Introduction
The 47th Annual International Orthomolecular Medicine Today Conference was held on April 27-29, in Tokyo, Japan. 2018 is the first year the Conference has been presented outside of Canada. The Japanese Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (JSOM) was the primary organizer for this distinguished event, with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology – Japan; various medical associations, universities, research institutes and corporations.
The Conference provided an opportunity to enhance the understanding of orthomolecular medicine, not only for Japanese medical and health professionals but also for health professionals in Asian countries and the rest of the world. The theme of the Conference was “Orthomolecular as New Age Medicine”. There were 46 presentations by renowned Japanese and international speakers. Over 50 exhibitors and 700 people from 20+ countries attended the conference.
The key topics of the conference included: IV and oral vitamin supplementation; ozone and hydrogen therapies; cancer prevention and treatments; psychiatry and brain function; anti-aging; sports medicine; nutrition and functional food; dental medicine; biogenics; and the microbiome. In addition to the main presentations, lunch seminars were sponsored by ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Osato Research Institute; Japan Bio Products Co., Ltd; MSS Co., Ltd; Mira Commercial Co., Ltd; Molecular Physiological Chemistry Laboratory, Inc; Faith Co., Ltd; and SPIC Corporation.
Dr. Atsuo Yanagisawa, MD, PhD, President of International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM) opened the conference followed by a special presentation by Mr. Yoshihide Esaki of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan on “Construction of Active Lifestyle Society – Viewpoint of Social Security System Reform”. Mr. Esaki discussed how the aging Japanese society needs a reform in the current social economic and security systems in order for the elderly to be healthy and independent so that they can enjoy their lives to the fullest.
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Memorial Lectures
2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the term “Orthomolecular” coined by two-time Nobel laureate Linus Pauling. Memorial lectures were dedicated to pioneers of orthomolecular medicine: Linus Pauling (1901-1994); Abram Hoffer (1917-2009); and Hugh Riordan (1932-2005).
The Abram Hoffer Memorial Lecture on “Historical Overview of Orthomolecular Medicine” was presented by Andrew W. Saul, PhD. He introduced early pioneers of nutritional therapy: Claus Washington Jungeblut, MD (Vitamin C); William J. McCormick, MD (Vitamin C); William Griffin Wilson (Alcoholics Anonymous and a patient of Dr. Hoffer); Evan Shute, MD, and Wilfred Shute, MD (Vitamin E); Ruth Flinn Harrell, PhD (Thiamine); and William Kaufman, MD, PhD (Niacinamide)
The Hugh Riordan Memorial Symposium on the “History and the Latest Advancements in Vitamin C” was presented by three speakers: Ron Huninghake, MD; Masakazu Sawanobori, MD, PhD; and John Hoffer, MD, PhD.
Dr. Hunninghake presented a tribute to Hugh Riordan, MD, founder of the ‘Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning’, which is now the Riordan Clinic, in Wichita, KS. He outlined the pioneering work of Riordan and his team in developing ‘Research Encompassing Novel Approaches to Cancer’ (RECNAC) and finding nontoxic adjunctive treatment modalities for cancer patients.
In “High Concentrations of L-Ascorbic Acid Inhibit the Growth of Human Leukemic Cells”, Dr. Sawanobori presented his research on anti-leukemic effects of high concentrations of L-ascorbic acid on human leukemic cells and HIF-1α expression.
Dr. Hoffer presented “Vitamin C Therapy and the Principles of Orthomolecular Medicine” where he discussed Vitamin C therapy, different stages of Vitamin C deficiency and the importance of measuring plasma Vitamin C concentrations.
The Linus Pauling Memorial Lectures were presented by Gert E. Shuitemaker, MPharm, PhD; and Dr. Atsuo Yanagisawa. Dr. Shuitemaker introduced the work of Pauling and his colleagues in establishing orthomolecular medicine. Dr. Yanagisawa presented “Vitamin C Cures Ra-diation Sickness: A Gift from Dr. Linus Pauling”. He discussed the Japanese College of Intravenous Therapy’s recommendation for individuals who have possible internal and/or external radiation exposure, establishing that vitamin C and other antioxidant supplements are required to maintain optimal antioxidant reserves in protecting against radiation-induced cancer and DNA damage.
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Dr. Rogers Prize Lecture
The Dr. Rogers Prize Lecture was presented by Alexander J. Audette, TCMP, RAc. In his lecture, “Revisiting the Use of the Hoffer-Osmond Diagnostic (HOD) Test in Mental Health”, Dr. Audette discussed the traditional use of the HOD test, a series of 145 true/false questions to measure errors of perception, paranoia and depression. He also introduced an updated test, the Ortho-HOD Pro test in which he combined the original HOD test and a new series of 39 true/false on brain chemistry to determine what orthomolecular medicine may be needed by patients. There is a link to purchase the Ortho-HOD Pro App on the ISOM website.
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A Selection of Presentation Highlights
Kazuo Komine, DDSSc, PhD
The Relationship Between the Hydrogen Intake and Salivary pH
Dr. Komine discussed the importance of having high salivary pH (alkaline) for health. He presented how metals in oral cavity are ionized by saliva with low pH (acidosis) and cause galvanic current. Dr. Komine mentioned that hydrogen inhalation therapy raises the salivary pH faster than dietary interventions.
Hiromichi Matsumura, MD
Potential of Ozone Therapy Targeting Intestine
Dr. Matsumura presented on gut health including symbiosis, dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and physiology of intestinal lining. He introduced potential of two types of ozone therapy for intestines: Rectal Insufflation (RI) and oral ozonated olive oil.
Yuji Naito, MD, PhD
Microbiota and Bristol Stool Score in the Japanese Population
Dr. Naito presented his research on the association between microbiota and stool-consistency using the Bristol Stool Score in the Japanese population. They found that there were significant differences in the structure of microbiota between male and female subjects. However, there was no significant difference in alpha-diversity of gut microbiota between male and female groups.
Gert E. Schuitemaker, MPharm, PhD
Nutrition for Athletes: Orthomolecular Nutrition in Sports
Dr. Shuitemaker discussed the importance of individuality, what health is, inflammation, orthomolecular medicine that support loose connective tissues and stressors. Dr. Shuitemaker introduced some vitamins and minerals beneficial to athletes. A recording of this presentation is available to members of the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine.
Aileen Burford-Mason, BSc, PhD
Chronic Fatigue and Nutrition: Focus on Vitamin D, Magnesium and Probiotics
Dr. Burford-Mason presented on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and how nutrition and diet play significant roles in development and also treatments of the condition. She introduced some dietary patterns and nutritional deficiencies associated with CFS and provided some treatment plans. A recording of this presentation is available to members of the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine.
Thomas Levy, MD, JD
Hidden Epidemic: Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers
Dr. Levy presented on associations between oral health and chronic inflammation, including heart attacks and breast cancers. He introduced 3D Digital X-ray of the mouth and how it can be a significant tool to be part of cardiac health evaluation. Dr. Levy recommended that patients with suspected or established cardiac disease or breast cancer must always have 3D cone beam imaging (“3D X-ray’) exam of their teeth. Dr. Levy suggested how it can be used as a tool to prevent or limit the future cardiac events and enhance the effectiveness of the cancer therapies.
Presentations by Sungchul Ji, PhD; and Sayer Ji
Sayer Ji and Sungchul Ji, PhD, continued in the tradition of father and son presentations at the OMT Conference. Dr. Sungchul Ji presented on the “Trichotomy of Dualities Underlying Pauling’s Orthomolecular Medicine”. His son, Sayer participated via a video presentation on “Food as Information and the New Biology”. A recording of this presentation is also available to members of ISOM.
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Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame
Toru Mizoguchi, MD and Ilyes Baghli, MD were inducted into the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame at the Gala Dinner on Saturday, April 28.
During the conference, Dr. Mizoguchi presented two lectures: “Possible Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Treatments for Developmental Disorder” and “Mental Illness and Detoxification and Clinical Characteristics and Applications of Hematological Parameters in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders”. Dr. Baghli provided a presentation on “Education and Advocacy in Orthomolecular Medicine: A Report from Algeria.”
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International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine Annual Meeting
The Asia-Pacific Regional Society held it’s inaugural meeting on Sunday, April 29. Delegates from China; Hong Kong; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Taiwan; and Thailand attended the meeting. Atsuo Yanagisawa, MD, was appointed as the Chairman, and Jun Matsuyama, MD, PhD, as the Vice Chairman. Society members discussed the scope of orthomolecular initiatives in their respective countries, and opportunities for collaboration in the future.
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Summary
The 47th Orthomolecular Medicine Today Conference in Tokyo was a great success. The Conference experienced a record number of attendees and exhibitors, thanks to the strong organization and leadership of the Japanese Society for Orthomolecular Medicine. For additional information about the Conference, including access to select presentation recordings (ISOM Members), visit https://isom.ca/47th-annual-international-conference-tokyo-japan/
The 48th Annual International Conference will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on May 31-June 2, 2019.
– Report by Nayumi Saiki, ND
