Orthomol®

Question

Hello,
Friends recommended me "Orthomol immun®" for strenghtening the immune system. Is this product an alternative to vitamin products? Or can it be taken in addition to these? I know that it is pretty expensive but if it helps…

Answer

Hello,

In case of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency orthomol immun® cannot be recommend as sole vitamin substitution since the content of fat-soluble vitamins (ADEK) does not correspond to the recommendations for the needed supply in CF (= Vit A 10.000 IU/day; Vit D3 1.000 IU/day, Vit E 400 IU/day, Vit K up to 10 mg/week).

You may, however, take the product additionally if you reduce the fat-soluble vitamins accordingly and if the serum level is checked regularly.

Secondary phytonutrients are bioactive plant products which have many positive effects on the human body and can boost the immune system among other things.
The only secondary phytonutrients included in Orthomol immun® are carotinoids and flavonoids, but there are many more (far more than 30.000 have been detected) which can be ingested in a natural way by a balanced diet.
Carotinoids are mainly contained in red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, corn, etc.) whereas flavonoids are mainly contained in red, blue and violet fruits and vegetables (red grapes, beetroot, red cabbage).
Moreover, there are:
Saponines (legumes, spinach)
Glucosinolates (cabbage, mustard, radish)
Sulfides (onion-type vegetables like leek, garlic)
Phytic acid (legumes, flax seed, whole grains)
All these have been proved to have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. With five servings of fruit and vegetables per day and an overall balanced/mixed diet you should be fine. Please also talk to the dietician at your local CF center about this. He/She will be able to give you many recommendations for optimizing your diet.

I hope to have been helpful with this answer.
Best regards,
Suzanne van Dullemen

22.03.2012