutamate, aspartame, and other flavor enhancers widely used in the food industry can disrupt brain function, exacerbate neuroinflammation, deplete the protective mechanisms of the nervous system, and accelerate the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The book links excitotoxicity to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraines, autism, ADHD, and chronic fatigue, emphasizing the role of nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and oxidative stress. The author's conclusion is unequivocal: the constant intake of excitotoxins through food is a hidden but systemic factor in brain damage, and a conscious choice of products along with the restoration of nutrient balance are key conditions for protecting the nervous system and maintaining cognitive health.
09.01.2026. "Brain Allergies: The Psycho-Nutrient Connection," William H. Philpott, Dwight K. Kalita, 1982
The book is dedicated to the concept of "brain allergy" — a condition in which food products, chemicals, and nutrient deficiencies cause not only somatic but also pronounced psycho-emotional and behavioral disorders. The authors show that depression, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, attention disorders, chronic fatigue, and even aggressive or dependent behavior can be the result of hidden food reactions and deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The central idea of the book is that psychiatry and neurology cannot effectively operate without considering nutrition, brain biochemistry, and individual food tolerance. Philpott and Kalita conclude that eliminating trigger foods, restoring nutrient balance, and supporting detoxification systems can radically change a person's mental state without lifelong use of psychotropic medications.
08.01.2026. A Physician’s Handbook on Orthomolecular Medicine, Roger J. Williams, Dwight K. Kalita, 1971
The book is a systematic introduction to medical orthomolecular medicine — an approach based on correcting the biochemistry of the body using optimal (rather than minimally acceptable) concentrations of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other substances natural to the body. The authors demonstrate that individual biochemical differences between people are the norm, not the exception, and it is these differences that explain varying sensitivities to diseases, medications, and nutrition. The book thoroughly examines the role of hidden and subclinical deficiencies, disruption of enzyme systems, and the impact of stress, toxins, and nutrition on the development of chronic diseases — from mental disorders to cardiovascular and endocrine issues. The authors conclude that restoring health should begin not with suppressing symptoms, but with restoring an optimal nutritional environment for cells, where therapeutic doses of nutrients can be a key therapeutic tool rather than just an auxiliary one.
Steven Gundry reconsiders the popular notion of the keto diet and argues that the key value of ketosis lies not in using ketones as "wonder fuel," but in their signaling role for mitochondria. The author shows that long-term adherence to a classic high-fat and strictly low-carbohydrate keto diet can lead to muscle mass depletion, cognitive decline, and energy deficiency. The central idea of the book is the phenomenon of mitochondrial uncoupling: ketones, polyphenols, fiber, organic acids, and certain plant compounds trigger adaptive mechanisms that improve metabolic flexibility, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy aging. Gundry concludes that achieving metabolic benefits does not require constant strict ketosis and excess fats; much more important is the diversity of plant foods, support for the microbiome, moderation in animal protein, and mindful use of "keto signals" as a tool for recovery and strengthening.
19.12.2025. Julia Enders "Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ," 2017
The book explains in simple language why the intestine is not just a "tube for food," but a complex system that manages well-being: from the mechanics of digestion and defecation (including practical household tips) to the workings of the "gut brain" and the connection between the intestine and emotions, stress, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. A separate large section focuses on the world of microbes. Humans are viewed as an ecosystem, with the microbiota as a key participant in protecting and regulating processes in the body. It is emphasized that a significant part of the immune system is linked to the intestine and its mucosa, and that the composition of the microbiota is formed from an early age and heavily depends on conditions and habits. The conclusion that the author reaches is that gut health is a combination of anatomy, nervous regulation, and the "right balance" of the micro-world. Instead of striving for sterility, it is more important to maintain stable habits, treat the microbi
The book explains why "happiness" is not a constant state, but rather short bursts of neurochemistry that the brain turns on and off in response to survival-related signals: serotonin (the feeling of significance/status), dopamine (the anticipation of reward and progress towards a goal), oxytocin (social safety/trust), endorphins (pain relief and "ease"). The author shows that "stress hormones" (there's a lot about cortisol in the book) are always at work in parallel: they are not a "malfunction," but a signaling system, so the attempt to constantly dampen the dips in pleasure with food/alcohol/"quick rewards" creates vicious cycles of habits and intensifies stress rebounds. The main takeaway: managing "happiness hormones" can be done not with a pill, but by reprogramming habitual neural pathways—through small repetitive actions that over time become new automatons; it is also important to accept the natural "ebbs and flows" and not to compensate for the dips with unhealthy strategies, because no one will mak
The book explains sugar cravings not as a "weak willpower," but as a set of different biological scenarios (several types of "sugar addiction"), each with its own causes and, therefore, its own solutions: from sleep problems and chronic fatigue to hormonal shifts, infections/dysbiosis, and nutrient deficiencies. The authors offer a practical program where the key step is to eliminate constant sugar stimuli, and then restore the basic foundations: sleep, hormonal regulation, control of chronic infections, and comprehensive nutritional support (including vitamins/minerals, etc.) so that cravings can genuinely "let go," rather than being sustained by prohibitions and heroism.
The book explains the "calcium paradox": with a deficiency of vitamin K2, calcium leaves the bones and settles in the vessels, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis; the K2-dependent proteins osteocalcin and MGP play a crucial role in directing calcium to the bones and keeping it out of soft tissues. The author shows how the industrialization of food and the shift to grain-fed livestock have deprived the diet of key sources of K2 (butter, cheese, eggs, fatty meat), exacerbating a hidden but widespread deficiency. Numerous data demonstrate the effects of K2: reduced coronary risk and arterial calcification (through activated MGP), support for bone tissue (through osteocalcin), as well as contributions to metabolic health, brain, skin, veins, and more. At the same time, the author emphasizes the synergy of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 and the necessity to evaluate a "healthy diet" based on their provision, rather than just calcium or vitamin D.
The book claims that traditional norms for vitamin C consumption are underestimated, and the therapeutic effect is achieved only with individually tailored, significantly larger doses taken in divided amounts throughout the day. The authors explain the principle of "dynamic flow" and the practice of titration to bowel tolerance, indicating that the optimum often amounts to tens of grams per day during illness, while the minimum maintenance dose for stable plasma levels is 2-3 g/day in divided doses; the forms "natural vs synthetic" do not significantly differ, the key is the amount, frequency, and duration of intake. The book separates "nutritional" doses from "pharmacological," emphasizing that a gram or two "for a cold" is a myth and that in acute conditions, doses are increased significantly, based on tolerance and symptom dynamics. A separate emphasis is placed on the high safety profile of vitamins (including vitamin C) according to toxicological observations, which contrasts with the risks of many com
07.11.2025. Abram Hoffer "Vitamin B-3 and Schizophrenia: Discovery, Recovery, Controversy," 1998
The book is a manifesto of the orthomolecular approach to psychiatry. Hoffer systematizes the experience of using high doses of niacin (vitamin B3) in schizophrenia, based on decades of clinical observations, dosing schemes, and case series. The central idea is the "adrenochrome" hypothesis and the replenishment of NAD/NADH deficiency through niacin as a way to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. The author insists on long-term therapy under medical supervision and combining it with standard treatment. The book also shows the "flip side": criticism and debates surrounding megavitamin therapy, but concludes with the argument that with proper patient selection and monitoring, safety and response are possible, and therefore niacin deserves a place in a comprehensive strategy for assistance.